While left seats offer excellent archipelago views during departure, right seats dominate the landing experience with the dramatic volcanic landscape and Reykjavik approach. The landing views are more visually distinctive and geographically significant than the departure sequence.
Flown ARN to RKV? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Stockholm to Reykjavik is 1,311 miles (2,109 km), a flight of about 3 hours 10 minutes.
The flight path crosses the North Sea and Norwegian Sea. Midpoint views (around 1 hour into flight) show open ocean with occasional weather systems. The route passes west of Norway's coast—on clear days, the Norwegian coastline and fjord systems may be visible to the right (east) as a distant dark line, but ocean dominates the midpoint. As the flight approaches Iceland (final 45 minutes), the Denmark Strait becomes visible, and Icelandic glaciers (particularly Vatnajökull's distant white dome) may appear on the horizon before descent begins.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from ARN
LEFTARN typically departs northwestbound (runways 01L/01R or 19L/19R depending on wind). Left seats face toward the Stockholm archipelago and the Baltic Sea immediately after rotation, with clear views of the intricate island patterns and water features that dominate the landscape north of the airport.
Landing at RKV
RIGHTRKV approaches from the southeast (typically runway 01 or 19 depending on wind). Right seats provide superior views during descent into Reykjavik, capturing the distinctive Icelandic landscape: the Reykjanes Peninsula's volcanic terrain, the city of Reykjavik itself, and Faxaflói Bay with its characteristic dark lava fields and geothermal features.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Arlanda (ARN) to Reykjavik (RKV)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Stockholm to Reykjavik. While left seats offer excellent archipelago views during departure, right seats dominate the landing experience with the dramatic volcanic landscape and Reykjavik approach. The landing views are more visually distinctive and geographically significant than the departure sequence.
What can I see during takeoff from Arlanda in Stockholm?
During takeoff from Arlanda (ARN), sit on the Left side for the best views. ARN typically departs northwestbound (runways 01L/01R or 19L/19R depending on wind). Left seats face toward the Stockholm archipelago and the Baltic Sea immediately after rotation, with clear views of the intricate island patterns and water features that dominate the landscape north of the airport. Notable sights include: Stockholm archipelago (Stockholms skärgård) with its dense island chains, Lake Mälaren to the west, Uppland coastal waters, Baltic Sea horizon.
What can I see when landing at Reykjavik in Reykjavik?
When landing at Reykjavik (RKV), sit on the Right side for the best views. RKV approaches from the southeast (typically runway 01 or 19 depending on wind). Right seats provide superior views during descent into Reykjavik, capturing the distinctive Icelandic landscape: the Reykjanes Peninsula's volcanic terrain, the city of Reykjavik itself, and Faxaflói Bay with its characteristic dark lava fields and geothermal features. Notable sights include: Reykjanes Peninsula volcanic plateau with visible lava fields, Reykjavik city and harbor, Faxaflói Bay, Mount Esja across the bay to the north.
How long is the flight from Stockholm to Reykjavik?
The flight from Arlanda (ARN) to Reykjavik (RKV) takes about 3 hours 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,311 miles (2,109 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Stockholm to Reykjavik flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the North Sea and Norwegian Sea. Midpoint views (around 1 hour into flight) show open ocean with occasional weather systems. The route passes west of Norway's coast—on clear days, the Norwegian coastline and fjord systems may be visible to the right (east) as a distant dark line, but ocean dominates the midpoint. As the flight approaches Iceland (final 45 minutes), the Denmark Strait becomes visible, and Icelandic glaciers (particularly Vatnajökull's distant white dome) may appear on the horizon before descent begins.