While takeoff favors the right for Nuuk's fjord system, the landing view from the left over Iceland's volcanic Reykjanes Peninsula is more visually distinctive and geologically dramatic. The overall flight path also trends slightly southward, making left-side seats advantageous for the majority of the route.
Flown GOH to KEF? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Godthaab to Keflavik is 870 miles (1,401 km), a flight of about 3 hours.
The flight crosses the Denmark Strait between Greenland and Iceland. Midway, you'll pass over open ocean with occasional icebergs visible in summer months. The Denmark Strait itself (water body between 64°N and 66°N, spanning roughly 290 km east-west) dominates the midpoint. On clear days, the southern tip of Greenland's coast becomes visible on the left (east), while Iceland's northern coastline and Húnaflói Bay appear on the right (west) during descent. The Greenland Ice Sheet's western edge remains visible on the left throughout much of the flight at cruise altitude.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from GOH
RIGHTNuuk's primary runway (20/02) typically departs northward or southward. Right-side seats offer views of Nuuk Fjord and the Davis Strait coastline as you climb out. The city itself sits on a peninsula, so right-side views capture the dramatic fjord system and ice sheet approaches to the east.
Landing at KEF
LEFTKeflavik's primary runway (02/20) typically approaches from the southwest. Left-side seats during descent capture the Reykjanes Peninsula's volcanic terrain, the Atlantic coastline, and the approach path over Faxaflói Bay. This offers dramatic views of Iceland's geothermal landscape and coastal features.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Nuuk (GOH) to Keflavik Nas (KEF)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Godthaab to Keflavik. While takeoff favors the right for Nuuk's fjord system, the landing view from the left over Iceland's volcanic Reykjanes Peninsula is more visually distinctive and geologically dramatic. The overall flight path also trends slightly southward, making left-side seats advantageous for the majority of the route.
What can I see during takeoff from Nuuk in Godthaab?
During takeoff from Nuuk (GOH), sit on the Right side for the best views. Nuuk's primary runway (20/02) typically departs northward or southward. Right-side seats offer views of Nuuk Fjord and the Davis Strait coastline as you climb out. The city itself sits on a peninsula, so right-side views capture the dramatic fjord system and ice sheet approaches to the east. Notable sights include: Nuuk Fjord (immediately below during initial climb), Davis Strait (western horizon), Greenland Ice Sheet eastern edge (visible as white expanse beyond the fjord system), Sermitsiaq Mountain (distinctive peak south of Nuuk, ~2,277 ft elevation).
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. Keflavik's primary runway (02/20) typically approaches from the southwest. Left-side seats during descent capture the Reykjanes Peninsula's volcanic terrain, the Atlantic coastline, and the approach path over Faxaflói Bay. This offers dramatic views of Iceland's geothermal landscape and coastal features. Notable sights include: Reykjanes Peninsula volcanic fields (dark lava formations), Faxaflói Bay (large water body to the north), Atlantic coastline (southwestern edge), Keflavik town and airport complex (final approach reference).
How long is the flight from Godthaab to Keflavik?
The flight from Nuuk (GOH) to Keflavik Nas (KEF) takes about 3 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 870 miles (1,401 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Godthaab to Keflavik flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Denmark Strait between Greenland and Iceland. Midway, you'll pass over open ocean with occasional icebergs visible in summer months. The Denmark Strait itself (water body between 64°N and 66°N, spanning roughly 290 km east-west) dominates the midpoint. On clear days, the southern tip of Greenland's coast becomes visible on the left (east), while Iceland's northern coastline and Húnaflói Bay appear on the right (west) during descent. The Greenland Ice Sheet's western edge remains visible on the left throughout much of the flight at cruise altitude.