germany Archives - Photo Tips, Creative Photography + Travel Guides - The Wandering Lens

14 Photogenic Winter Destinations in Europe

Lisa Michele Burns — Mon, 09 Oct 2017 06:10:11 +0000

Where to go in Europe for amazing winter photos! There’s a chill in the air, snow in the mountains and magic in the sky. Winter is perhaps the most photogenic season in Europe and by far my personal favourite, offering a variety of landscapes formed by dramatic weather conditions. Photographing winter scenery is a constant buzz of excitement, anticipation and fleeting opportunities filled with total photo perfection. Once you’ve experienced an Aurora hunt, snow storm and editing session by the fire after a long day outdoors it becomes an addiction. A never ending adventure to photograph the perfect northern lights display, a charming village square at Christmas filled with twinkly lights or an alpine wilderness that feels like you’re a million miles from anywhere. There’s something about gearing up to face the elements, heading out to photograph the unknown and waiting for the conditions to line up. Summer can be a little predictable but winter is most certainly a total contrast, not just where temperatures are concerned. With castles, volcanoes, glaciers, waterfalls and the Alps; Europe over delivers when it comes to winter photography locations. Below I’ve put together a guide to some of my favourite destinations that I’ve been...

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A Guide to German + Austrian Christmas Markets

Lisa Michele Burns — Mon, 21 Dec 2015 08:00:35 +0000

From Nuremberg to Vienna – Your Guide to Some of Europe’s Best Christmas Markets As an Aussie, Christmas has always been about a day by the beach and a barbeque in the hot sun. Santa arrives on a surf board, speed boat or jetski and the possibility of snow is about the furthest thing from our minds. This year though I’m in Europe wearing the biggest coat I own paired with the thickest scarf I’ve ever seen. It’s basically a blanket I wrap around my neck. It doesn’t really feel like a typical December but Christmas still seems to be all around me in a different way. And I’m loving it. Christmas in Europe has that special feeling where suddenly all the carols make sense. The words to ‘Winter Wonderland’ are a daily ritual and jingle bells seems to have a little more jingle to its beat. Real Christmas trees are sold in florists, mulled wine is rolled out in the barrel load and an early sunset each day means more time spent walking under twinkling lights in the evening. From late November, Christmas markets become the hub of jolly spirit and festivity in towns and cities throughout the continent....

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Winter Wonderland: The Fairy Tale Village of Hohenschwangau

Lisa Michele Burns — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 23:00:35 +0000

Neuschwanstein Castle and Hohenschwangau in Photos This German village is the gateway to a land of fairy tales. Nestled amongst snow covered forests its where horse drawn carriages transport visitors to the immensely lavish castles perched high upon hills. Childhood fantasies of Sleeping Beauty’s castle come to life as you get your first glimpse of Neuschwanstein Castle through the pine trees. The towering castle is the epitome of Disney magic and was the home of King Ludwig II who commissioned the palace as a personal retreat. Open to the public since his death in 1886, Neuschwanstein Castle has seen over 61million visitors though still manages to retain that intriguing luxe charm of a royal private residence (except for the inclusion of a food court which I can’t get my head around!?). For me, far more impressive than the interior are the views and photographic opportunities from Marienbrücke (Marie’s Bridge), a short hike up hill from the castle. Dangling over a ravine the bridge offers panoramic views of the castle, lakes and down below are cascading waterfalls weaving their way through frozen creek crevices. Walking through the dense woodland brings scenes of the folkloric tales of Brothers Grimm into reality. It’s...

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