Both departure and arrival favor the left (east-facing) side, where dramatic mountain scenery frames the flight — Svalbard's fjord-side peaks at takeoff and the striking Lyngen Alps on approach into Tromsø — while the right side offers mostly flat coastline and open water.
Flown LYR to TOS? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Svalbard to Tromso is 595 miles (958 km), a flight of about 1 hour 35 minutes.
Open Barents Sea/Norwegian Sea with no land visible; occasional distant view of Bear Island region is not on this direct route, so the middle cruise portion is uninterrupted ocean.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from LYR
LEFTClimbing out of Longyearbyen along Isfjorden, the eastern flank shows the steep, flat-topped peaks of Hiorthfjellet and Sarkofagen rising directly above the settlement, glaciated valleys cutting into the mountainside. The western side over the fjord itself is mostly open water with lower, less distinctive ridgelines.
Landing at TOS
LEFTOn the southbound approach into Tromsø, the left side faces east toward the jagged, heavily glaciated Lyngen Alps rising sharply from the fjord, one of Norway's most dramatic coastal mountain ranges. The right side shows the comparatively flat, rounded terrain of Kvaløya island and open sea.
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 Svalbard Longyear (LYR) to Tromso (TOS)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Svalbard to Tromso. Both departure and arrival favor the left (east-facing) side, where dramatic mountain scenery frames the flight — Svalbard's fjord-side peaks at takeoff and the striking Lyngen Alps on approach into Tromsø — while the right side offers mostly flat coastline and open water.
What can I see during takeoff from Svalbard Longyear in Svalbard?
During takeoff from Svalbard Longyear (LYR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Climbing out of Longyearbyen along Isfjorden, the eastern flank shows the steep, flat-topped peaks of Hiorthfjellet and Sarkofagen rising directly above the settlement, glaciated valleys cutting into the mountainside. The western side over the fjord itself is mostly open water with lower, less distinctive ridgelines. Notable sights include: Hiorthfjellet, Sarkofagen, Isfjorden, Longyearbreen glacier valley.
What can I see when landing at Tromso in Tromso?
When landing at Tromso (TOS), sit on the Left side for the best views. On the southbound approach into Tromsø, the left side faces east toward the jagged, heavily glaciated Lyngen Alps rising sharply from the fjord, one of Norway's most dramatic coastal mountain ranges. The right side shows the comparatively flat, rounded terrain of Kvaløya island and open sea. Notable sights include: Lyngen Alps, Tromsdalstinden, Balsfjorden, Tromsøysundet.
How long is the flight from Svalbard to Tromso?
The flight from Svalbard Longyear (LYR) to Tromso (TOS) takes about 1 hour 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 595 miles (958 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Svalbard to Tromso flight path pass over?
Open Barents Sea/Norwegian Sea with no land visible; occasional distant view of Bear Island region is not on this direct route, so the middle cruise portion is uninterrupted ocean.