Loading map...
KEF → ZRH
Which side of the plane to sit from Keflavik International Airport (Keflavik) to Zürich Airport (Zurich)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side is preferred for this route as it offers a superior view of the rugged Scottish Highlands, the English Channel shipping lanes, and a magnificent panorama of the Swiss Alps during the final descent into Zurich.
Reykjanes Lava Fields
Immediately after takeoff, view the otherworldly volcanic landscape and geothermal activity of the Reykjanes Peninsula.
The Scottish Highlands
Fly over the dramatic peaks, deep glens, and remote lochs of Western Scotland and the Hebrides.
English Channel
Spot the white cliffs of Dover and the world's busiest shipping lanes between England and France.
The Jura Mountains
Cross the forested ridges and limestone plateaus that mark the border between France and Switzerland.
The High Alps
As the aircraft maneuvers for landing, a spectacular jagged horizon of snow-capped peaks like the Eiger and Jungfrau appears to the south.
The right side offers better lighting for photography on southbound morning flights, as the sun will be on the left. Watch closely after crossing the French border; the sudden appearance of the Swiss Alps on the horizon is the highlight of the trip. If you fly during the day, the terrain variety from volcanic Iceland to the lush Alps is stunning.
Vatnajökull Glacier
On departure, you may catch the sprawling white expanse of Europe's largest glacier along Iceland's southern coast.
London and the Thames
The flight path often passes east of London, offering a bird's-eye view of the city's vast urban sprawl and the winding River Thames.
Benelux Countryside
Observe the intricate patterns of Dutch and Belgian farmland and the dense canal networks near the North Sea coast.
Lake Zurich
During the final approach, enjoy a close-up view of the pristine blue waters of Lake Zurich and the luxury villas lining its shores.
Sit on the left for the best chance to see the Aurora Borealis on winter night flights. For the landing at ZRH, this side provides a more intimate view of the city center and the lake if the plane approaches from the north as is typical.
Distance: 2,631 km (1,635 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 30 min
Departure: KEF (63.985000610352, -22.605600357056)
Arrival: ZRH (47.464699, 8.54917)
Route Type: International
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.