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DRS destination photo
ZRH destination photo

DRSZRH

Which side of the plane to sit from Dresden Airport (Dresden) to Zürich Airport (Zurich)?

Our Recommendation
8.5

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers a superior panorama of the Erzgebirge range after takeoff and spectacular views of Lake Constance and the Swiss Alps during the descent into Zurich.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
🏰

Dresden & Elbe Valley

A stunning aerial view of the historic Old Town and the Elbe River winding through Saxony immediately after departure.

🏔️

Ore Mountains (Erzgebirge)

Follow the ridgeline along the German-Czech border, featuring dense forests and deep valleys.

💧

Lake Constance (Bodensee)

Expansive views of Central Europe's third largest lake where Germany, Austria, and Switzerland meet.

⛰️

Alpstein Massif

Dramatic views of the Säntis peak and the Appenzell Alps as the plane begins its final approach.

🏙️

Zurich City & Lake

Depending on the landing runway, you may see the northern tip of Lake Zurich and the city's financial district.

Book a window seat on the left (A) for the best Alpine views. Morning flights provide excellent front-lighting on the mountains, while afternoon flights offer softer light for capturing Lake Constance. Seasonal snow cover on the Erzgebirge in winter makes for particularly sharp photographic contrast.

Right Side Highlights
7.2
🌲

Thuringian Forest

View the dark, rolling hills of one of Germany's most famous forested mountain ranges.

⛰️

Swabian Jura

Observe the distinctive limestone escarpments and plateaus of Baden-Württemberg mid-flight.

🌊

Rhine Falls

Europe's largest waterfall near Schaffhausen is often visible on the right just before touchdown at ZRH.

🌳

Black Forest

Distant views of the high peaks of the Black Forest (Schwarzwald) to the west as you cross into Switzerland.

✈️

Airport Approach

Watch the intricate highway systems and Swiss suburban landscapes north of Zurich during descent.

The right side (F) is ideal for sunset flights to witness the 'Golden Hour' over the Swabian Jura, though be prepared for intense sun glare. Keep your eyes peeled roughly 10 minutes before landing to spot the mist from the Rhine Falls near the town of Schaffhausen.

Top Activities in Zurich
Route Information

Distance: 556 km (345 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 56 min

Departure: DRS (51.1328010559082, 13.767200469970703)

Arrival: ZRH (47.464699, 8.54917)

Route Type: International

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