Trip Report: The Austrian Alps - May 2025

Sir Karl Raimund Popper was an Austrian-British philosopher, academic and social commentator. Popper stated that “in Austria, nature and civilization coexist in perfect harmony, creating a landscape that is both breathtaking and refined.” Throughout our time in this beautiful country, we ventured from city to small town, to a hut on the top of a mountain pass, and back. We witnessed and photographed exactly what Popper discussed. The natural beauty of Austria takes the cake, and the civilization is built around and highlights the landscape.

Our journey began with visits to two breathtaking gorges—natural corridors carved by time and water, now accessible via well-maintained boardwalks. These pathways allowed us to traverse narrow rock canyons, surrounded by rushing water and moss-covered stone. Each bend in the boardwalk unveiled new photographic opportunities: waterfalls plunging into crystalline pools, and torrents of whitewater twisting through ancient granite.

We continued on to Krimml Falls, the highest waterfall in Austria, standing at an impressive 1,247 feet (380 meters). Tiered across multiple levels, Krimml cascades through a lush, forested valley—its thunderous roar echoing through pine and fir. From the base, a winding trail offered dynamic perspectives of the falls, each step higher revealing sweeping views of the Hohe Tauern National Park.

The following day marked a dramatic ascent—both physically and visually—as we journeyed into the high alpine region along the famed Grossglockner High Alpine Road. This engineering marvel rises above 8,000 feet (2,500 meters), winding past glacial valleys, alpine meadows, and towering peaks en route to the foot of Grossglockner, Austria’s tallest mountain at 12,461 feet (3,798 meters).

I was particularly excited for our first glimpse of wildflowers in the valleys. If you’ve done a trip with me, you know I’m a huge fan of depth of field. You can often find me behind a tree or bush, using natural elements to help frame my subject and add an element into my images. I love flowers and was happy to have the images I dreamed of for this trip- picturesque peaks with touches of out of focus color in the foreground.

Our lodging was the Edelweiss Hut, perched high atop Edelweiss Peak. From this vantage point, we were surrounded by panoramic views in all directions—jagged ridgelines, snow-dusted peaks, and broad valleys etched by ancient glaciers. The hut's remote location allowed us unrestricted access to alpine photography

We spent 2 days in this area, photographing both sides of the alpine road. Staying at the Edelweiss Hut on top of a peak, allowed us to walk out and shoot whenever we wanted, giving high alpine views in every direction you looked. I loved this opportunity. I was constantly walking right back outside after coming in, as the clouds moved and revealed different peaks and aspects of the mountains. The character of the hut itself was great as well, and it was fun to get photos of the windows and reflected mountain views.

After descending from the mountains, we paused near the Grossglockner base to enjoy a leisurely lunch. The backdrop—snow-fringed cliffs and a commanding view of the peak—was enriched by the presence of marmots, curious and habituated alpine dwellers that posed playfully for our lenses. Honestly, these marmots had to be the most habituated animals I’ve ever encountered. They were coming right up to our lenses, allowing for some great portrait opportunities.  

En route to our next destination, we made a detour to Heiligenblut, a postcard-perfect village crowned by the Church of St. Vincent. Its sharp Gothic spire rises dramatically against a backdrop of alpine peaks, a visual icon of Austria’s spiritual and architectural heritage. 

Our final mountain retreat brought us to Gosau, nestled at the foot of the awe-inspiring Dachstein Mountains. As we neared our hotel—our home for the next three nights—the landscape shifted from dramatic peaks to painterly vistas: deep blue alpine lakes, vibrant green meadows, and rugged limestone spires that loomed like sentinels above the valley.

Upon arrival, our entire group fell into stunned silence, a collective intake of breath that mirrored the dramatic sweep of scenery before us. We had found one of the most visually arresting places in Austria.

During our time in Gosau, we embarked on photo excursions to nearby valleys and lakes, and even ascended via scenic tram rides that delivered us to mountaintop vistas, where trails led to still more overlooks and hidden gems. The nearby town of Hallstatt, famous for its mirrored lake reflections and historic lakeside houses, offered both charm and photographic richness. As they say in the Sound of Music, the “hills were alive” for us in our time in Austria! 

As our journey drew to a close, we returned to Salzburg, a city that bridges nature and culture as seamlessly as the Alps themselves. Austria delivered not just picture-perfect scenery, but a spiritual experience. The fusion of majestic geography and thoughtful human presence made for a journey that will echo in memory—and in images—for years to come.