Burg Hocheppan

Burg Hocheppan (Castel d'Appiano) was originally built by Count Ulrich II of Eppan on a rocky spur in the 1130s. In its day it was one the strongest fortresses in the area, and a lot of it still stands today. There are heavy curtain walls, the old living quarters, and a five sided keep that's rare to see in Tyrol. The castle sits high on rugged hilltop with an incredible view of the vineyards below and the Dolomites across the valley. The forested hike gives you an amazing start to your shooting adventure as the castle slowly appears in front of you. You can experiment with capturing the imposing stone walls and the keep from the top. While you are here make sure to pause and capture the valley and Dolomites as an endless feeling landscape shot. The castle's interior is just as photogenic as the exterior. The chapel is filled with frescoes, sometimes called the Sistine Chapel of the Alps, including the famous 'dumpling eater.' You can only access the inside as part a guided tour, so ideally plan on going when a tour is running. Getting to the castle is roughly a twenty minute walk from the car park below,during tourist season there is a shuttle if you'd rather ride. As a bonus there is a tavern up top that makes amazing dumplings if you want to sit after you are finished, or while you are waiting for the light and skies to cooperate. (Eppan, South Tyrol, Italy)