Renowned mountain photographer Bernd Ritschel from Kochel am See has embarked on an ambitious new project exploring how water will shape the future of the Alps. Working in collaboration with Christian and Felix Neureuther, Ritschel is set to launch his latest venture with a lecture series beginning soon in his hometown of Kochel.
Bernd Ritschel, who ranks among Germany's most celebrated mountain photographers, has spent years passionately documenting the glaciers of the Alps with tremendous dedication and effort. During his extensive photographic expeditions for his previous glacier photography book, it became increasingly clear that the rapid retreat of Alpine glaciers would have massive implications for the water balance affecting both human populations and natural ecosystems.
The photographer recognized that these dramatic changes would significantly impact tourism, agriculture, lakes, waterfalls, and the river systems throughout the Alpine region. This realization prompted him to focus his artistic lens on the broader theme of water's role in the mountains' future.
In just a few days, Ritschel's new photographic book will be published by National Geographic, showcasing his latest work on this critical environmental theme. The publication coincides with the launch of his new lecture series titled "Das Wasser der Alpen" (The Water of the Alps), which will bring his insights and stunning photography to audiences across the region.
The inaugural presentation of this lecture series is scheduled for Friday, September 19th, at 7:00 PM at the Heimatbühne (Local Theater) in Kochel am See. This first event will set the stage for what promises to be an enlightening series examining the crucial relationship between water resources and the Alpine environment.
Through his collaboration with the Neureuther family and his comprehensive photographic documentation, Ritschel aims to raise awareness about the environmental challenges facing the Alps while showcasing the natural beauty that remains. His work represents both an artistic achievement and an important contribution to understanding climate change impacts in mountain regions.
