While takeoff offers interesting Dutch landscape views, the landing approach into Alesund provides far more dramatic and visually distinctive scenery. The Norwegian fjords, mountains, and coastal geography are significantly more striking than the relatively flat Dutch departure landscape.
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Flight Path
Amsterdam to Alesund is 710 miles (1,143 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the North Sea heading northeast, passing over open water with no major landmarks visible for roughly 90 minutes. As the aircraft approaches Norway, the Sognefjord region becomes visible on the left side during descent, followed by the distinctive fjord landscape around Nordfjordeid. The terrain transitions from flat sea to increasingly dramatic mountainous terrain with deep fjords cutting inland. The final approach follows the coastline with multiple smaller fjords visible before reaching Alesund.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from AMS
RIGHTRight side offers views of the North Sea coast and the Dutch inland waterways system as the aircraft climbs northward. You'll see the intricate pattern of polders, canals, and lakes that characterize the Netherlands' landscape before heading out over open water.
Landing at AES
LEFTLeft side provides excellent views during descent into Alesund. You'll see the dramatic Norwegian fjord landscape, including Geirangerfjord's deep blue waters and the surrounding steep mountainsides. The approach also reveals Alesund's distinctive Art Nouveau architecture clustered on its peninsulas.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Schiphol (AMS) to Vigra (AES)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Amsterdam to Alesund. While takeoff offers interesting Dutch landscape views, the landing approach into Alesund provides far more dramatic and visually distinctive scenery. The Norwegian fjords, mountains, and coastal geography are significantly more striking than the relatively flat Dutch departure landscape.
What can I see during takeoff from Schiphol in Amsterdam?
During takeoff from Schiphol (AMS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side offers views of the North Sea coast and the Dutch inland waterways system as the aircraft climbs northward. You'll see the intricate pattern of polders, canals, and lakes that characterize the Netherlands' landscape before heading out over open water. Notable sights include: IJsselmeer (large inland lake), Wadden Sea (tidal flats and islands to the northeast), North Sea coastline, Dutch polder grid pattern.
What can I see when landing at Vigra in Alesund?
When landing at Vigra (AES), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side provides excellent views during descent into Alesund. You'll see the dramatic Norwegian fjord landscape, including Geirangerfjord's deep blue waters and the surrounding steep mountainsides. The approach also reveals Alesund's distinctive Art Nouveau architecture clustered on its peninsulas. Notable sights include: Geirangerfjord (UNESCO fjord with steep granite walls), Sunnylvsfjord (tributary fjord), Alesund city on peninsulas, Aksla mountain rising above the city.
How long is the flight from Amsterdam to Alesund?
The flight from Schiphol (AMS) to Vigra (AES) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 710 miles (1,143 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Amsterdam to Alesund flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the North Sea heading northeast, passing over open water with no major landmarks visible for roughly 90 minutes. As the aircraft approaches Norway, the Sognefjord region becomes visible on the left side during descent, followed by the distinctive fjord landscape around Nordfjordeid. The terrain transitions from flat sea to increasingly dramatic mountainous terrain with deep fjords cutting inland. The final approach follows the coastline with multiple smaller fjords visible before reaching Alesund.