The Wetterstein Reflected in Lake Eibsee

In 2015, All Saints’ Day was not a foggy grey, damp and cold day for large parts of Bavaria and the Alps. Instead, it treated us to pleasant temperatures, clear air and soothing sunshine. I had long planned to visit Lake Eibsee, nestled below the Wetterstein Massif and the Zugspitze, and now I wanted to make the most of the soft afternoon sunlight to photograph the still autumnal, colourful forests against the dark, steeply rising rock faces.

Timing is crucial, as the sun quickly disappears behind the western ridge, gradually plunging more areas of the lake into shadow, especially the emerald-fringed glowing islands and shallows. The entire area offers magnificent photo opportunities, which is why numerous other photographers are out and about – alongside the many hikers, walkers, athletes, etc., all enjoying this splendid autumn day. For a shot capturing the lake’s reflection, I was lucky that it remained almost windless, with only a few ‘disturbing factors’ creating waves, such as visitors throwing stones into the water, kayakers, ducks, and so on.

Even the two kayakers eventually made for an attractive subject. This autumn is simply delightful, as the weather allowed me to take wonderfully beautiful photo tours to the Great Ahornboden with its impressive sycamore maples, or to Lake Achensee in front of the Karwendel mountain giants.