The left side wins overall. The Zurich departure offers the best scenery of the flight with Lake Zurich and the Jura ridgeline, and over the North Atlantic the left side tracks closer to the Faroe Islands and the southern coast of Iceland on approach. The landing view on the right is excellent, but the departure scenery on the left is the highlight of this route.
Flown ZRH to RKV? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Zurich to Reykjavik is 1,622 miles (2,611 km), a flight of about 3 hours 45 minutes.
The route crosses the Rhine valley and Black Forest in Germany, then over the North Sea between Scotland and Norway, passing within range of the Faroe Islands roughly midway, before crossing the open North Atlantic and making landfall on Iceland's south coast near the Reykjanes Peninsula with its volcanic lava fields and geothermal activity visible as steam plumes on clear days.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from ZRH
LEFTZurich typically departs on runway 16 (southward) or 28 (westward). On a westbound departure toward Iceland, a left-side seat gives you views over the city of Zurich and Lake Zurich stretching southeast, then the Jura mountains as the aircraft turns northwest. Right side faces open farmland toward the Rhine.
Landing at RKV
RIGHTReykjavik domestic airport RKV typically uses runway 13 or 19 for arrivals from the northeast. Approaching from the southeast over Iceland, the right side faces Reykjavik city, Faxafloi Bay, and Mount Esja across the water. Left side looks inland toward the lava fields and Reykjanes Peninsula.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Zurich (ZRH) to Reykjavik (RKV)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Zurich to Reykjavik. The left side wins overall. The Zurich departure offers the best scenery of the flight with Lake Zurich and the Jura ridgeline, and over the North Atlantic the left side tracks closer to the Faroe Islands and the southern coast of Iceland on approach. The landing view on the right is excellent, but the departure scenery on the left is the highlight of this route.
What can I see during takeoff from Zurich in Zurich?
During takeoff from Zurich (ZRH), sit on the Left side for the best views. Zurich typically departs on runway 16 (southward) or 28 (westward). On a westbound departure toward Iceland, a left-side seat gives you views over the city of Zurich and Lake Zurich stretching southeast, then the Jura mountains as the aircraft turns northwest. Right side faces open farmland toward the Rhine. Notable sights include: Lake Zurich, the Jura mountain ridgeline, the Rhine valley, Zurich city center.
What can I see when landing at Reykjavik in Reykjavik?
When landing at Reykjavik (RKV), sit on the Right side for the best views. Reykjavik domestic airport RKV typically uses runway 13 or 19 for arrivals from the northeast. Approaching from the southeast over Iceland, the right side faces Reykjavik city, Faxafloi Bay, and Mount Esja across the water. Left side looks inland toward the lava fields and Reykjanes Peninsula. Notable sights include: Mount Esja, Faxafloi Bay, Reykjavik city and harbor, the Reykjanes lava fields.
How long is the flight from Zurich to Reykjavik?
The flight from Zurich (ZRH) to Reykjavik (RKV) takes about 3 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,622 miles (2,611 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Zurich to Reykjavik flight path pass over?
The route crosses the Rhine valley and Black Forest in Germany, then over the North Sea between Scotland and Norway, passing within range of the Faroe Islands roughly midway, before crossing the open North Atlantic and making landfall on Iceland's south coast near the Reykjanes Peninsula with its volcanic lava fields and geothermal activity visible as steam plumes on clear days.