While the left side has a decent Berlin departure view, the right side wins overall for the Zurich arrival. The Alpine panorama on approach to ZRH from the right is one of the most spectacular arrival views in European aviation, and the right side also captures the Bavarian lakes and the northern Alpine foothills during the cruise descent through southern Germany.
Flown BER to ZRH? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Berlin to Zurich is 404 miles (650 km), a flight of about 1 hour 45 minutes.
The route tracks southwest over Brandenburg's flat pine-forested plains, then crosses Saxony and the Erzgebirge (Ore Mountains) on the Czech-German border — a low but distinct ridgeline. It then passes over Bavaria, where the Bavarian Plateau and the Chiemsee lake are visible, followed by the northern Alpine foothills (Voralpen) and the Inn river valley before descending into Switzerland over the Swiss Mittelland.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from BER
LEFTBER's primary departure runway 25L sends aircraft westward, placing the city of Berlin to the left (south side). You get a clear view over the southeastern districts of Berlin including Schönefeld and Treptow before the aircraft climbs out over Brandenburg's flat landscape.
Landing at ZRH
RIGHTZRH's primary landing approach on runway 14 brings aircraft in from the north-northwest, meaning the right side faces east toward the Alps. You get a prolonged view of the Swiss Mittelland and then the full Alpine panorama including the Glarus Alps and, on clear days, the Bernese Oberland peaks on the horizon.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Berlin Brandenburg (BER) to Zurich (ZRH)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Berlin to Zurich. While the left side has a decent Berlin departure view, the right side wins overall for the Zurich arrival. The Alpine panorama on approach to ZRH from the right is one of the most spectacular arrival views in European aviation, and the right side also captures the Bavarian lakes and the northern Alpine foothills during the cruise descent through southern Germany.
What can I see during takeoff from Berlin Brandenburg in Berlin?
During takeoff from Berlin Brandenburg (BER), sit on the Left side for the best views. BER's primary departure runway 25L sends aircraft westward, placing the city of Berlin to the left (south side). You get a clear view over the southeastern districts of Berlin including Schönefeld and Treptow before the aircraft climbs out over Brandenburg's flat landscape. Notable sights include: Berlin city center skyline to the northwest, Müggelsee lake to the northeast, Schönefeld urban grid below, Spree river corridor visible threading northwest.
What can I see when landing at Zurich in Zurich?
When landing at Zurich (ZRH), sit on the Right side for the best views. ZRH's primary landing approach on runway 14 brings aircraft in from the north-northwest, meaning the right side faces east toward the Alps. You get a prolonged view of the Swiss Mittelland and then the full Alpine panorama including the Glarus Alps and, on clear days, the Bernese Oberland peaks on the horizon. Notable sights include: Lake Zurich (Zürichsee) below on approach, Glarus Alps to the southeast, Zurich city center and the Limmat river, Lake Greifen (Greifensee) to the east.
How long is the flight from Berlin to Zurich?
The flight from Berlin Brandenburg (BER) to Zurich (ZRH) takes about 1 hour 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 404 miles (650 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Berlin to Zurich flight path pass over?
The route tracks southwest over Brandenburg's flat pine-forested plains, then crosses Saxony and the Erzgebirge (Ore Mountains) on the Czech-German border — a low but distinct ridgeline. It then passes over Bavaria, where the Bavarian Plateau and the Chiemsee lake are visible, followed by the northern Alpine foothills (Voralpen) and the Inn river valley before descending into Switzerland over the Swiss Mittelland.