The right side captures the most dramatic scenery: Lake Zurich on departure, then the full panorama of the Austrian Alps including the Hohe Tauern range visible to the south during cruise, and the approach into the Styrian basin. The left side has good landing views but the right side wins on total scenic value across the flight.
Flown ZRH to GRZ? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Zurich to Graz is 325 miles (523 km), a flight of about 1 hour 5 minutes.
The flight crosses the Austrian Alps, passing north of the Arlberg region and over the Salzburg Alps. The Inn valley and Salzburg may be visible to the north. The Niedere Tauern and Seckauer Alps are visible below as the aircraft descends toward Graz. The transition from high alpine terrain to the rolling Styrian hills is a notable visual shift in the final 15 minutes.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from ZRH
RIGHTZurich typically departs on runway 16 (southbound) or 28 (westbound). On a southeasterly routing toward Graz, a right-side seat gives views over Lake Zurich as the aircraft climbs and turns east, with the Alps rising ahead. The Glarus Alps and Säntis massif are clearly visible to the right during the initial climb.
Landing at GRZ
LEFTGraz airport typically lands on runway 35C (northbound approach) or 17C (southbound). On approach from the west, a left-side seat looks south over the Styrian hills and the city of Graz itself, with the Schlossberg hill and the Mur river valley clearly visible. The eastern Alps including the Gleinalpe ridge are visible to the left on final approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Zurich (ZRH) to Graz Mil/civ (GRZ)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Zurich to Graz. The right side captures the most dramatic scenery: Lake Zurich on departure, then the full panorama of the Austrian Alps including the Hohe Tauern range visible to the south during cruise, and the approach into the Styrian basin. The left side has good landing views but the right side wins on total scenic value across the flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Zurich in Zurich?
During takeoff from Zurich (ZRH), sit on the Right side for the best views. Zurich typically departs on runway 16 (southbound) or 28 (westbound). On a southeasterly routing toward Graz, a right-side seat gives views over Lake Zurich as the aircraft climbs and turns east, with the Alps rising ahead. The Glarus Alps and Säntis massif are clearly visible to the right during the initial climb. Notable sights include: Lake Zurich, Glarus Alps, Säntis massif (2,502m), city of Zurich below.
What can I see when landing at Graz Mil/civ in Graz?
When landing at Graz Mil/civ (GRZ), sit on the Left side for the best views. Graz airport typically lands on runway 35C (northbound approach) or 17C (southbound). On approach from the west, a left-side seat looks south over the Styrian hills and the city of Graz itself, with the Schlossberg hill and the Mur river valley clearly visible. The eastern Alps including the Gleinalpe ridge are visible to the left on final approach. Notable sights include: City of Graz and Schlossberg hill, Mur river valley, Gleinalpe ridge, Styrian hill country.
How long is the flight from Zurich to Graz?
The flight from Zurich (ZRH) to Graz Mil/civ (GRZ) takes about 1 hour 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 325 miles (523 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Zurich to Graz flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Austrian Alps, passing north of the Arlberg region and over the Salzburg Alps. The Inn valley and Salzburg may be visible to the north. The Niedere Tauern and Seckauer Alps are visible below as the aircraft descends toward Graz. The transition from high alpine terrain to the rolling Styrian hills is a notable visual shift in the final 15 minutes.