Besseggen Ridge

Besseggen Ridge is one of Norway's most dramatic hiking vantage points, offering a knife-edge walk above two strikingly different lakes, the deep blue Bessvatnet and the vivid turquoise Gjende, separated by a narrow ridge with nearly 400 meters of sheer drop between them. The classic shot looks down along the ridge itself with both lakes visible on either side, and a wide angle lens in the 16-35mm range works well to capture the full scale of the scene. Midday light in summer can be harsh, but golden hour in the long Scandinavian summer evenings brings warm tones across the peaks and adds depth to the water colors. The trail from Memurubu or Gjendesheim is roughly 14 kilometers, so plan for a full day and arrive early to beat the crowds that gather at the narrow ridge section. Sturdy footwear is essential as the terrain is rocky and exposed. (Jotunheimen National Park, Norway)