Loserfenster

On the trail between the Augstsee and the summit of the Loser you'll find an amazing hidden gem, the Loserfenster. It's a natural arch cut through a rib of limestone, wide enough to frame a whole mountain inside the opening. Through it you look down on the Gschwandtalm at the head of the Rettenbach valley, with the Schönberg standing behind. The ground below the arch falls away steeply, so watch your footing near the edge. Ideally set up a few metres back and drop the camera low, which puts more of the far peak in the frame and less sky. Side light early or late in the day brings out the texture in the rock. Wider views from up here reach the Dachstein and across the Totes Gebirge. The walk in from the Loser Alm takes about 45 minutes over rocky ground. Getting to the Loser Alm means either the Panoramabahn gondola or the toll road (usualy the road barrier is only open when the gondola is not running). Both cost money. The toll road does close throughout the winter. So you will need to make sure to plan this photo adventure in advance. (Altaussee, Styria, Austria)