While takeoff offers good views on the right, the landing approach into Bergen provides more dramatic and sustained scenery on the left. The Hardangerfjord and surrounding fjord system are visually striking and occupy most of the descent, making left-side seats the better choice overall.
Flown BHX to BGO? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Birmingham to Bergen is 603 miles (970 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the North Sea at roughly 55°N, passing east of the Shetland Islands (visible on clear days, 40-50 miles to the left/west). The Scottish coast near Aberdeen and Dundee is visible on the left during initial climb. As the aircraft approaches Norwegian airspace around 58°N, the Norwegian coast becomes visible with the Sognefjord system appearing on the left side during descent. The flight stays over water for most of the journey, offering limited midpoint landmarks except on exceptionally clear days when the Shetlands and Norwegian coastal features are discernible.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from BHX
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the Malvern Hills and the Severn Valley as the aircraft climbs northwest on typical BHX departure routing. The terrain relief is distinctive and visible up to 10,000 feet.
Landing at BGO
LEFTLeft-side seats offer the best views during descent into Bergen. The approach typically comes from the south over the Hardangerfjord and surrounding mountains, with the dramatic fjord system and coastal peaks visible on the left throughout the descent.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Birmingham (BHX) to Bergen Flesland (BGO)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Birmingham to Bergen. While takeoff offers good views on the right, the landing approach into Bergen provides more dramatic and sustained scenery on the left. The Hardangerfjord and surrounding fjord system are visually striking and occupy most of the descent, making left-side seats the better choice overall.
What can I see during takeoff from Birmingham in Birmingham?
During takeoff from Birmingham (BHX), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats capture the Malvern Hills and the Severn Valley as the aircraft climbs northwest on typical BHX departure routing. The terrain relief is distinctive and visible up to 10,000 feet. Notable sights include: Malvern Hills (southwest of airport), Severn Estuary (west), Worcester and the Severn Valley (northwest), Cotswolds plateau (east).
What can I see when landing at Bergen Flesland in Bergen?
When landing at Bergen Flesland (BGO), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer the best views during descent into Bergen. The approach typically comes from the south over the Hardangerfjord and surrounding mountains, with the dramatic fjord system and coastal peaks visible on the left throughout the descent. Notable sights include: Hardangerfjord (major fjord system), Folgefonna glacier (visible as white peak in distance), coastal mountains of Hordaland, Bergen harbor and city (final approach).
How long is the flight from Birmingham to Bergen?
The flight from Birmingham (BHX) to Bergen Flesland (BGO) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 603 miles (970 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Birmingham to Bergen flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the North Sea at roughly 55°N, passing east of the Shetland Islands (visible on clear days, 40-50 miles to the left/west). The Scottish coast near Aberdeen and Dundee is visible on the left during initial climb. As the aircraft approaches Norwegian airspace around 58°N, the Norwegian coast becomes visible with the Sognefjord system appearing on the left side during descent. The flight stays over water for most of the journey, offering limited midpoint landmarks except on exceptionally clear days when the Shetlands and Norwegian coastal features are discernible.