While left seats offer good takeoff views, right seats provide superior scenery for the majority of the flight and especially during the dramatic approach into Bergen over the fjord system. The landing experience outweighs the takeoff advantage.
Flown HEL to BGO? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Helsinki to Bergen is 673 miles (1,084 km), a flight of about 2 hours 5 minutes.
The flight crosses the North Sea and Norwegian coastal waters. Notable features include the transition from Finnish archipelago to open water, then the approach to the Norwegian coast near Stavanger region, followed by the dramatic fjord landscape of western Norway. The Hardangerfjord system becomes increasingly prominent in the final 30 minutes of flight, with steep mountain terrain rising directly from sea level.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from HEL
LEFTHEL typically departs runway 04R/22L (northeast-southwest) or 04L/22R. Left seats offer views of the Baltic Sea and the archipelago east of Helsinki during northeasterly departures, with the city and surrounding lakes visible during the initial climb.
Landing at BGO
RIGHTBGO uses runways 01/19 (north-south oriented). Right seats during southerly approaches offer direct views of the Hardangerfjord, the surrounding mountain ranges, and the descent path over the fjord system. Northern approaches also favor right seats for views of the coastal terrain.
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 Helsinki Vantaa (HEL) to Bergen Flesland (BGO)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Helsinki to Bergen. While left seats offer good takeoff views, right seats provide superior scenery for the majority of the flight and especially during the dramatic approach into Bergen over the fjord system. The landing experience outweighs the takeoff advantage.
What can I see during takeoff from Helsinki Vantaa in Helsinki?
During takeoff from Helsinki Vantaa (HEL), sit on the Left side for the best views. HEL typically departs runway 04R/22L (northeast-southwest) or 04L/22R. Left seats offer views of the Baltic Sea and the archipelago east of Helsinki during northeasterly departures, with the city and surrounding lakes visible during the initial climb. Notable sights include: Baltic Sea to the east, Helsinki city center and harbor to the south, Lake Tuusula to the northwest, Nuuksio National Park forests to the north.
What can I see when landing at Bergen Flesland in Bergen?
When landing at Bergen Flesland (BGO), sit on the Right side for the best views. BGO uses runways 01/19 (north-south oriented). Right seats during southerly approaches offer direct views of the Hardangerfjord, the surrounding mountain ranges, and the descent path over the fjord system. Northern approaches also favor right seats for views of the coastal terrain. Notable sights include: Hardangerfjord (major fjord system), Flesland peninsula, surrounding Hordaland mountains, coastal islands and skerries.
How long is the flight from Helsinki to Bergen?
The flight from Helsinki Vantaa (HEL) to Bergen Flesland (BGO) takes about 2 hours 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 673 miles (1,084 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Helsinki to Bergen flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the North Sea and Norwegian coastal waters. Notable features include the transition from Finnish archipelago to open water, then the approach to the Norwegian coast near Stavanger region, followed by the dramatic fjord landscape of western Norway. The Hardangerfjord system becomes increasingly prominent in the final 30 minutes of flight, with steep mountain terrain rising directly from sea level.