ZRH

Best window seat at Zurich

Which side of the plane?

Pick the window seat with the view. 13,500 routes answered — landmarks, coastlines and cities, wing by wing.

Taking offLEFT

Lake Zurich, Zurich city center, Uetliberg ridge

LandingRIGHT

Lake Zurich, City of Zurich along the lakeshore, Uetliberg forested ridge

🛫 Taking Off from Zurich (ZRH)

Best sideLeft
WhyDeparting south on runway 16, the aircraft climbs directly over Zurich city with Lake Zurich unfolding on the left side, stretching southeast toward Rapperswil. On clear days you'll also catch the first glimpses of the Alpine ridgeline in the distance ahead as the plane climbs out.
Look forLake Zurich, Zurich city center, Uetliberg ridge, distant Alpine peaks on the horizon
Left window seat view during takeoff from Zurich (ZRH) — Lake Zurich, Zurich city center, Uetliberg ridge, distant Alpine peaks on the horizonLeft Side
Right window seat view during takeoff from Zurich (ZRH) — Lake Zurich, Zurich city center, Uetliberg ridge, distant Alpine peaks on the horizonRight Side

🛬 Landing at Zurich (ZRH)

Best sideRight
WhyOn the runway 14 approach, aircraft cross into Swiss airspace from the northeast before turning onto final toward the southeast, and this turn puts Lake Zurich and the city along its shore off to the right side of the cabin. Passengers on the right also get a good look at the Uetliberg ridge overlooking the city, with the Alps forming a hazy backdrop to the south.
Look forLake Zurich, City of Zurich along the lakeshore, Uetliberg forested ridge, distant Alpine peaks on the horizon
Left window seat view during landing at Zurich (ZRH) — Lake Zurich, City of Zurich along the lakeshore, Uetliberg forested ridge, distant Alpine peaks on the horizonLeft Side
Right window seat view during landing at Zurich (ZRH) — Lake Zurich, City of Zurich along the lakeshore, Uetliberg forested ridge, distant Alpine peaks on the horizonRight Side
ZurichPhoto: Leo Wildisen

Zurich Airport is Switzerland's largest and busiest, located about 13 km north of the city center with direct train access to the main station. It has three terminals (Docks A, B, and the midfield Dock E, reached via an underground Skymetro) and serves as the main hub for Swiss International Air Lines and the Star Alliance network.

⛰️ Elevation1,417 ft
🛫 Runways4 (16/34, 14/32, 10/28, 01H/19H)
✈️ HubSwiss International Air Lines, Edelweiss Air
📍 NearbyACH 47 miFDH 47 miBSL 49 miBRN 62 miSXB 86 mi

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About This Airport

Which side of the plane has the best views at Zurich (ZRH)?

At Zurich in Zurich: for takeoff, sit on the Left side; for landing, sit on the Right side. Notable views include: Lake Zurich, Zurich city center, Uetliberg ridge, distant Alpine peaks on the horizon.

What can I see during takeoff from Zurich in Zurich?

When taking off from Zurich (ZRH), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing south on runway 16, the aircraft climbs directly over Zurich city with Lake Zurich unfolding on the left side, stretching southeast toward Rapperswil. On clear days you'll also catch the first glimpses of the Alpine ridgeline in the distance ahead as the plane climbs out. Notable sights include: Lake Zurich, Zurich city center, Uetliberg ridge, distant Alpine peaks on the horizon.

What can I see when landing at Zurich in Zurich?

When landing at Zurich (ZRH), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the runway 14 approach, aircraft cross into Swiss airspace from the northeast before turning onto final toward the southeast, and this turn puts Lake Zurich and the city along its shore off to the right side of the cabin. Passengers on the right also get a good look at the Uetliberg ridge overlooking the city, with the Alps forming a hazy backdrop to the south. Notable sights include: Lake Zurich, City of Zurich along the lakeshore, Uetliberg forested ridge, distant Alpine peaks on the horizon.

What factors affect the best window seat at Zurich?

The best window seat at Zurich (ZRH) depends on several factors: the typical runway used for your departure or arrival, the geographic features around Zurich (mountains, coastlines, city skylines), weather conditions, and time of day. Morning and evening flights often offer the best lighting for scenic views.