Friedrich Zettl Fine Arts

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Winter Greetings

From a Winter Hater

I don’t really like winter. And that’s a real shame, because Austria generally has a particularly beautiful one to offer, whether for winter sports or just for hikes through enchanting, snow-covered landscapes. The last time I was on skis was decades ago, and that pretty much says it all about my relationship with the season.

Snow falling across snow-covered conifer branches
Snowfall on the conifers outside my window.

And then, occasionally, my better half or friends manage to persuade me to go on a short trip. Every single time, I find myself completely captivated—by the deep stillness that these winter landscapes radiate, by their quiet brilliance, and by the incredible play of light and shadow.

Road crossing snowy fields towards cloud-wrapped mountains
The mountains draw me out, despite my dislike of winter.
Snow-covered rocky peaks and conifers reflected in a dark alpine lake

In November 2025, a particularly stubborn cold made this photo diary a brief “hello!” from me. I was encouraged to share this because my “Autumn Greetings” post, with impressions from around my area, was so well-received.

Frost-coated branches of a large bare tree
Wooden chalet with a red roof among snowy conifers in mist

Winter Greetings from Innsbruck

Innsbruck is familiar to many winter sports enthusiasts. Two of the following photographs were taken from our room at what was then the Hilton Innsbruck; the third looks across the city from Bergisel. Together, they show how dramatically light and cloud can change the mood of the same mountain backdrop.

Golden morning light on the snowy peaks above Innsbruck
Innsbruck around six in the morning — the light is just as I photographed it.
Low cloud drifting over Innsbruck below a snowy mountain ridge
Innsbruck and the Nordkette seen from Bergisel above the Wilten basilica

Salzkammergut Region

Dark water of Vorderer Gosausee reflecting snow-covered wooded slopes
Vorderer Gosausee in Upper Austria, in the Salzkammergut region
Snowy forest and huts below the cloud-covered Gosaukamm
View from the Vorderer Gosausee up to the Gosaukamm cable car
Snow-laden conifers beneath a grey sky

Dachstein

It is always hard to select just a few photographs from so many. These final views take us to the Dachstein, where snow, dark rock and the long mountain panorama offer a different sense of scale.

Sunlit Dachstein peaks framed by bare conifers
Hoher Dachstein
View from the Dachstein over snowy ridges towards the Tauern mountains
View from the Dachstein Sky Walk towards the Tauern mountains
Suspension bridge spanning a snowy rocky gap on the Dachstein
View through an opening in a snow shelter towards a rocky mountain peak

Winter also finds its way into my painting. Goodbye to the Winter follows that quieter transition from winter into spring through abstraction and reduction.

Make the most of this winter season, stay healthy, and take good care!

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51 responses to “Winter Greetings”

  1. Dominik Alexander avatar
    Dominik Alexander

    First of all, I hope you are able to get rid of the cold very soon, Friedrich. Secondly, thanks for the beautiful photos, esp. Dachstein/Schneeberg region. Great memories from the Wittgenstein symposium there, even though it’s always held during warmer temperatures. Take care, my friend 🍀

    Reply
    1. Zettl Fine Arts avatar
      Zettl Fine Arts

      Thank you so much, Dominik! I’m slowly getting better. Please take good care of yourself: it seems a very aggressive flu wave is heading our way this year. Stay informed and don’t kiss any strange women 🙂

      Yes, the area around the Dachstein is truly beautiful. We also visited that fantastic restaurant designed by architect Loos. So, if you’re ever in the area again…

      Reply
      1. Dominik Alexander avatar
        Dominik Alexander

        I’ll definitely keep that in mind – all of it 😌

  2. Hangaku Gozen avatar
    Hangaku Gozen

    I haven’t been able to leave a comment on your blog for several months; I’m not sure why, though I seem to be able to get through via the Jetpack app on my phone! Anyway, I hope you get over your cold soon: dealing with cold weather when you’re sick is definitely no fun, unless you like huddling in bed all day. I don’t like winter weather either, but ironically, after having lived in an extremely wintery part of the American Midwest for many years, only to have returned to sunny California, I now miss snow. One problem perhaps is that we really don’t get a change in the seasons out here. Winter weather here is mostly rain and temperatures in the 50s and 60s Fahrenheit; we might get an occasional frost and nighttime lows slightly around freezing. I should be grateful I don’t have to dig my front sidewalk out of the snow anymore, but I miss the odd silence of a snowy day and the way the landscape is transformed by a blanket of white. If I had to live in it for three months I would feel differently! But your photos show how remarkably beautiful a winter landscape can be. Take care.

    Reply
    1. Zettl Fine Arts avatar
      Zettl Fine Arts

      Thank you so much! I’m sorry that WordPress is causing problems again.

      Yes, winter has its beautiful sides, but you really only experience them if you live in the countryside. Here in Vienna, the first few days with snow are exciting, but very quickly it all turns into a gray slush. People get gray and slushy too :). And when the sun doesn’t shine for many days, it’s easy to fall into a depression. 10 to 15 degrees Celsius sounds much better. Thanks again, take care and stay healthy!

      Reply
  3. Stan Stewart - muz4now avatar
    Stan Stewart – muz4now

    Glad you broke through your dislike of winter to share this with us. It looks so magnificent!
    I love winter. We have had so much loss of snow as the winter temperatures have risen. Doing my best not to be jealous of all the “white stuff” in your photos.
    Thanks so much for sharing this and hope you get past your cold very soon.
    Stan

    Reply
    1. Zettl Fine Arts avatar
      Zettl Fine Arts

      Thanks a lot, Stan! Yes, we’re getting less and less snow here too, especially in the city. I really should get out and enjoy the snow while it lasts. I’m going to the Far East again this year, but I’ll reconsider next year 🙂

      Reply
  4. Spira avatar
    Spira

    Can snow-filled greetings be warm? They sure can, as you have just proven.
    Get well soon, take it easy & be kind to yourself, Friedrich.

    Reply
    1. Zettl Fine Arts avatar
      Zettl Fine Arts

      Thanks so much, Nick! Yes, you’re right, I should be kinder to myself. Instead, I’ve started oil painting again. And using a technique that requires a lot of discipline and concentration. But that’s gone after an hour, which is a bit frustrating. I’m curious to see what comes of it… Take care and stay safe!

      Reply
  5. Myriade avatar
    Myriade

    Sooooooo schön. Man muss es genießen solange es Schnee gibt.

    Reply
    1. Zettl Fine Arts avatar
      Zettl Fine Arts

      Oh, danke, vielmals! Ja, Du hast völlig recht. Der Schnee wird immer weniger. In meiner Kindheit lag schon zu Allerheiligen tiefer Schnee….Alles Liebe! f

      Reply
  6. weisserwatercolours avatar
    weisserwatercolours

    From a Canadian who loves winter, THANK YOU

    Reply
    1. Zettl Fine Arts avatar
      Zettl Fine Arts

      You are Welcome🙏 Greetings to Canada! 🎶☀️🎸

      Reply
  7. niasunset avatar
    niasunset

    Amazing , Thank you, Love, nia

    Reply
    1. Zettl Fine Arts avatar
      Zettl Fine Arts

      Thank you very much, Nia! 🙏🌷 All the best! ☀️🍸

      Reply
  8. swabby429 avatar
    swabby429

    From a North American who loves wintertime, thank you for sharing these breathtaking photographs. I am particularly taken by the image that is labled “Hoher Dachstein”. That said, all of the pictures make me wish to be there.

    Reply
    1. Zettl Fine Arts avatar
      Zettl Fine Arts

      Thank you so much! You’re warmly invited to come. That would mark the start of my new career as an influencer 🙂

      Reply
  9. Nancy's Notes 🖊️🎶 avatar
    Nancy’s Notes 🖊️🎶

    Stunning photos, my dear Fred! They take my breath away. I, too, am not a winter person. Perhaps it has something to do with aging, but now the cold goes right through me. Warmest wishes to you, my friend. I hope you feel better soon. ☺️

    Reply
    1. Zettl Fine Arts avatar
      Zettl Fine Arts

      Thank you so much, Nancy! I completely understand! Plus, the mulled wine cools down so quickly outside in the cold 🙂

      Reply
      1. Nancy's Notes 🖊️🎶 avatar
        Nancy’s Notes 🖊️🎶

        My pleasure, dear Fred. I knew you would understand … especially about the mulled wine! Prost! 🙂 🍷

  10. Martina Ramsauer avatar
    Martina Ramsauer

    Many thanks, Friedrich, for your gorgeous winter impressions and I keep my fingers crossed for your health!:)

    Reply
  11. Cindy Georgakas avatar
    Cindy Georgakas

    Stunning photos, Friedrich! Heal fast, my friend! Of course you couldn’t pass on the adventure… 😉❤️🙏

    Reply
    1. Zettl Fine Arts avatar
      Zettl Fine Arts

      Thank you so much, Cindy! Adventures are half the battle – if you miss them, you’ve missed out on life 🙂 All my love and take care!

      Reply
  12. Yelling Rosa avatar
    Yelling Rosa

    👍

    Reply
  13. Rosaliene Bacchus avatar
    Rosaliene Bacchus

    Friedrich, I’m so glad that you ventured outdoors in the wintry weather to bring us these stunning landscapes.

    Reply
    1. Zettl Fine Arts avatar
      Zettl Fine Arts

      Thank you so much, Rosaliene! I am glad you like those photos! Just today it started snowing here…..

      Reply
      1. Rosaliene Bacchus avatar
        Rosaliene Bacchus

        🙂 <3

  14. Kristallina avatar
    Kristallina

    Icn bin auch kein Freund des Winters aber…. er ist oft wunderschön. Das hast Du uns mit Deinen Fotos ganz fantastisch gezeigt. Gute Besserung und eine schöne neue Woche! 🍀

    Reply
    1. Zettl Fine Arts avatar
      Zettl Fine Arts

      Danke, Du hast völlig recht, der Winter ist oft wunderschön! Nachdem wir anscheinend aufgegeben haben, etwas gegen die Klimaerwärmung zu tun, wird Schnee bald zu einer geschützten Spezies werden 🙂

      Reply
  15. Swamigalkodi Astrology avatar
    Swamigalkodi Astrology

    Rich in perspective

    Reply
    1. Zettl Fine Arts avatar
      Zettl Fine Arts

      Thanks a lot! 🙂

      Reply
  16. Misky avatar
    Misky

    I used to love winter. Peder and I always tried to spend a few weeks in Hinterglemm skiing each year, back in the day when knees bent and backs twisted without complaint. Austria is beautiful in all seasons — but winter in England … I find it tests me from every angle. Best wishes for your recovery to good health.

    Reply
    1. Zettl Fine Arts avatar
      Zettl Fine Arts

      Thank you very much, Marilyn 🙏 Yes. those knees and backs – I sure can relate to that. 😎 And thank you for your good wishes. Time to get myself adjusted…

      Reply
  17. Chen Song Ping avatar
    Chen Song Ping

    Lovely winter! Westerners would come to my country, which is hot all year round. I would love the opposite! Vienna was a lovely place, too! I was captivated by the wide streets that included even the cyclist lane, motorcycle lane, etc

    Reply
    1. Zettl Fine Arts avatar
      Zettl Fine Arts

      Thank you very much! 🙏 Yes, the grass is always greener elsewhere 😏 I am happy we did a lot here for cyclists. Quite a few nice routes through the town. All the best and a few flakes of new snow ❄️❄️❄️

      Reply
  18. graysummers avatar
    graysummers

    These are wonderful photographs. I love snow for its ability to uplift the spirit. Cold, damp and rain, during these months, impact the mood greatly. So your images here bring a welcome ambience. We hardly ever experience snow in my village. And yet, we can see it on the distant hills. From our upstairs windows especially. It would be lovely to take a drive to these spots one day. Rather like yourself being encouraged to do so by your friends. To park up, put the kettle on and brew a lovely heart warming spiced tea.

    Many thanks for giving us these images Friedrich. All the best.

    Reply
    1. Zettl Fine Arts avatar
      Zettl Fine Arts

      Thank you so much Gray! We see Les and less snow in the cities too and it’s only a matter of time till the white mountain peaks will be gone. So I’d better go out 😎 All the best! 🙏🎸🎶❄️

      Reply
      1. graysummers avatar
        graysummers

        Too true Friedrich. Very worrying times regarding climate changes. All the best to you too. 🙏🏽

  19. myrelar avatar
    myrelar

    Wow, winter in Austria looks magical! ❄️🏔️ Even a winter-hater could fall for these landscapes 😍☃️

    Reply
    1. Zettl Fine Arts avatar
      Zettl Fine Arts

      Oh, thank you 🙏 Yes, there is a certain magic 😎🎶❄️🌷

      Reply
  20. Cindy Georgakas avatar
    Cindy Georgakas

    bur I’m cold just looking at it.. I’m not a winter person either. Load that vitamin C. More clients have staved off illness with 4,000 mg.. as for me, so far so good.. hugs. ❤️

    Reply
    1. Zettl Fine Arts avatar
      Zettl Fine Arts

      Thank you so much, dear Cindy, yes, it feels different than being on a Greek beach. But yes, once a year? And it doesn’t have to be every year, does it? 🙂 Stay healthy and keep up your vitamin C. Worst case, you can always dilute it with wine. Hugs ❤️

      Reply
      1. Cindy Georgakas avatar
        Cindy Georgakas

        You’re so very welcome my friend! Once a year and been there done that! ✔️✅🤗

        Thanks I did a dose today with wine last night lol and I’ve slept three hours and it’s only 1:30 PM lol take me out from all the bodies slightly the same as being on a frozen lake lol. You take good care of my friend.😂

      2. Zettl Fine Arts avatar
        Zettl Fine Arts

        Once a year? You’re very easy to please 🙂 I’d skip any frozen lake for a comfy sofa with a warm blanket. 😂

      3. Cindy Georgakas avatar
        Cindy Georgakas

        Hahaha, well I would too but I was trying to make you feel better… 😂 I failed miserably.. warm heart, cold thoughts.. ha xo 😘

  21. Graham Stephen avatar
    Graham Stephen

    beautiful scenes!

    ⬻𓂀✧ ‌🔺 ✬ღ☆ ‌🔺 ‌∞ ♡ ∞ ‌🔺 ‌☆ღ✬ ‌🔺 ‌✧𓂀⤖

    Reply
    1. Zettl Fine Arts avatar
      Zettl Fine Arts

      Thanks and all the best! 🔺 ‌☆ღ✬ ‌

      Reply
      1. Graham Stephen avatar
        Graham Stephen

        ✨🙏🙇‍♂️

  22. denisebushphoto avatar
    denisebushphoto

    A wonderful collection of winter images!

    Reply
    1. Zettl Fine Arts avatar
      Zettl Fine Arts

      Thank you so much 🙏🌷❄️

      Reply
  23. Milena Alien avatar
    Milena Alien

    Beautiful reflection…
    I also hate winter but living in the rainy part of the world makes me crave some cold and snow. It’s officially winter in the United States, happy Solstice to you!

    Reply

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