The left side strings together Norway's largest lake on departure, the dramatic western coastline and offshore islands during cruise, and a close-up view of Svalbard's glaciers and fjord walls on arrival, making it the more consistently scenic side for this route.
Flight Path
The route crosses the Norwegian Sea north of the Lofoten Islands, passes near Bjørnøya (Bear Island), and then enters Svalbard's ice-capped mountain ranges before descending into Isfjorden.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from OSL
LEFTDeparting OSL to the north, the climb-out passes over the farmland of Romerike with Norway's largest lake, Mjøsa, opening up on the left side, while the right side shows mostly featureless agricultural plains. As the climb continues, the left side also picks up the first hints of the southern Norwegian highlands.
Landing at LYR
LEFTOn the approach into Longyearbyen along Isfjorden, the left side faces the steep, glacier-carved slopes of Platåberget and the blue ice tongue of Longyearbreen glacier hanging above the town. The right side mostly shows the somewhat plainer flank of Hiorthfjellet across the fjord.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Oslo Gardermoen (OSL) to Svalbard Longyear (LYR)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Oslo to Svalbard. The left side strings together Norway's largest lake on departure, the dramatic western coastline and offshore islands during cruise, and a close-up view of Svalbard's glaciers and fjord walls on arrival, making it the more consistently scenic side for this route.
What can I see during takeoff from Oslo Gardermoen in Oslo?
During takeoff from Oslo Gardermoen (OSL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing OSL to the north, the climb-out passes over the farmland of Romerike with Norway's largest lake, Mjøsa, opening up on the left side, while the right side shows mostly featureless agricultural plains. As the climb continues, the left side also picks up the first hints of the southern Norwegian highlands. Notable sights include: Lake Mjøsa, Romerike farmland, distant Hadeland hills.
What can I see when landing at Svalbard Longyear in Svalbard?
When landing at Svalbard Longyear (LYR), sit on the Left side for the best views. On the approach into Longyearbyen along Isfjorden, the left side faces the steep, glacier-carved slopes of Platåberget and the blue ice tongue of Longyearbreen glacier hanging above the town. The right side mostly shows the somewhat plainer flank of Hiorthfjellet across the fjord. Notable sights include: Longyearbreen glacier, Platåberget cliffs, Isfjorden, Longyearbyen settlement.
How long is the flight from Oslo to Svalbard?
The flight from Oslo Gardermoen (OSL) to Svalbard Longyear (LYR) takes 3h 00m.
What does the Oslo to Svalbard flight path pass over?
The route crosses the Norwegian Sea north of the Lofoten Islands, passes near Bjørnøya (Bear Island), and then enters Svalbard's ice-capped mountain ranges before descending into Isfjorden.