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ZRH → AMS
Which side of the plane to sit from Zürich Airport (Zurich) to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (Amsterdam)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior view of the Swiss Alps on departure, the winding Rhine River, and the massive urban sprawl of the German Ruhr region before landing in the Netherlands.
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Swiss Alps Panorama
Shortly after takeoff, enjoy a sweeping panoramic view of the snow-capped Swiss Alps to the south and east.
Lake Constance
View the massive Bodensee where Switzerland, Germany, and Austria meet, often visible during the early cruise phase.
Middle Rhine Valley
Look down to see the Rhine river carving through steep valleys dotted with historic castles and vineyards.
Cologne Skyline
Identify the iconic twin spires of the Cologne Cathedral and the dense urban layout of the Rhine-Ruhr metropolitan area.
Amsterdam City
On specific landing patterns (like the Polderbaan approach), the right side offers the best chance to see the Amsterdam canal ring.
The right side is the 'mountain side' for the first 15 minutes of the flight. For the best experience, choose a seat ahead of the wing to ensure an unobstructed view of the Rhine's bends. If landing at AMS in the morning, the light will be behind you, providing crisp, clear views of the German and Dutch landscapes.
Book Hotels in AmsterdamZurich City & Lake
Excellent views of the Limmat river and the full expanse of Lake Zurich immediately after takeoff from ZRH.
Black Forest
Fly over the dense canopy of the Schwarzwald in Southern Germany, known for its dark evergreen landscapes.
Vosges Mountains
Spot the rounded peaks of the French Vosges across the Rhine valley as you head north towards the Benelux.
Dutch Polders
As you descend, witness the intricate canal systems and perfectly rectangular fields characteristic of Dutch land reclamation.
Sit on the left if you want a better view of Zurich city on departure. During the final approach to Schiphol from the south, the left side often provides views of the North Sea coastline and the Port of Rotterdam. Afternoon flights are better on this side to avoid the harsh glare of the eastern sun.
Get eSIMs for Switzerland
Get eSIMs for NetherlandsDistance: 603 km (375 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr
Departure: ZRH (47.464699, 8.54917)
Arrival: AMS (52.308601, 4.76389)
Route Type: International
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