Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Lens
Shutter Speed
1/320 sec
Aperture
f/2.8
Focal Length
85mm
ISO
640
Geierlay Suspension Bridge
@evolumina
Ever dreamt about crossing over a suspension bridge above a forest? If so, this location should be on your bucket list! 300-feet up in the air, you're able to walk across this 1,000-foot long viaduct that serves up 360-degree views of the forest of Mörsdorf. It can be challenging being so high up in the sky and having to walk along the narrow path, but if you're up for it, it's well-worth the trek — and it makes for a jaw-dropping photo.
Plan
Overview
Skill level
Moderate
Accessbility
Public Location
Hours
Anytime
Fee
Free
Pack
- Zoom lens (85mm)
- Model
- Water
- Snacks
How to get there
N50° 05' 25.098"E7° 20' 29.3532"
This image was taken along the Geirelay Suspension Bridge (Hängeseilbrücke Geierlay), which is in Mörsdorf, Germany. To get here, you'll need to have access to a car.
First, you'll want to park in Mörsdorf. There are some parking spots that will be available for free, but they are difficult to come by, so I recommend paying a small fee and parking in the Hängeseilbrücke Geierlay lot (50.104577, 7.337497) and then walking to the bridge.
The walk to the bridge is about 30 minutes south and it'll lead you through some nice fields. Follow the signs toward the bridge (it will be well-marked) and then reference the GPS coordinates to see where I stood for this north-facing perspective.
Tips
When to go
Best season
October, November
Best time
Sunrise
I shot this photo of the Geirelay Suspension Bridge in the fall, which is my favorite season to visit because the trees will vary in color and produce autumnal hues in your shot.
If you're visiting in the winter, you could get lucky and capture the bridge with fresh snow. It's rare, but when it happens, it's truly magical!
For similar lighting conditions, I recommend visiting the bridge at sunrise when the light is soft and shining over the hill, illuminating the bridge itself. During this time, you'll also have the best chance of having the bridge to yourself so your model is the only person in the shot.
If you want to check the weather before venturing out to the bridge, watch the webcam: www.geierlay.de/haengeseilbruecke/webcam/.
Field tips
Having a person on the other side of the bridge will give an amazing sense of scale to the scenery. Additionally, it'll create an unexpected focal point.
The bridge is long (1,000 feet), so having a zoom lens will help to compress the image. For reference, I shot with an 85mm lens while I pointed the camera north.
Symmetry is one of the key components of this photo. As best as you can, make sure to be in the middle of the bridge, in line with your model so you can create a well-balanced image.
Current weather
Mörsdorf
Overcast
38o
F
Tue
40o
36o
Wed
45o
39o
Thu
41o
31o
Fri
34o
27o
Sat
36o
27o
Blue Hour
06:51
38o
Overcast
Sunrise
07:30
38o
Overcast
Golden Hour
14:36
38o
Overcast
Sunset
15:34
38o
Overcast
Do nearby
In my opinion, the best part about visiting this location is walking across the entirety of bridge and then back, so have fun and get ready for a day of adventuring!
Head into the town of Mörsdorf after walking across the bridge. You can grab a bite to eat or browse some of the local shops.
Locations nearby
