While the right side wins at takeoff for the Øresund Bridge, the left side captures the most dramatic scenery of the entire flight: over Germany the left side faces west with views toward the Rhine valley, and on approach into Zurich the left side delivers the full panorama of Lake Zurich and the Alps. The Alpine approach alone makes left the stronger overall choice.
Flown CPH to ZRH? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Copenhagen to Zurich is 591 miles (950 km), a flight of about 2 hours.
The route tracks roughly south-southwest over the German state of Schleswig-Holstein, then across Hamburg's metropolitan area, continuing over the North German Plain through Lower Saxony and into central Germany. Around the midpoint the flight crosses the Harz mountains (a low forested upland visible as a darker elevated patch). Further south the route passes over the Main river valley and Frankfurt region, then into Baden-Württemberg with the Black Forest (Schwarzwald) visible as a forested plateau before crossing into Switzerland and descending toward Zurich.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from CPH
RIGHTCPH typically departs on runway 22L/22R heading southwest, or 04 heading northeast. On the dominant southwesterly departure (22), the right side gives you views over the Øresund strait and the Øresund Bridge connecting Denmark to Sweden, plus the Swedish coastline around Malmö. This is the most visually striking feature of the departure.
Landing at ZRH
LEFTZRH typically lands on runway 14 (heading southeast) or runway 28 (heading west). On the common runway 14 approach from the north, the left side faces east and gives clear views of the Zürichsee (Lake Zurich) stretching southeast, the city of Zurich itself, and the distant Alps on the horizon including the Glarus Alps. This is significantly more scenic than the right side which faces toward the Jura hills.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Kastrup (CPH) to Zurich (ZRH)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Copenhagen to Zurich. While the right side wins at takeoff for the Øresund Bridge, the left side captures the most dramatic scenery of the entire flight: over Germany the left side faces west with views toward the Rhine valley, and on approach into Zurich the left side delivers the full panorama of Lake Zurich and the Alps. The Alpine approach alone makes left the stronger overall choice.
What can I see during takeoff from Kastrup in Copenhagen?
During takeoff from Kastrup (CPH), sit on the Right side for the best views. CPH typically departs on runway 22L/22R heading southwest, or 04 heading northeast. On the dominant southwesterly departure (22), the right side gives you views over the Øresund strait and the Øresund Bridge connecting Denmark to Sweden, plus the Swedish coastline around Malmö. This is the most visually striking feature of the departure. Notable sights include: Øresund Bridge (full span visible), Malmö city center across the strait, Amager Fælled wetlands below, Saltholm island in the Øresund.
What can I see when landing at Zurich in Zurich?
When landing at Zurich (ZRH), sit on the Left side for the best views. ZRH typically lands on runway 14 (heading southeast) or runway 28 (heading west). On the common runway 14 approach from the north, the left side faces east and gives clear views of the Zürichsee (Lake Zurich) stretching southeast, the city of Zurich itself, and the distant Alps on the horizon including the Glarus Alps. This is significantly more scenic than the right side which faces toward the Jura hills. Notable sights include: Zürichsee (Lake Zurich) stretching southeast, Zurich city center and old town, Glarus Alps on the distant horizon, Greifensee lake to the east.
How long is the flight from Copenhagen to Zurich?
The flight from Kastrup (CPH) to Zurich (ZRH) takes about 2 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 591 miles (950 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Copenhagen to Zurich flight path pass over?
The route tracks roughly south-southwest over the German state of Schleswig-Holstein, then across Hamburg's metropolitan area, continuing over the North German Plain through Lower Saxony and into central Germany. Around the midpoint the flight crosses the Harz mountains (a low forested upland visible as a darker elevated patch). Further south the route passes over the Main river valley and Frankfurt region, then into Baden-Württemberg with the Black Forest (Schwarzwald) visible as a forested plateau before crossing into Switzerland and descending toward Zurich.