While the left offers excellent Icelandic scenery during departure, the right side delivers more visually distinctive features during the longer descent and approach phase into Brussels. The Meuse River valley and Ardennes plateau provide clearer, more dramatic geography than the relatively flat Belgian approach from other angles.
Flown RKV to BRU? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Reykjavik to Brussels is 1,322 miles (2,128 km), a flight of about 3 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the North Sea and approaches continental Europe over the Netherlands and Belgium. Mid-flight offers views of the North Sea's open waters (relatively featureless at cruising altitude), and as the aircraft descends toward Belgium, the Rhine-Meuse delta becomes visible with its complex network of rivers, estuaries, and low-lying polders. The transition from sea to the densely settled lowlands of the Netherlands and northern Belgium is gradual but marked by increasing field patterns and waterway density.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from RKV
LEFTLeft side offers immediate views of Reykjavik's coastal geography and the broader Faxaflói Bay. As the aircraft climbs out on a southeasterly heading toward continental Europe, the left wing will face the Icelandic coastline, glacial valleys, and the volcanic plateau interior.
Landing at BRU
RIGHTRight side provides the best views during descent into Brussels. The aircraft approaches from the northwest on a southeasterly descent path, and the right wing faces the Meuse River valley, the Ardennes plateau, and the Belgian lowlands with their patchwork of agricultural fields and river systems that characterize the approach corridor.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Reykjavik (RKV) to Brussels Natl (BRU)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Reykjavik to Brussels. While the left offers excellent Icelandic scenery during departure, the right side delivers more visually distinctive features during the longer descent and approach phase into Brussels. The Meuse River valley and Ardennes plateau provide clearer, more dramatic geography than the relatively flat Belgian approach from other angles.
What can I see during takeoff from Reykjavik in Reykjavik?
During takeoff from Reykjavik (RKV), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers immediate views of Reykjavik's coastal geography and the broader Faxaflói Bay. As the aircraft climbs out on a southeasterly heading toward continental Europe, the left wing will face the Icelandic coastline, glacial valleys, and the volcanic plateau interior. Notable sights include: Faxaflói Bay (immediate offshore waters), Reykjavik city grid and harbor, Esja mountain (north across the bay), Hengill geothermal area (southeast inland).
What can I see when landing at Brussels Natl in Brussels?
When landing at Brussels Natl (BRU), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides the best views during descent into Brussels. The aircraft approaches from the northwest on a southeasterly descent path, and the right wing faces the Meuse River valley, the Ardennes plateau, and the Belgian lowlands with their patchwork of agricultural fields and river systems that characterize the approach corridor. Notable sights include: Meuse River and its valley (prominent linear feature), Ardennes plateau (elevated terrain to the right), Scheldt River system (converging waterways), Brussels metropolitan area and surrounding Flemish plains.
How long is the flight from Reykjavik to Brussels?
The flight from Reykjavik (RKV) to Brussels Natl (BRU) takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,322 miles (2,128 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Reykjavik to Brussels flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the North Sea and approaches continental Europe over the Netherlands and Belgium. Mid-flight offers views of the North Sea's open waters (relatively featureless at cruising altitude), and as the aircraft descends toward Belgium, the Rhine-Meuse delta becomes visible with its complex network of rivers, estuaries, and low-lying polders. The transition from sea to the densely settled lowlands of the Netherlands and northern Belgium is gradual but marked by increasing field patterns and waterway density.