A Photographer’s Alpine Adventure: Grossvenediger in Autumn
At the end of October, during Halloween and All Saints' Day, I embarked on a photography hike in the Austrian Alps. Our goal: to climb Grossvenediger, a majestic peak, over 2-3 days. The journey tested our endurance but rewarded us with incredible views and unforgettable encounters.
Day 1: The Ascent
The first leg of the climb began on gravel paths winding through stunning alpine scenery. As the gravel gave way to steep rocky trails, the challenge grew. Streams and rock fields demanded focus with every step, but the magical autumn light made it all worthwhile. The alpenglow, a golden hue that graces the peaks, is a sight every adventurer should experience.
The gravel road. Not technical, but steep…
As we ascended, we met another group on the trail—a Hungarian group, just like us. To my surprise, one of them was Viktor Zicho, a cyclist and adventurer whose journeys I had followed closely. Meeting him in such an unexpected setting was a delightful surprise, and we exchanged stories before continuing on our separate ways.
We reached the mountain refuge late in the evening, tired from heavy packs and a slow pace. The refuge was basic, with no running water and temperatures around 5°C, but it offered shelter. We melted snow for water, warmed ourselves by a small fire, and prepared for the next day’s climb.
On the right is our home for the next 3 days
Day 2: The Glacier
With clear skies and perfect weather, we began the glacier climb early. After a short rocky section and a steel ladder, we put on crampons, harnesses, and ropes. The glacier’s serene beauty concealed its danger, with hidden crevasses requiring careful navigation.
The summit
The climb, though not overly technical, was tiring. The stunning alpine landscape provided endless photographic inspiration. At the summit, the views were breathtaking—a reward for the effort. By sunset, we descended to the ladder, where the peaks glowed golden in the fading light. This moment, with the alpenglow bathing the peaks, yielded some of my favorite photographs from the trip.
Golden light
Me on the left, taking my favourite pictures from the trip
Back at the hut, we enjoyed a quiet evening alone. The other group, including Viktor, had descended earlier, leaving us to reflect on the day in solitude. We melted snow, cooked dinner, and rested for the descent.
Day 3: Descent and Lakeside Serenity
The next morning’s sunrise painted the landscape in vibrant colors, making the descent even more beautiful.
The last morning. I just pitched my tent to take a photo…
Rather than rushing home, we detoured to a nearby lake and camped by its serene shores. The cold water offered a refreshing swim, though I was the only one brave enough to dive in. The empty beach, closed for the season, felt like our private retreat.
I could never resist a cold dip in lake
Later, we visited another lake but chose to leave our cameras aside, simply soaking in the beauty of the Alps. Sometimes, experiencing the moment is enough.
Reflections
The Austrian Alps are a photographer’s dream, filled with moments of challenge, awe, and tranquility. This journey was a reminder of nature’s power and beauty, leaving me with memories and images I’ll treasure forever.
If you’ve never experienced the alpenglow, the stark beauty of autumn in the Alps, or the camaraderie of meeting like-minded adventurers in the wild, I can only say: go. The mountains will stay with you long after you’ve descended.
