Stegastein Lookout

Stegastein Lookout is a striking architectural platform jutting out 30 metres from a clifftop high above the Aurlandsfjord, giving you a dramatic bird's-eye view over the deep blue water and the small village of Aurlandsvangen far below. The clean lines of the wooden and steel structure work beautifully as a compositional element; shoot along the length of the platform to use it as a leading line drawing the eye toward the fjord, or position yourself at the glass-walled end for a pure landscape frame with nothing between you and the drop. Overcast days soften the harsh contrasts and bring out the deep greens of the surrounding mountains, while golden hour adds warm tones to the wooden planks and the water below. A wide-angle lens in the 16-24mm range works best here. The platform is accessible from the Aurlandsfjellet Scenic Route road, with a short walk from a small parking area. (Aurland, Vestland, Norway)