
Good things come to those who dare – like on this magic afternoon in the mountains. The Significant Other and I decided to do a late afternoon hike up the Riedingtal, a valley in the Austrian Alps, despite the overcast and showery weather. And yes, while almost up on the valley floor, it started pouring, and we barely escaped into a serviced alpine hut for some cake and coffee. And then the magic happened….

Just twenty minutes later, the clouds started to break up and the sun came out. The first we saw was the magnificent rainbow over the Zwillingwand mountain (2518 meters), which is the title image of this post. Then we started to walk around the Schlierensee, a mountain lake directly at the hut, and where treated with significant views of the surrounding mountains, mainly the Weißeck (2714 meters) and the majestic, pyramid-like Riedingspitze (2266 meters).




With local time already approaching 7pm, the golden glow of the sun starting her descent behind the mountains and the fogs raising from the surface of the mountain lake provided for some great photographic opportunities. I carried the Olympus OM-D E-M1X and the mZuiko 12-100 F/4 Pro Zoom.

On the way back down the valley we passed the “Brünnwand Quellen”, waterfalls where the water actually comes out into the open in the middle of the mountain rock face before tumbling to the valley floor (visible in the top right of the image below).


We made it down to the parking at the valley entrance just with sunset, still awed by the natural beauty that appeared so unexpectedly on this magic afternoon in the mountains. Because good things come to those who dare.
All images RAW converted and post processed in Lightroom Classic.
Wish you a great Saturday
Marcus
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So beautiful scenery! Loved it. Stay safe! 🙂
Thanks for your kind words, Ishita, much appreciated! Stay safe yourself! Marcus
You are most welcome!!
Your photos always make me feel like I’m planted in that exact moment.
Thank so much, Cate, this means so much! Have a peaceful 4th of July, and stay safe! Marcus
Marvellous !
Thanks so much for taking the time to visit and comment! Marcus
Absolutely stunning series of photos, Marcus! Looks like a truly magical time!!
Thanks, Amy, appreciate your kind words! It was a totally unexpected, truly magic evening! Marcus
Beautiful, breathtaking images, in particular the rainbow (I love rainbows :-)) and the black-and-white image. Magical, indeed. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for your kind feedback, Alina, so much appreciated! I hope all is well with you! Stay safe! Marcus
I enjoy your pictures so much that you have inspired me to purchase a better camera. I haven’t been on this site very much due to my new favorite hobby. Thank you, life looks so different to me now.
Thanks so much for this wonderful feedback. I’m glad I could inspire you! Photography fits in every life situation, no matter what 😉 Stay safe! Marcus
Magical!
Thanks, Snow, much appreciated! Marcus
All beautiful captures, Marcus. I think my favourite is the one of the lake with the daisies in front. I love the mountains but I’m always drawn to water.
Thank so much for your kind words, Carol! The scenery was just awesome up at this mountain lake! Stay safe! Marcus
What a stunning hike Marcus and so glad you dared! I love the rainbow and the dramatic light created by this type of weather – a true photographer’s dream. Thank you so much for sharing and we look forward to when restrictions are lifted and we can go hiking again too 🤗
Oh my, what glorious pictures, sounds like an awesome and spectacular hike.
Thanks, Jill, as always so much appreciated! We had a great time out in the mountains! Marcus
Beautiful captures
Thanks, Arv, very much appreciated! Marcus
Wow! Magnificent landscape.
Thanks, Len, highly appreciated! Marcus
Thank you Marcus, for sharing the splendid moments you captured masterfully. They definitely made my day a brighter one.
Thanks for your wonderful feedback, Cornelia, it means so much! Marcus
The fog over that lake is everything
Thanks, Craig, so much appreciated! Marcus
Oh yes…magic indeed! I love the photos with the flowers in the foreground…so pretty. The fog rising over the lake is perfection. So glad to see you were able to get away to the mountains and those views!
Thanks, Linda, your kind words are so much appreciated! Marcus
Fantastic views! Great job getting out there and capturing the magic.
Thanks, Yuri, this coming from you means so much! Stay safe! Marcus
Delightful – definitely chocolate box lid country !
Thanks, Marion, love your kind words! This is a beautiful area of Austria. Enjoy a peaceful weekend! Marcus
The waterfall photo is absolutely gorgeous. You have so much talent!!!!
Awwwhhh, thanks so much for your kind words! Marcus
Wow, marvellous scenery!
Thanks, Sue, so much appreciated! Marcus
I want to be there!!
You were smart to go out even when the weather wasn’t perfect. I find that times when the weather is changeable can be much more rewarding than a blue sky day. The photos are great – what an inspiring place! You had the mountains, the lakes, fog, a rainbow – AND a place to duck in for treats. And each other to enjoy it all with. I love the low angle of the last photo – perfect composition. Putting the daisies right in front of the lake scene was smart, too – that’s such a fresh, happy-looking shot. Well, I’m jealous, but I’m happy for you both. 🙂
Thanks, Lynn, appreciate your feedback so much! We both love your kind words. It feels so good to be able to experience these natural marvels! Have a splendid weekend! Marcus
Stunning photos, Marcus. And such an interesting variety. Were the cattle free range?
Thanks so much:-) ! The cattle were free range indeed! Happy Saturday! Marcus
Great shots Marcus. So nice to have some new beauty to look at. Thanks for sharing. Hope all is well. Allan
Thanks, Allan, appreciate your kind words so much. All is well, wen did enjoy a wonderful vacation. The next one needs to be earned again 🙂 Marcus
Gorgeous photos!
Thanks, Leah, so much appreciated! I‘m just falling in love with your blog 😉
Fantastic mountain pictures Marcus – love it!! Take care, Michael
Danke, Michael 🙂 ! What about our bicycle trip 😉 ??
What a marvelous post and gorgeous photos! Thanks so much, Marcus.
Thanks so much for your kind words, Bruce, they are so much appreciated! Marcus
OM Gosh, Marcus, your photos are so beautiful! I can see what you were doing on holiday! stay safe and well my friend. 😎
Thanks so much for reading and commenting, John, highly appreciated! We truly enjoyed our vacation! Stay safe as well, on horror story coming from the US these days. Marcus
Thanks, Marcus, I stay away from the crazy BS going on here. Home is my safe place. And your so welcome! 😎