Kriebstein Castle and Zschopau

The fascinating history of the impressive medieval castle complex of Burg Kriebstein

I photographed this castle with the sharp Samyang 16/2.0 lens. To get a little more structure in the sky, I used a Haida NanoPro MC GND Medium 1.2 filter and the Haida CPL filter in the Haida filter holder Series 100. Post-processing was done as usual on the BenQ PD3200U.

Kriebstein Castle, an impressive medieval castle complex, has a fascinating history dating back to the 14th century. It is picturesquely situated on a rocky outcrop above the Zschopau River in Saxony, Germany. Here is a look at the history of Kriebstein Castle:

The origins of the castle go back to 1384, when the lords of Beerwalde built the first complex on the rocky plateau. Over the centuries, ownership has changed several times, and the castle has been expanded and remodeled. In the 15th century the castle was taken over by the Lords of Schleinitz, who expanded it into an imposing fortress.

In the 16th century, Kriebstein Castle gained strategic importance as a protective and defensive system. During the Thirty Years' War the castle was besieged and damaged several times. After the war, extensive restoration work was carried out to restore the castle.

In the 19th century, Kriebstein Castle experienced a renaissance as a romantic retreat and popular destination for artists and writers. The romantic castle park was laid out and the castle was given its current neo-Gothic appearance.

During the Second World War, Kriebstein Castle was used as a military hospital. In the post-war period, it initially served as a residence for refugees, later as a school and nursing home. Extensive restoration work began in the 1980s to restore the castle to its historic condition.

A popular excursion destination in Saxony and a symbol of Saxon history

Today, Kriebstein Castle is a popular destination and a symbol of medieval architecture and Saxon history. Visitors can explore the well-preserved premises, including the Knights' Hall, the Knights' Hall and the Chapel. The castle also houses the Kriebstein Museum, which offers insight into the history and culture of the region.

In addition, events, concerts and medieval festivals are regularly held at the castle. The castle's stunning location on the banks of the Zschopau River and the surrounding nature make it a scenic spot for walks and hikes.

The Kriebstein Castle itself is one of the best known and most visited castles in Saxony. Its well-preserved medieval architecture and idyllic location above the Zschopau river make it a popular destination. Visitors have the opportunity to explore the castle and take a look at the various rooms, including the Knights' Hall, the Knights' Hall and the Chapel. The Kriebstein Museum also offers interesting insights into the history and culture of the region.

The area surrounding Kriebstein Castle is characterized by enchanting nature and invites you to engage in outdoor activities. Along the Zschopau River, there are scenic hiking trails and bike paths, making it possible to explore the countryside while enjoying the beauty of the area. The Zschopautal cycle path, which runs along the river and offers breathtaking views, is particularly popular.

In the immediate vicinity of the castle is the Kriebstein reservoir, a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts and nature lovers. Here you can go boating, swimming, fishing or just enjoy the tranquility and beauty of the lake. The lake also offers opportunities for camping and outdoor recreation.

The region around Kriebstein Castle is also rich in other sights and destinations. In the vicinity is the "Aquavita" adventure pool in Rechenberg-Bienenmühle, which provides fun and relaxation with its pools, slides and sauna areas. The town of Mittweida with its charming old town and numerous cultural offerings is also nearby.

The Kriebstein Castle also serves as a backdrop for various events and venues. Concerts, medieval festivals and jousting tournaments attract visitors every year and offer an entertaining experience for the whole family.

In summary, it can be said that the tourist importance of Kriebstein Castle and its surroundings is based on its historical and architectural beauty, the breathtaking nature, the diverse leisure opportunities and the rich cultural offer. Visitors have the opportunity to immerse themselves in history, explore nature and at the same time experience moments of relaxation and fun. Kriebstein Castle and its surroundings are an absolute highlight for anyone visiting Saxony.

ND filters (neutral density filters) in landscape photography

ND filters (neutral density filters) are an indispensable tool in landscape photography to create impressive shots. They offer the possibility of lengthening the exposure time and thus achieving different effects. Here is some important information about ND filters in landscape photography:

Light Reduction: The main purpose of an ND filter is to reduce the amount of light falling on the camera sensor. This increases the exposure time and enables effects such as motion blur with flowing water or soft, blurred clouds in a long exposure.
Density and strength: ND filters are available in different densities or strengths, indicated in ND values like ND2, ND4, ND8 etc. An ND2 filter reduces the light by one f-stop, while an ND8 filter reduces the light reduced by three f-stops. The higher the density of the filter, the longer the exposure time will be
Filter Types: There are different types of ND filters including fixed compression ND filters and adjustable ND filters. Fixed compression ND filters have a fixed density and do not allow for light reduction adjustment. Adjustable ND filters, on the other hand, can be rotated to adjust light reduction as needed.
Uses: ND filters are often used for certain effects in landscape photography. For example, with an ND filter, you can use a longer exposure time to make flowing water look like a silky mist, or remove people and vehicles from a busy scene.
Combination with other filters: ND filters can also be combined with other filters, such as graduated filters or polarizing filters, to open up further creative possibilities. This combination allows you to darken the sky while optimally exposing the foreground.
Tripod Usage: Because ND filters require longer exposure times, using a tripod is essential to avoid camera shake and ensure sharp shots.
Choosing the right strength: Choosing the right ND filter strength depends on the lighting conditions and the desired effects. It can be helpful to have different filter strengths at hand in order to be able to react flexibly to different recording situations.
Quality Filters: It is important to use high quality ND filters to avoid image quality issues such as color cast, vignetting or reduced sharpness. Invest in filters from reputable manufacturers for best results.

ND filters are a versatile tool in landscape photography that allow you to capture unique and stunning shots. With the right choice and use of ND filters, you can expand your photographic skills and explore creative possibilities. Experiment with different densities and combinations of ND filters to get the effects you want.

In landscape photography, for example, ND filters make it possible to create a soft and silky effect on flowing water such as streams, waterfalls or sea waves. By increasing the exposure time, the water is transformed into gentle streams, giving the image a calming and ethereal feel.

Another popular use of ND filters in landscape photography is creating blurred and moving clouds. A longer exposure time blurs the streaks of the clouds, adding dynamism and texture to the image. This effect is especially good for dramatic sky scenarios or when shooting at sunrise or sunset.

In addition, ND filters can also be used in urban landscapes to blur or even remove people or vehicles in busy scenes. This creates an empty and deserted atmosphere and draws focus to the architecture or other static elements of the scene.

When using ND filters, it is important to get the exposure right and keep the camera steady. A tripod is essential to avoid camera shake and get crisp, clear shots. It can also be helpful to set the white balance manually, as ND filters can alter the light and cause color casts.

Remember that experimenting with ND filters takes practice. It is advisable to try different exposure times and filter combinations to achieve the desired effect. With patience, creativity and the right technique, you can create stunning landscape shots with ND filters and develop your photography skills.

Author: Markus Götz
Publisher: septem sensu

Kriebstein Castle and Zschopau

The fascinating history of the impressive medieval castle complex of Burg Kriebstein

A popular excursion destination in Saxony and a symbol of Saxon history

ND filters (neutral density filters) in landscape photography

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