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Klöntal in winter – reflections, mist and hoarfrost

Writer: Walter Kobler
Walter Kobler
2 hours ago
2 min read

Photo spot in the canton of Glarus

Winter in the Klöntal is cold, but mystical. Lake Klöntal lies still between snowy mountains, wisps of mist drift across the water and every branch is covered in hoarfrost. I was there on 18 December 2022 with my Sony A7 IV, first at the front of the lake at Rhodannenberg and then at the far end in Vorauen.

Mountains reflected in Lake Klöntal with a band of mist, Vorauen

Location 1: Rhodannenberg dam

From Rhodannenberg you look across the whole lake into the valley. When there is no wind, the mountains are reflected almost perfectly in the water. Right next to the dam you will find great foregrounds:

  • The overflow with its bridge leading out into the lake. With a wide-angle lens held low, the snowy railings lead the eye straight into the picture.

  • The snow-covered trees on the shore frame the overflow and the lake.

  • Woodpiles on the shore make a calm foreground when mist lies over the lake.

View from the Rhodannenberg dam across the wintry Lake Klöntal
Snowy shore next to the dam with the overflow in Lake Klöntal
Snowy bridge to the overflow at Rhodannenberg, Klöntal in winter
Snow-covered trees and the bridge to the overflow at Lake Klöntal
Snow-covered woodpile in front of mist over Lake Klöntal

Location 2: Vorauen, at the far end of the lake

At Vorauen it gets even quieter. Mist often lies on the water here, and the rock faces are reflected in the lake. The snow-covered bench on the shore makes a lovely subject for a calm winter picture. If you look closely, you will find hoarfrost on grasses and plants everywhere – with a wide aperture they turn into small works of art.

Mist over Lake Klöntal at Vorauen
Snow-covered bench at Vorauen on Lake Klöntal
Hoarfrost on plants in the Klöntal in winter

Good to know

  • Best time: December to February, in the morning after a cold, clear night. I was there between 9:20 and 10:30. That is when the lake is calmest and the mist still lies on the water.

  • Why winter: In summer the lake is often crowded with tourists and cars. In winter you have the Klöntal almost to yourself.

  • Light: In winter the lake stays in the shade of the mountains for a long time. That gives the typical cool, blue light.

  • Getting there: From Glarus via Riedern into the Klöntal. The road is open in winter as long as there is no avalanche danger. Parking can be difficult depending on the amount of snow, but you can find a spot for a few pictures almost anywhere.

  • In summer: On three Sundays the Klöntal is closed to motor traffic. You will find the dates on www.glarus.ch.

My tips

  • Bring a tripod: It is dark in the shade, and reflections need calm, sharp pictures.

  • Dress warmly: The Klöntal gets really cold in winter. Take gloves you can operate the camera with, and spare batteries – the cold drains them quickly.

  • Careful on the shore and the bridge: It can be slippery.

  • Check your exposure: Snow fools the light meter. Set exposure compensation to +0.7 to +1 EV, otherwise the snow turns grey.

You will find suitable settings for snow, mist and reflections in my Camera App.

Would you like to know when a new photo spot is added? Then subscribe to my newsletter (written in German). Enjoy taking pictures in the Klöntal!

Walti

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