Stara Plynarna Restaurant & Hotel (Historický Objekt Bývalé Plynárny)

This image was taken along the stairs above the Stara Plynarna restaurant and hotel near the border of Germany and the Czech Republic in Hřensko. If you're coming from Germany, drive south along highway 62 into the town of Hřensko. You won't have to pass through a border check point, but I still recommend traveling with your passport in case you're stopped. There's a parking lot called Parkoviště Soutěsky (50.874359, 14.243721) where you can park your car, but please be aware that you'll have to pay a fee for parking. If you'd like to avoid the fee and park for free, you can park in a lot that's just north of Stara Plynarna (50.873895, 14.243554). Even though it's a smaller lot, you should still be able to find a spot. After you park, head south toward the stairs and then reference the GPS to get to the exact spot where I stood to take the photo. I stood on the right side of the top of the stairs, looking down, to get this perspective. Address: Stara Plynaran Restaurat & Hotel, Hřensko 119, 407 17 Hřensko, Czechia

Early October through early November will be the most ideal months to photograph Stara Plynarna. During this time, you'll find the trees in full autumn colors.

In the morning, midday and late afternoon, you'll be able to find similar lighting conditions. The dense trees that surround the restaurant and hotel create a shade that adds to the moody effect of the composition, so avoid visiting if it's an overcast day.

Try positioning yourself so that you're directly in front of the building, rather than to the side. From this vantage point, you'll be able to capture the varying layers, levels and depths of the architecture.

I suggest using the leaves and bushes to frame your photo. At the top of the stairs there will be many different trees and I think it's best to take advantage of your natural surroundings. Don't hesitate to get into the bushes for the perfect shot!

The gray tones of the rocks and building complement each other well, so make sure to use a wide-angle lens (16mm) and incorporate the rocks in the background of your photo.

If you're not staying overnight, I recommend dining in at the Stara Plynarna restaurant. Also, make sure to ask the staff about the spooky history of the building!

Visit the nearby Edmundsklamm for a waterfront photo location spot. It's one of the most popular tourist destinations in the area — especially for its scenic boat tours.