Upper Lauterbrunnental, a photo from Bern, West

Photographer's Note

The spectacular upper Lauterbrunnental, with the Breithorn blocking the head of the valley, from Staubbachbänkli below Wengen, Bernese Oberland, Switzerland. This is similar to a monochrome photograph I posted a few months ago, taken a couple of minutes later, but this time left in its original colour mode.

The day couldn't make up its mind: we'd had a couple of flurries of rain, but the sun was trying hard as we arrived at Staubbachbänkli, a spectacular viewpoint looking up the valley.

If you're a fan of J.R.R. Tolkien, you may be interested to know that the Lauterbrunnental has been identified as the original of his "Rivendell". Tolkien specifically states (in The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien) that "The hobbit's (Bilbo's) journey from Rivendell to the other side of the Misty Mountains... is based on my adventures in 1911..." Although Tolkien does not specifically identify the Lauterbrunnental, apparently he did travel in this valley during his 1911 travels in Switzerland. And a picture he painted of Rivendell is an absolute ringer for the Lauterbrunnental.

agulberk, siudzi, SnapRJW, bayno, danos, williewhistler, Royaldevon, annjackman, Didi has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

agulberk (3792) 2013-03-05 11:12

Hello Will
Wonderful wild and beautiful walley among magnificient very high rocks and majestic snow and clouds covered summit of mountains as a different sample of beauties of paradise.
Thaks for sharing
Regards

Adnan

jemaflor (69011) 2013-03-05 11:24

Hi Will,
great mountains landscape, nice pov and depth with the view of the valley, good effect with these clouds and the contrast with rays of light.

Noel_Byrne (7426) 2013-03-05 11:47

Hi Will,
I could certainly sense the magic of Tolkien in this image, its a hugely impressive scene, especially that you have included the ground level under its very particular light in the centre. I love how it rises thought the clouds up into the snow capped peaks. Really impressive scene, especially as you got such a vast height difference from ground level to mountain top.
All the best
Noel

siudzi (23939) 2013-03-05 11:59

Hi Will,
Wow! What a fantastic landscape post you have taken! The place with dark intensive green tones and clouds around the tops looks magical. Like it a lot! Very well seen and well done. Many thanks for sharing!

Best,
Gosia

SnapRJW (18784) 2013-03-05 12:28

Hello Will - This is impressive; the depth front to back and top to bottom is beautifully imparted and the majesty of the landscape is captured very convincingly. I love the fine detail, the splashes of sunlight here and there are very lovely as are the clouds around the peaks. Fine work. Warm regards Rosemary

chrisvek (5505) 2013-03-05 12:33

Hi Will

Here we can take a look on the beauty of nature.Amazing colors and saturation.Very good POV and details.Well done.TFS

Best Regards
Chris

cargus (6460) 2013-03-05 12:35

Vue impressionnante sur les montagnes, paysage bien cadré, joué un excellent contraste, clarté et la couleur
Cordialement
Adrian

Kamilutka (3207) 2013-03-05 12:59

Hello Will,
this is magnificent view and taking it from this POV seems to be ideal. Amazing depth and striking colors - I like how everything in here fits nicely in its place.
Well done and have a lovely evening
Kamila

npecanhuk (53913) 2013-03-05 13:32

Hi! Magnificent landscape and wonderful picture with excellent overall photo quality! Cheers, Neyvan

Silvio1953 (98217) 2013-03-05 14:20

Ciao Will, fashinating composition with fantastic mountains, beautiful clouds, excellent clarity, splendid light and wonderful natural colors, very well done, my friend, ciao Silvio

omid266 (558) 2013-03-05 19:53

Hello Will ,

a very nice foto ,

Thank you

bayno (16213) 2013-03-06 4:16

Wonderful mountain landscape, i like how the clouds settle down to the mountains, good framing and pov, perfect exposure with long dept...nice also the light in the valley...
regards,
Valter

ps tank for your WS...different version but nice job!!!

rigoletto (30490) 2013-03-06 4:31

Before reading the note, i remembered the JRR Tolkien connection, and yes, this is THE place for a fantasia inspiration.
That small pinch of light at the bottom... is a cream of the cake.
Cheers,
Deniz

dekanski (489) 2013-03-06 8:22

WOW! Great!
But I prefer lightning like this in WS!

AD

[workshop] [compare] +

danos (74056) 2013-03-06 11:00

Hello Will,
nice the mountain scape view with the village to looks so tiny from this advantage point.I like the fascinationg and spetacular view with the clouds on the upper part of the scene to make it even more effetive and unique.

Regards,danos

williewhistler (7299) 2013-03-06 12:57

Hello Will,this is such a fine shot of a truly majestic scene,taken from an excellent view point it has great depth and atmosphere,the pockets of sunlight add a welcome glow to an otherwise foreboding landscape.
Great shot.
Best regards Les.

Royaldevon (17791) 2013-03-09 0:23

Hello Will,

Thank you for the interesting notes that accompany your photograph. Certainly this conjures up my impression of Iolkien's landscapes.
You have achieved a wonderful sense of depth, from the misty heights to the sun drenched valley. There is a tangible sense of mystery and a little awe.
A photograph that excites emotions has certainly hit the spot!

Have a great w/e,
Bev :-)

wolf38 (28208) 2013-03-10 23:50

Hi Will. High mountains, deep valleys. Switzerland is truly a great country for everyone. The views of the spectacular scenery is just fantastic. Total well seen and realized.
Rgds. Wolfgang.

annjackman (13227) 2013-04-10 2:09

Hello will.
Often photographs do not do justice to such an impressive landscape but this one ceratinly does. The layers of cloud and the light falling on the valley floor are wonderful. Beautiful!
Kind Regards, Ann

Didi (48934) 2013-04-10 10:41

Hi Will
Interesting spotlight down in the valley
Bood balance lights with shades
Magnificient view
Well done
Best regards

korbee (6301) 2013-04-17 13:10

Wauw!!!!
Dear Will,Lauterbrunnen is one of the most wonderful places on earth and you captured it perfect here ,you are extremely luckty with the mysterious clouds and the sun breaking trough lighting up the greens!
One the best swiss pictures Ive seen tha last time...

Cheers mate.

jan