GLOBAL SPOTTING REPORTS
NORWAY
Oslo – Jul 2019
LANDSIDE
Nothing from inside the terminal. From either side of the departure ramp you get a view of several gates and the associated runway. From the top of the multi storey car park opposite you can get views of both runways and should see all movements. Not suitable for photography. Too many fences and buildings in the way.
The perimeter has several spots. You need to head for the general aviation side first. From here you can find several good vantage points along the road. Continue this way and turn right when able and you will eventually find your way past the runway thresholds and to the opposite side of the field. As the road starts to bend left away from the field there is a small turn off which will take you towards this runway and provides excellent views. If you don’t have a car then stay at one of the hotels mentioned below and take a short walk to the perimeter and GA area.
AIRSIDE
The terminal is effectively split into two. On passing security you will enter the domestic part of the terminal. From the domestic side both runways and all movements can be seen. Once you go through passport control views become limited to that side.
HOTELS
The comfort hotel overlooks one runway and part of the domestic ramp. Its also near the general aviation area. Windows are small but movements can be seen, albeit with some trees in the way. They also have an outside area next to the perimeter fence if you want to stand outside and you can see across to Norwegians hanger. Rooms on the 4th floor with odd numbers have views with 4003 and 4005 having the best angle.
The Best Western also looked like it would have good views of the threshold. Several other hotels exist in the same area. There are regular shuttle buses from arrivals to these hotels. Shockingly they charge several quid for the service. The best western has a fighter sitting outside.
At the airport the Radisson Blu and Park Inn are both within walking distance of the terminal but you can expect to pay significantly more for the convenience.
WHAT TO EXPECT
SAS and Norwegian are the main operators. Wideroe have upto 7 DH8’s around but check timetables for them. The majority of there aircraft are spread all over the country with major bases at Bergen, Tromso , Bodo and Torp so don’t expect many here.
Once you have the based stuff it can get boring but the airport is surrounded by amazing scenery and is a nice place to spend a few hours.
Tip – Bring lots of money, this country is seriously expensive.
Tip – Rygge is about 40 miles away. LN-WIS is derelict on the fire dump there after crashing at Batsfjord.
Tip – Torp is about 90 miles away. Not particularly busy but you can see some Wideroe DH8-400’s and there is a very nice restored DC3 which you can take a pleasure flight on through some amazing scenery.
Bergen – July 2019
LANDSIDE
Top of the multi story provided decent views of the runway. All movements can be seen but most gates are out of sight.
AIRSIDE
Good window views from here.
HOTELS
Clarion hotel looked like it may have views.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Not particularly busy but Wideroe base there DHC8 400s and E190s here along with a few of the smaller DHC8s. SAS also have a few flights including CRJ900s along with Norwegian. Certain times of the day are better so check timetables otherwise you could have a long wait for something new.
Tromso – May 2012
LANDSIDE
No views within the terminal. If your brave enough to face the snow then a walk either side of the terminal should get you whats on the ramp.
I imagine you could find some good places on the approach here with a bit of a walk. You better go in the summer though. Was snowing and freezing in may.
If your flying Norwegian and only have hand luggage, they have self check in machines that allow you to check in really early.
AIRSIDE
Good window views from here.
HOTELS
You will have to stay downtown here. A nice little town with plenty of restaurants, bars. 10 pound roundtrip on the bus.
WHAT TO EXPECT
The only reason for coming here is for Wideroe Dash8’s. That and the northern lights if you fancy doing some sightseeing. You can see 8 or 9 in a day, maybe more if your lucky. Other than that theres a few SAS and Norwegian flights. Not particularly busy so check timetables. Around 10am and 4pm saw 6 wideroe flights but mostly repeats.
Wideroe can be frustrating to see. Some of them will go off on a tour of the country and not come back while others will be in and out all day. You can spend a lot of time waiting for 1 or 2 new ones.
Bodo – May 2012
LANDSIDE
Very poor views from the terminal. From upstairs some windows gave a view of a couple of stands and if you turn left out of the terminal you can see some more stands on this side. No views of the runways.
I didn’t venture around the perimeter due to the weather but there are reportedly good views of the approach.
If your flying Norwegian and only have hand luggage, they have self check in machines that allow you to check in really early.
AIRSIDE
All movements can be seen
HOTELS
None here but the centre is only 1km away and walkable.
WHAT TO EXPECT
The only reason for coming here is for Wideroe Dash8’s. You can see 10 or more in a day if your lucky. Other than that theres a few SAS and Norwegian flights. Not particularly busy so check timetables.
Wideroe can be frustrating to see. Some of them will go off on a tour of the country and not come back while others will be in and out all day. You can spend a lot of time waiting for 1 or 2 new ones.
Oslo Torp - Jul 2007
