While takeoff favors the right for Øresund views, the landing approach to Iceland's volcanic landscape from the left is far more visually distinctive and memorable. The Reykjanes lava fields are among Europe's most dramatic aerial sights and dominate the final descent.
Flight Path
The flight crosses the North Sea at roughly 58°N latitude. At cruise altitude (around 35,000 feet), the North Sea itself is visible as open water with occasional shipping traffic and oil platform clusters visible near the Norwegian sector. No significant land features are visible at midpoint. The transition from Danish/Swedish airspace to Icelandic airspace occurs over open ocean. As the aircraft approaches Iceland from the southeast, the first landfall is typically the Reykjanes Peninsula's volcanic terrain, followed by views of Iceland's south coast with glacial rivers and black sand beaches becoming visible during descent.
Phase by phase
Takeoff from
Landing at
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
Will your flight be in sunlight?
See exactly which side of the plane gets sun and shade at your departure time.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Kastrup (CPH) to Keflavik Nas (KEF)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Copenhagen to Keflavik. While takeoff favors the right for Øresund views, the landing approach to Iceland's volcanic landscape from the left is far more visually distinctive and memorable. The Reykjanes lava fields are among Europe's most dramatic aerial sights and dominate the final descent.
What can I see during takeoff from Kastrup in Copenhagen?
During takeoff from Kastrup (CPH), sit on the Right side for the best views. CPH typically departs eastbound (runways 04L/04R or 22L/22R depending on wind). Right-side seats offer views of the Øresund Strait and Swedish coast during initial climb. Left seats face inland toward flat Danish terrain with minimal visual interest. Notable sights include: Øresund Strait (water body separating Denmark and Sweden), Malmö city on the Swedish coast, Copenhagen harbor and Amager Island, flat Danish agricultural plains extending inland.
What can I see when landing at Keflavik Nas in Keflavik?
When landing at Keflavik Nas (KEF), sit on the Left side for the best views. KEF approaches from the southeast (typically runway 02 or 20 depending on wind). Left-side seats during descent offer dramatic views of Iceland's volcanic landscape, glaciers, and the Reykjanes Peninsula's distinctive lava fields. Right seats face open Atlantic Ocean with minimal features. Notable sights include: Reykjanes Peninsula lava fields (dark volcanic rock formations), Langjökull or Hofsjökull glaciers on the horizon, Atlantic coastline with black sand beaches, geothermal steam vents near Keflavik.
How long is the flight from Copenhagen to Keflavik?
The flight from Kastrup (CPH) to Keflavik Nas (KEF) takes Approximately 2 hours 45 minutes to 3 hours.
What does the Copenhagen to Keflavik flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the North Sea at roughly 58°N latitude. At cruise altitude (around 35,000 feet), the North Sea itself is visible as open water with occasional shipping traffic and oil platform clusters visible near the Norwegian sector. No significant land features are visible at midpoint. The transition from Danish/Swedish airspace to Icelandic airspace occurs over open ocean. As the aircraft approaches Iceland from the southeast, the first landfall is typically the Reykjanes Peninsula's volcanic terrain, followed by views of Iceland's south coast with glacial rivers and black sand beaches becoming visible during descent.