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DUS destination photo
ZRH destination photo

DUSZRH

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

Our Recommendation
8.5

Left Side of the Plane

The left side provides a superior vantage point for viewing the vast Lake Constance and the dramatic rise of the Alps as you enter Swiss airspace, with better lighting conditions during mid-day flights.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
🏭

The Ruhr Valley

Immediately after takeoff, view the dense industrial landscape and urban sprawl of Germany's most populous region.

🏙️

Frankfurt Horizon

Mid-flight, look eastward to see the distant skyscrapers of Frankfurt's financial district on a clear day.

💧

Lake Constance

A massive, sparkling blue lake shared by Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, marking the transition into the Alps.

🏔️

Säntis & Appenzell

Gaze at the sharp peaks of the Appenzell Alps, including the iconic Säntis mountain, during the descent.

⛳

Swiss Plateau

The lush, green rolling hills and small villages of the Thurgau region before landing.

Sit toward the front to avoid the wing blocking the view of Lake Constance. For morning flights, this side will be bright; for afternoon flights, the sun will be behind you, providing perfect lighting for photography of the mountains.

Right Side Highlights
7.8
⛪

Cologne Cathedral

Look back shortly after departure to spot the twin spires of the Kölner Dom rising above the Rhine.

🏰

Middle Rhine Valley

Identify the UNESCO World Heritage site known for its high concentration of medieval castles and steep vineyards.

🌲

The Black Forest

A vast, dark green canopy of evergreens covering the mountainous terrain of Southwest Germany.

⛰️

Jura Mountains

The limestone ridges that form the natural border between Switzerland and France.

🌊

Rhine Falls

If the flight approaches ZRH from the North, you may spot the largest waterfall in Europe near Schaffhausen.

This side is excellent for seeing the Rhine river's twists and turns. During the winter, the snow-covered Black Forest is particularly scenic. Keep an eye out for the Rhine Falls just minutes before touchdown if landing on Runway 14.

Top Activities in Zurich
Route Information

Distance: 444 km (276 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 44 min

Departure: DUS (51.289501, 6.766780000000001)

Arrival: ZRH (47.464699, 8.54917)

Route Type: International

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