While takeoff offers London views, the landing approach into Nuuk's fjord system and glaciated terrain is far more visually distinctive and dramatic. Right seats capture the Greenlandic landscape that makes this route special.
Flown LHR to GOH? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
London to Godthaab is 2,008 miles (3,231 km), a flight of about 4 hours 25 minutes.
The flight path crosses the North Sea, then the Norwegian Sea, passing west of the Shetland Islands and Faroe Islands. You'll see the transition from temperate Atlantic waters to subarctic conditions. The approach to Greenland reveals the ice sheet's western margin, with visible glaciers feeding into fjords along the coast. Davis Strait separates Greenland from Baffin Island (Canada) to the west—occasionally visible in clear conditions.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from LHR
LEFTLeft seats offer views of the Thames estuary and London's urban sprawl during the initial climb northwest from Heathrow. You'll see the river's distinctive meanders and the Greater London conurbation spreading across the landscape.
Landing at GOH
RIGHTRight seats provide excellent views during the descent into Nuuk, showing the dramatic fjord system and Greenlandic ice sheet margins. The approach typically descends over Godthaab Fjord with views of the surrounding glaciated terrain and the settlement nestled in the valley.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Heathrow (LHR) to Nuuk (GOH)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Godthaab. While takeoff offers London views, the landing approach into Nuuk's fjord system and glaciated terrain is far more visually distinctive and dramatic. Right seats capture the Greenlandic landscape that makes this route special.
What can I see during takeoff from Heathrow in London?
During takeoff from Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left seats offer views of the Thames estuary and London's urban sprawl during the initial climb northwest from Heathrow. You'll see the river's distinctive meanders and the Greater London conurbation spreading across the landscape. Notable sights include: River Thames estuary, Greater London urban area, North Downs ridge, Windsor Castle area.
What can I see when landing at Nuuk in Godthaab?
When landing at Nuuk (GOH), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right seats provide excellent views during the descent into Nuuk, showing the dramatic fjord system and Greenlandic ice sheet margins. The approach typically descends over Godthaab Fjord with views of the surrounding glaciated terrain and the settlement nestled in the valley. Notable sights include: Godthaab Fjord, Nuuk settlement, glaciated highlands, Davis Strait coastline.
How long is the flight from London to Godthaab?
The flight from Heathrow (LHR) to Nuuk (GOH) takes about 4 hours 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,008 miles (3,231 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Godthaab flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the North Sea, then the Norwegian Sea, passing west of the Shetland Islands and Faroe Islands. You'll see the transition from temperate Atlantic waters to subarctic conditions. The approach to Greenland reveals the ice sheet's western margin, with visible glaciers feeding into fjords along the coast. Davis Strait separates Greenland from Baffin Island (Canada) to the west—occasionally visible in clear conditions.