Germany's most photographed bridge creates a perfect circle with its reflection in the still lake water of Kromlau Park. The Gothic stone arch and surrounding landscape park make this unmissable.
The Rakotzbrücke, known as the Devil's Bridge, is a 19th-century Gothic stone arch bridge spanning Rakotzsee lake in Rhododendron-Park Kromlau, in the village of Kromlau near Gablenz, Görlitz district, Saxony, eastern Germany. Built around 1860 on the private estate of Friedrich Hermann Rötschke, the bridge was deliberately engineered so that its arch and its still-water reflection together form a perfect circle — a feat that earned it the devil's nickname, implying supernatural assistance in its design.
The circle reflection is the primary photographic goal at Kromlau, and it depends on two conditions: calm water and precise central-axis positioning. The lake surface is most reliably still in early morning before wind builds, typically between 6 and 8 AM. The camera must be placed on the central axis of the bridge at or near water level; any lateral offset produces an oval rather than a true circle, which reads as a compositional error. A wide-angle lens (16–24 mm) is needed to include the full arc from both abutments. A polarising filter reduces surface glare and saturates the reflection on bright mornings.
The surrounding Rhododendron-Park Kromlau provides rich seasonal framing. Rhododendrons bloom in pink and purple from mid-May through early June, framing the stone arch with colour on both banks. October and early November bring orange and red foliage that reflects in the lake alongside the arch. Winter scenes with bare branches against grey or snowy sky suit a minimalist, monochromatic treatment. The bridge is closed to foot traffic as a structural preservation measure; all photography takes place from the lakeshore on either side.
Access to the park is free, and the car park in Kromlau is also free. A flat gravel path from the car park reaches the bridge in approximately 10 minutes. Tripods are permitted on the open lakeshore. German drone regulations (SUAS framework) apply at the park; local bylaws in Gemeinde Gablenz may impose additional restrictions, and operators are advised to confirm before flying. The nearest town with accommodation is Weißwasser, approximately 12 km north.
Shooting notes
- Equipment
- Wide-angle (16–24 mm) to capture the full circle; polarising filter to reduce surface glare and saturate reflection; tripod for precise axis alignment.
Highlights
- Perfect-circle reflection: the Gothic stone arch and its mirror image in still Rakotzsee form a complete circle
- Rhododendron bloom (mid-May to early June) frames the bridge with pink and purple colour on both banks
- Autumn foliage (October–November) reflects alongside the stone arch in warm orange and red tones
- Free access to the park and car park year-round; flat gravel path reaches the bridge in 10 minutes
- Minimalist winter compositions with bare branches and grey sky over the still arch
Tips for visiting
- Arrive before 7 AM for the calmest water surface and the best chance of an unbroken circular reflection
- Position the camera precisely on the central axis of the bridge at shore level — any offset turns the circle into an oval
- Rhododendron peak bloom varies annually; late May is the most reliable window but check local reports before visiting
- A polarising filter reduces surface glare and deepens the reflection colour on bright mornings
- The bridge is closed to foot traffic — all photography is from the shore; a 50–100 mm lens tightens framing of the arch
- October weekends attract autumn photography crowds; arriving at first light gives clear foreground access
When to visit
Early morning (6–8 AM) on calm, windless days for still-water reflections. Late May to early June for rhododendron bloom; October for autumn foliage — both seasons intensify colour framing around the stone arch.
Accessibility
The park path from the car park to the bridge is flat, gravel-surfaced, and suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. The lakeshore photography position requires no steps or uneven terrain. The bridge itself is closed to all visitors.
Frequently asked questions
Can visitors walk on the Rakotzbrücke?
No. The bridge has been closed to foot traffic due to structural preservation concerns. Photography takes place from the lakeshore on both sides of the arch.
Is there an entry fee for Rhododendron-Park Kromlau?
No. The park and the car park are free to access year-round.
When is the best time to photograph the perfect circle reflection?
Early morning (6–8 AM) on calm, windless days when the lake surface is undisturbed. Autumn (October) and rhododendron season (late May to early June) add seasonal colour interest around the arch.
How far is Kromlau from major cities?
The village of Kromlau in Gablenz is approximately 110 km from Dresden and 150 km from Berlin by road, making it a viable day trip from either city. The nearest town with accommodation is Weißwasser, about 12 km north.
Are drones permitted at Kromlau park?
German drone regulations under the SUAS framework apply. The park is not under a blanket national prohibition, but local bylaws in Gemeinde Gablenz may restrict flights; confirm with local authorities before flying.