the Undulating Hills of Moravia

To undulate means “to move in a smooth, wave-like pattern.” The dictionary example—Her body undulated to the thumping rhythm of the music—certainly has a sensual flair. In this case, though, the subject isn’t moving. Yet when photographing the mesmerizing landscapes of Moravia, the hills’ curves and patterns create the illusion of movement, rhythm, and flow across the frame.

Moravia: Where Is It?

So where exactly is Moravia? I had no idea myself the first time I encountered photographs from this region. Moravia is a historic region in the Czech Republic, situated in the southeastern part of the country. It shares borders with Austria, Poland, and Slovakia, offering a mix of Central European charm and photogenic landscapes.

Rolling Hills and Agricultural Artistry

The landscapes here, with their waves of wheat and canola, reminded me of the Palouse region in my home state of Washington. One major difference—and advantage—is the steepness of Moravia’s hills. From the summit of one hill, you can capture the undulating slopes below with a mid-range telephoto lens, creating bold, graphic compositions. It’s almost like photographing from a low-flying airplane. In the Palouse, a similar effect is achieved by driving up Steptoe Butte, but Moravia’s hills are often even closer together, enhancing the depth and layers in photos.

Best Time to Shoot

Like the Palouse, the ideal moment to photograph Moravia’s hills is when the crops are at their greenest, usually toward the end of April. At the same time, vivid yellow canola (rapeseed) fields explode across the hills. On my first visit, I found more rapeseed than wheat, and while I initially missed the lush green, the resulting golden landscapes were breathtaking. The palette of bright blue skies, golden yellow rapeseed, and shades of green and brown is spectacular, accompanied by the subtle, sweet fragrance of blooming canola that fills the air.

Finding the Perfect Vantage Point

Some of the best photos come from nearby hills, easily accessible by car. One favorite viewpoint, which we dubbed “The Ribbons”, involved a short walk from a parking spot. Asking a local for directions, he humorously said, “Take a right by the junkyard, then drive to the dung yard and park.” Surprisingly accurate—and memorable!

Photography Tips for Moravia

To make the most of your Moravian photography, here are some practical suggestions:

Bring a mid to long-range telephoto lens for a full-frame camera: 70-200mm, 70-300mm, or 100-400mm. I favor the 100-400mm for these hills.

Use a sturdy tripod, especially with heavier lenses.

Windy conditions can challenge sharpness. Try:

Lowering the tripod close to the ground, even lying down if necessary.

Removing the lens hood to reduce wind resistance.

Adding weight to the tripod (a water bottle or small bag works well).

Increasing ISO for faster shutter speeds.

Shooting in burst mode to capture multiple frames; often the second or third is sharper.

Using image stabilization only when needed—sometimes it helps with wind.

Aim for sunrise or sunset for the best light and mood, even if it means an early start. The reward? Incredible photos and a well-deserved morning nap afterward.

Hidden Gems and Charming Details

Don’t miss smaller subjects tucked into the landscape, like the Chapel in the Woods, which add context and charm to your compositions.

Getting There

A car is essential to explore Moravia effectively. From Prague, it’s about a 3.5-hour drive; from Vienna, roughly 2.5 hours.

For a guided experience, consider joining a Prague & Czech Republic Photo Tour, which covers Moravia along with Prague, Kutná Hora, Telč, and Český Krumlov—all incredible destinations for landscape and cultural photography.