While takeoff favors the right, the landing view from the left is significantly more dramatic and geographically distinctive, featuring Faxaflói Bay and Mount Esja. The left side captures the approach to Iceland's most visually interesting geography.
Flown BER to RKV? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Berlin to Reykjavik is 1,494 miles (2,405 km), a flight of about 3 hours 15 minutes.
The route crosses the North Sea and approaches Iceland from the southeast. Midway, you'll pass over open ocean with occasional visibility of the Shetland Islands (far to the left/north) and the Faroe Islands (to the right/south) depending on exact routing and weather. As you approach Iceland, the Reykjanes Peninsula becomes visible first, followed by the broader Icelandic coastline. The flight path generally follows a great circle route across the Atlantic, with no major landmarks visible during the oceanic midpoint—primarily water and sky.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from BER
RIGHTBER typically departs eastbound (runways 07L/07R). Right-side seats face north toward the Spree River valley and Brandenburg lakes region, offering views of the city's water systems and forested terrain. Left side faces south toward suburban sprawl with less distinctive geography.
Landing at RKV
LEFTRKV typically lands westbound (runway 01). Left-side seats during approach face south and southwest, directly toward Reykjavik city and the distinctive Faxaflói Bay coastline. Right side faces inland toward less visually distinctive terrain.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Berlin Brandenburg (BER) to Reykjavik (RKV)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Berlin to Reykjavik. While takeoff favors the right, the landing view from the left is significantly more dramatic and geographically distinctive, featuring Faxaflói Bay and Mount Esja. The left side captures the approach to Iceland's most visually interesting geography.
What can I see during takeoff from Berlin Brandenburg in Berlin?
During takeoff from Berlin Brandenburg (BER), sit on the Right side for the best views. BER typically departs eastbound (runways 07L/07R). Right-side seats face north toward the Spree River valley and Brandenburg lakes region, offering views of the city's water systems and forested terrain. Left side faces south toward suburban sprawl with less distinctive geography. Notable sights include: Spree River (winding through Berlin), Müggelsee (largest lake in Brandenburg, visible as a distinct water body southeast of the city), Grunewald Forest (dark green expanse west of central Berlin), Tegeler See (prominent lake north of the city center).
What can I see when landing at Reykjavik in Reykjavik?
When landing at Reykjavik (RKV), sit on the Left side for the best views. RKV typically lands westbound (runway 01). Left-side seats during approach face south and southwest, directly toward Reykjavik city and the distinctive Faxaflói Bay coastline. Right side faces inland toward less visually distinctive terrain. Notable sights include: Faxaflói Bay (large, pale-colored water body with visible tidal patterns), Reykjavik city center (compact urban area on the peninsula), Mount Esja (prominent mountain ridge on the north shore of the bay, visible across the water), Seltjarnarnes Peninsula (low-lying landmass extending into the bay west of the city).
How long is the flight from Berlin to Reykjavik?
The flight from Berlin Brandenburg (BER) to Reykjavik (RKV) takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,494 miles (2,405 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Berlin to Reykjavik flight path pass over?
The route crosses the North Sea and approaches Iceland from the southeast. Midway, you'll pass over open ocean with occasional visibility of the Shetland Islands (far to the left/north) and the Faroe Islands (to the right/south) depending on exact routing and weather. As you approach Iceland, the Reykjanes Peninsula becomes visible first, followed by the broader Icelandic coastline. The flight path generally follows a great circle route across the Atlantic, with no major landmarks visible during the oceanic midpoint—primarily water and sky.