We've planned visiting the Thayatal National Park (Thaya Valley) for some time now.
As they had announced warm weather for the whole day yesterday we decided to give it a go. It was already late in the day when we left but it's only a 1.5 hours drive so we had plenty enough time for the "Einsiedlerweg" 2.5 hours hiking trail ("hermit trail") which starts at the National Park center and leads through the woods along the Thaya river.
According to legend, a knight named Uto von Hardtenstein became a hermit after killing his son and wife by accident, mistaking the young man for his wife's lover when returning from the Crusade. The story says he chose to spend the rest of is life living in a small refuge close to the Thaya river.
All photos taken using Sony A7Mk2. (Click for full size images!)
The path leading through the dense, green woods and towards the town of Hardegg. Sony SEL35F28Z @ f/8
Hardegg Castle. Zeiss Batis 85mm f/1.8 @8
The route first leads along the Thaya river close to the town of Hardegg. The river is also the border between Austria and the Czech Republic, with both sides connected by the Thaya bridge. Sony SEL35F28 (I accidentally took this shot at f/2.8 but it turned out quite OK)
Most of the way is atop of a hill next to the Thaya. After some time it leads down to the river again. Sony SEL35F28Z @ f/8
Another one, this time using the Voigtländer 15mm @ f/8
Time for a short break! Zeiss Batis 85mm @ f/1.8
Finally - back at the Thaya river again. Voigtländer 15mm @ f/8
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... and on the way back through the woods, with the evening sun casting a warm light. Zeiss Batis 85mm @ f/11
