While takeoff favors the right for Iceland's volcanic landscape, the landing view from the left—Stockholm's archipelago and city—is more visually rewarding and iconic. The left side captures the flight's geographic climax.
Flown KEF to ARN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Keflavik to Stockholm is 1,332 miles (2,143 km), a flight of about 3 hours.
The route crosses the Norwegian Sea northeastward. At cruise altitude (around 35,000 feet), the midpoint offers views of the Norwegian coast (Trøndelag and Nordland regions) if weather permits, with the Scandinavian mountain spine visible as a distant ridge on the eastern horizon. The North Sea and Skagerrak strait separate Iceland from mainland Scandinavia. No major landmarks are prominently visible at cruise altitude due to distance and typical cloud cover, but the curvature of the Earth and the vast open ocean dominate the view.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from KEF
RIGHTKeflavik typically departs runway 02 (northbound) or 20 (southbound). Right seats offer views of Iceland's southwestern coast, including the dramatic Reykjanes Peninsula lava fields and the Atlantic. Left seats face inland toward less visually distinctive terrain.
Landing at ARN
LEFTArlanda typically uses runways 01L/01R (northbound) or 19L/19R (southbound). Left seats on approach from the southwest offer views of Stockholm's archipelago, Lake Mälaren, and the city's eastern districts. Right seats face less populated areas to the north.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Keflavik Nas (KEF) to Arlanda (ARN)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Keflavik to Stockholm. While takeoff favors the right for Iceland's volcanic landscape, the landing view from the left—Stockholm's archipelago and city—is more visually rewarding and iconic. The left side captures the flight's geographic climax.
What can I see during takeoff from Keflavik Nas in Keflavik?
During takeoff from Keflavik Nas (KEF), sit on the Right side for the best views. Keflavik typically departs runway 02 (northbound) or 20 (southbound). Right seats offer views of Iceland's southwestern coast, including the dramatic Reykjanes Peninsula lava fields and the Atlantic. Left seats face inland toward less visually distinctive terrain. Notable sights include: Reykjanes Peninsula (black lava fields), Atlantic Ocean to the west, Fagradalsfjall volcanic region, Keflavik town and harbor.
What can I see when landing at Arlanda in Stockholm?
When landing at Arlanda (ARN), sit on the Left side for the best views. Arlanda typically uses runways 01L/01R (northbound) or 19L/19R (southbound). Left seats on approach from the southwest offer views of Stockholm's archipelago, Lake Mälaren, and the city's eastern districts. Right seats face less populated areas to the north. Notable sights include: Stockholm archipelago (Stockholms skärgård) with thousands of islands, Lake Mälaren (Mälaren), Vaxholm fortress island, Stockholm city center and Södermalm district.
How long is the flight from Keflavik to Stockholm?
The flight from Keflavik Nas (KEF) to Arlanda (ARN) takes about 3 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 1,332 miles (2,143 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Keflavik to Stockholm flight path pass over?
The route crosses the Norwegian Sea northeastward. At cruise altitude (around 35,000 feet), the midpoint offers views of the Norwegian coast (Trøndelag and Nordland regions) if weather permits, with the Scandinavian mountain spine visible as a distant ridge on the eastern horizon. The North Sea and Skagerrak strait separate Iceland from mainland Scandinavia. No major landmarks are prominently visible at cruise altitude due to distance and typical cloud cover, but the curvature of the Earth and the vast open ocean dominate the view.