The Story

Before traveling I prepared myself and made a list of what I wanted to see. It was a detailed list containing key-points with “Must see’s” and “Want to see’s”. I wrote down all the locations and information about it. After counseling Google Maps for the most convenient route, I’ve set-up the order of the locations I wanted to see with for each location a back-up route and extra’s, for every weather condition suitable. Looking at hundreds of photographs, tracking Google Street view to recognize locations are important to me when I drive to unknown borders.

I always visualize shots from different angles when I have a clear overview. Preparation was mostly important because I had just several hours to analyze the location and spot an interesting composition before I could actually take the photograph. With the current technology, I feel lucky that I am able to see where the sun rises and where it will set. I even made a schedule when and what to eat to stop me from being cranky while driving and pissing off other drivers.

Before the actual trip I have spent several days figuring out what, where, how to travel and photograph scenery’s I have never seen before with my own eyes. Going straight from Almelo to the Rhine Falls was the longest and most enduring car drive. With one thirty-minute beauty-sleep break the drive was pulled off in less than 8 hours. Once there, I knew traveling for just 2, 3 or 4 hours by car would be easy.

With 150 meters in width, the Rhine Falls is the biggest and probably the loudest waterfall in Europe. I was exhausted because of the long trip. I tried to get some sleep in the car. After a couple of hours, I woke up and went back to the incredible waterfall and enjoyed what Mother Nature left us. Hearing the clattering water alone was already impressive. Nevertheless, the sight is just breathtaking and makes you wonder what and how this was created. It is a sight you must have seen at least once. Just incredible.

After I finished photographing this photogenic wonder I drove to Zürich to make a quick pit-stop, refueling the car and eat some food, although Zürich wasn’t on the list. I’ve been to Zürich once while I was traveling from Sweden to The Netherlands. I decided to redo a shot I did back then, but now with upgraded gear.

Since I have already been in Zurich, I didn’t stay long because I had the urge to see more. I saw a monument in Lucerne, and really, Lucerne has, in my opinion, one of the most incredible monuments I have ever seen. “The Lion of Lucerne”, it is designed by Bertel Thorvaldsen, and later hewn by Lukas Ahorn. It is a memorial what commemorates the Swiss Guards who were massacred in 1792 during the French Revolution, when revolutionaries stormed the Tuileries Palace in Paris. The monument looks so small on the photographs, while it is surprisingly bigger than what you would expect it to be when you’re actually standing in front of the carved-out rock.

Seeing the Milky Way for the first time, it’s an encounter I totally did not expect that would happen. Where? Aeschi Bei Spiez. I could spend a week here and would not become bored at all. Breathing in fresh mountain air, waking up next to several intimidating mountains made me feel so lucky. The Niesen, Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau are well-known mountains you can see around Aeschi Bei Spiez.

Before getting behind the wheels again for 8 hours, I went to Montreux. Refreshing myself during this hot summer day was needed. All the waters in Switzerland are azure blue, I had to put my toes in it. Lac Léman was inviting me to do so. I enjoyed the cold water while the sun was burning on my face. Eyes closed, thinking while making myself a roadmap in my head what occurred the last 72 hours. I’ve seen so many beautiful places that Switzerland has to offer. I’ve prepared myself to get back to Almelo, a small city in The Netherlands, also known as the place I used to call home.

During this trip, I have missed one location I really would love to see. It’s the most photogenic mountain of the world in my honest opinion. It’s the Matterhorn. I have seen so many photographs of this intriguing mountain. During the trip, I have found out it would take a lot more time and effort to actually drive to the mountain, just to capture a mountain with one click on the button.

Hope you enjoyed.

Ruben