The Arctic archipelago of glaciers, polar bears, and midnight sun. Svalbard's ice-covered mountains are visible on polar routes between North America and Europe.
Routes that pass it25
Tip: Visibility depends on cloud cover, time of day, and how close the flight path comes. Sit on the listed side for the best chance of a view. Morning and evening flights often offer the best lighting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you see Svalbard from a plane?
Yes — 25 flight routes pass within 200 km of Svalbard. The closest routes include Hyderabad to Chicago, Chicago to Hyderabad, Kuwait to San Francisco. Sit on the Both side, with the landmark passing about 7 km away.
Which side of the plane is best for viewing Svalbard?
The best side varies by route. For the most common routes near Svalbard: on a Hyderabad to Chicago flight, sit on the Both side; on a Chicago to Hyderabad flight, sit on the Both side; on a Kuwait to San Francisco flight, sit on the Both side.