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RIX → ZRH
Which side of the plane to sit from Riga International Airport (Riga) to Zürich Airport (Zurich)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side provides a superior scenic experience, featuring a coastal departure from Riga, views of major German cities, and a front-row seat to the Rhine Falls during the final approach into Zurich.
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Gulf of Riga
Immediate views of the Daugava River mouth and the white sandy beaches of the Baltic coastline upon takeoff.
Berlin Metropolitan Area
The flight path often passes near the German capital, offering a glimpse of its unique urban sprawl and Tiergarten park.
Leipzig / Halle
Clear views of the large logistics hubs and industrial landscapes of eastern Germany.
The Black Forest
Lush evergreen canopies of the 'Schwarzwald' become visible as the aircraft enters the final stages of the journey.
Rhine Falls
Europe's most powerful waterfall is often clearly visible on the right side during the standard approach into ZRH.
Sit on the right side for sunset flights as the sun dips below the horizon over the German plains. Keep your camera ready roughly 12-15 minutes before landing; the plane typically passes right by the Rhine Falls, offering a rare aerial perspective of the cascading water.
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Masurian Lake District
A stunning landscape of over 2,000 lakes in northeastern Poland, visible shortly after reaching cruising altitude.
Warsaw Skyline
On clear days, the high-rises and the Vistula River winding through the Polish capital can be seen in the distance.
Ore Mountains
The 'Erzgebirge' range along the German-Czech border offers dense forest views and rolling mountain ridges.
Lake Constance
The vast 'Bodensee' creates a massive blue border between Germany, Austria, and Switzerland during the initial descent.
Central Alps
A distant but majestic panoramic view of the snow-capped Swiss and Austrian Alps as the plane turns toward Zurich.
The left side is ideal for morning flights to avoid the harsh glare of the sun. It offers the most consistent views of the Alpine horizon during the descent. In winter, look for the frost-covered forests of Poland and the Czech border which look spectacular from above.
Get eSIMs for Latvia
Get eSIMs for SwitzerlandDistance: 1,481 km (920 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 58 min
Departure: RIX (56.92359924316406, 23.971099853515625)
Arrival: ZRH (47.464699, 8.54917)
Route Type: International
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