Best Flights – Over the Scandinavian Mountains
Flying Oslo to Tromso Provides Spectacular Views of Natural Scenery
Jun 16, 2009
Flying out of Oslo creates great expectations for the two hour flight, as there are lakes and forests below, and the 2000 metre high peaks of the Scandinavian Mountains stretch across the horizon to the north.
The next 713.75 miles (1148.64 kilometres) do not disappoint, as there is great scenery all the way.
Flying Over Norway and Sweden
Norway is quite a thin country, so the flight path for Oslo-Tromso crosses the border to fly over Sweden for much of the journey. The direct route is shown in this Scandinavian flight map.
Which side of the border the plane is flying above does not make much difference in terms of views at this stage, as the Scandinavian Mountains are on each side, along with lush forests and large lakes.
The Scandinavian Mountains
The Scandinavian Mountains run from the Arctic Ocean in the north to the North Sea in the south.
They are from the same original range as mountains in Scotland and Ireland, and even the Appalachians across the Atlantic.
The Oslo flight to Tromso starts flying over the Scandinavian Mountains soon after departure, and continues above them almost throughout the journey to Tromso.
Femund, Norway's second largest natural lake at over 200 kilometres in length is passed soon after the flight starts.
A little later, Storsjon, Sweden's fifth largest lake, is passed on the right. Storsjon contains the island of Froson, and is the home of a fabled sea creature similar to the Loch Ness Monster in Scotland: the storsjoodjuret.
High peaks with the white snow spread intermittently over the black rock can look like they could be massive murals created by the people living in the valley communities below.
Miles of green forestry and long winding grey rivers are also visible from the air, and roads linking the communities either side of the border.
The Arctic Circle and Fjords
The plane crosses into the Arctic Circle two-thirds of the way through the journey, and should leave Swedish air space soon after.
The town of Narvik, which is situated on the Narvik fjord, is reacheds soon after.
There are fjord views from there to Tromso.
Arriving in Tromso
FletteMette provided good advice on VirtualTourist when she suggested you get a seat on the left hand side of the plane when flying to Tromso, and on the right hand side when flying out of Tromso for the best views of the fjords and mountains that surround the city. There is also advice about flights to Tromso on the site.
Tromso's colourful houses, iconic bridge and Arctic Cathedral come into view as you descend to the airport on the island of Tromsoya. The Midnight Sun Marathon is run here each June, and there is a great opportunity to go whale-watching and hike in unspoilt nature.
It is a fitting finale to a wonderful flight.
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