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ZRH destination photo
GWT destination photo

ZRHGWT

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

Our Recommendation
8.5

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers a superior perspective of the iconic North Sea coastline, the sprawling Port of Hamburg, and the final approach over the unique Wadden Sea landscape during the descent into Sylt.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
🏔️

Black Forest

Lush green landscapes of the Schwarzwald region shortly after crossing the Swiss-German border.

🏙️

Frankfurt Skyline

A distant view of Germany's financial hub and its recognizable skyscrapers depending on the flight path.

⚓

Port of Hamburg

One of Europe's largest ports and the winding Elbe River as you head toward the northern coast.

🌊

Wadden Sea

The UNESCO World Heritage site featuring dramatic tidal flats and shifting sandbanks.

🏖️

Sylt West Beach

The famous long sandy coastline of the island visible during the final approach pattern.

Book a window seat on the left for afternoon flights to catch the sunset reflecting off the North Sea. Keep your camera ready as you pass Hamburg, as the transition from urban landscape to coastal marshes happens quickly. In winter, look for ice floes in the Wadden Sea.

Right Side Highlights
7.8
⛵

Lake Constance

A wide-angle view of the Bodensee and the surrounding tri-border region of Switzerland, Germany, and Austria.

⛰️

Harz Mountains

Views of the Brocken, the highest peak in Northern Germany, often shrouded in mist.

🏝️

North Frisian Islands

Aerial views of the islands of Föhr and Amrum sitting in the shallow coastal waters.

🚂

Hindenburgdamm

The iconic 11km long railway causeway connecting Sylt to the German mainland.

🌾

Rantum Basin

A protected bird sanctuary and salt marshes located on the southern part of the island.

The right side is ideal for morning flights to avoid direct sunlight glare. This side provides the best view of the Hindenburgdamm causeway during the final descent, which is a must-see for engineering enthusiasts. Use a polarizing filter for photos to capture the vibrant blues and greens of the coastal waters.

Top Activities in Westerland
Route Information

Distance: 828 km (514 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 23 min

Departure: ZRH (47.464699, 8.54917)

Arrival: GWT (54.9132003784, 8.34047031403)

Route Type: International

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