Kleiner Winterberg Hike Rock Gap (windy)

This image was taken along the trail near Kleiner Winterberg, looking onto a model between two rock formations. To get to this location, you'll need a car and you'll have to hike for about 45 minutes. You can park at the start of the hike, which starts along the trail at Pension Felsenmühle (near 50.925790, 14.275775). From there, enter the Kleiner Zschand forest road until you reach a crossing. Turn right here and continue uphill. After a few minutes there will be a sign that points left and says Winterberg. Follow the Fremdenweg sign until you reach steps that take you all the way up the mountain. This part can be pretty exhausting, but it only takes a couple minutes. Once you've reached the top of the steps turn left towards Kleiner Winterberg. You'll have to walk underneath a fallen tree, then turn right immediately. There's no clear trail but following the given coordinates will navigate you to the spot in two minutes. Please note that reception is bad here, I suggest downloading the offline map and Location Insight before you start out on the hike.

Other than in the winter, you can find similar conditions at the Kleiner Winterberg hiking trail during any season. In the winter months, the stairs will be frozen and everything will be snowed in so you can't see the gaps between the rocks. These conditions are very dangerous, so do not attempt to hike when it's still winter.

The best time to visit is during sunrise after a rainy day for softer lighting. You'll find a moody effect when the sun rays hit the wet trees and the water evaporates as the fog appears through the sunlight.

Please be careful of your footing and your belongings as you and the model will be standing on a rock.

I recommend using the rule of thirds for your composition. I situated my model in the middle and the gap on the first third of the image.

Incorporate a scarf or any other props and wait for the wind to pick up so you can capture the blowing effect for an added flair to your photo.

As this is just one of the many climbing hills in the Saxon Switzerland national park, I suggest continuing your exploration and finding other vantage points from the mountains.

Check out the nearby Bad Schandau, which is a spa town that has various cafes and restaurants.