Dear Arad,
There’s a special kind of magic that comes alive in the springtime, something that stirs deep inside us. It’s a season where everything feels fresh and new, full of vibrant colors and new beginnings. I wanted to share with you some of that magic, found along the northern side of the Danube River near St. Valentin and at the breathtaking Greifenstein Lake in Lower Austria.
Danube River Side walk
As May rolls around and the weather starts to warm, the banks of the Danube transform into something truly extraordinary. The flowers bloom in such a way that it’s as if nature herself is painting a masterpiece. Walking along the river’s edge feels like stepping into an artist’s palette, where every shade of green and every burst of color is more vivid and alive than you could imagine. I’ve spent a lot of time there with my camera, trying to capture just how beautiful it is. While photos can’t always capture the full experience, I hope that when you see them, you’ll get a sense of the wonder I felt.
One of my favorite places is near St. Valentin. The wildflowers there burst forth in an explosion of colors—daisies, poppies, and bluebells create a natural mosaic that could rival any painting. The air smells sweet from all the blossoms, and you can hear the gentle buzz of bees as they go about their work, adding a soothing background to all the beauty.
Greifenstein Lake
Not far from there is Greifenstein Lake, a place that feels almost like a hidden treasure. This spot isn’t actually a lake, but a calm branch of the Danube with greenish water, thanks to the plants growing beneath the surface. It’s a place where time seems to slow down, and nature takes the spotlight. I often take my kayak out on this tranquil water, capturing the stunning scenery from a unique angle. The calm waters are perfect for paddling, offering a peaceful escape just an hour and a half from St. Valentin and much closer to Vienna.
But spring in Lower Austria isn’t just about the flowers, even though they are a big part of the magic. It’s about the whole world waking up after a long winter. The trees, with their fresh, green leaves, seem to whisper promises of warm, sunny days ahead. Birds, back from their winter travels, fill the air with songs, adding to nature’s beautiful symphony.
As I walk along the Danube or paddle around Greifenstein Lake, I feel a deep connection to the world around me. It’s a reminder of how simple things—like watching a flower bloom or hearing a bird sing—can fill your heart with peace and wonder. These are the moments that make spring so special, and I’m so glad I can share them with you through my photos.
I hope that when you see these pictures, they transport you to these beautiful places. Whether you’re someone who loves nature, enjoys photography, or just appreciates the world’s beauty, I think you’ll find a bit of that springtime magic here. And maybe, just maybe, it will inspire you to spend more time outdoors, soaking in all the beauty and calm that spring has to offer.
With all my love, Dad