Last updated: April 2026 | By Manuel Mohorovic, Nature Photographer

For me, Drumlin landscape photography is one of the most beautiful and, at the same time, most underestimated photo motifs in Switzerland. These gently rolling hill formations in the canton of Zug are a hidden gem that never ceases to fascinate me – no matter the season. In this post, I'll share my best tips so you too can capture the magic of this unique landscape photographically.

The Drumlins are Ice Age hill formations, shaped by glaciers thousands of years ago. What makes them so special are the characteristic solitary trees standing on their summits, lending the landscape an almost picturesque, almost unreal quality. When the morning light sweeps over the gentle hills, casting long shadows, it creates images you won't soon forget.

What are Drumlins and why are they so special photographically?

Drumlins are elongated, streamlined hills formed by the movement of glaciers. In the canton of Zug and on the Seerücken, you'll find some of the most beautiful Drumlins in Switzerland. What makes them so appealing photographically is the combination of soft lines, striking solitary trees, and constantly changing light. This landscape looks different in every season – and is always photographically exciting.

When is the best time for Drumlin landscape photography?

Each season has its own character. In spring, fresh green, blooming meadows, and soft light create breathtaking contrasts. In summer, warm evenings with golden hour and long shadows offer ideal conditions for silhouette shots of the distinctive trees. Autumn is my personal favorite: warm red tones, fog in the valleys, and the soft autumn light transform the Drumlins into an almost mystical landscape. Finally, in winter, snow-covered hills with clear air and dramatic skies offer completely different, but equally impressive, motifs.

The best time of day is always early morning from sunrise or golden hour in the evening.

Which light is best for Drumlin shots?

Light is everything in landscape photography – and this is especially true for Drumlins. The golden hour just after sunrise and just before sunset bathes the gentle hills in a warm, soft light that perfectly highlights their contours. The blue hour directly after sunset offers a completely different, quieter atmosphere with cool blue tones.

Misty autumn mornings are an absolute highlight: when the fog lies in the valleys and the Drumlin summits protrude, images with an almost surreal depth are created. I recommend getting up early and waiting for the first rays of light – it's always worth it.

Which camera settings do I recommend for Drumlin landscape photography?

For maximum depth of field, I recommend an aperture between f/8 and f/11. I keep the ISO as low as possible (ISO 100–400) to avoid image noise. The shutter speed depends on the available light – with a tripod, longer exposure times are easily possible. I set the white balance manually to authentically capture the warm tones of the golden hour. And very important: always shoot in RAW format for maximum flexibility in post-processing.

What equipment should I bring for the Drumlins?

A wide-angle lens (16–35mm) is perfect for capturing the expansive hill landscape. A telephoto lens (70–200mm) allows for compressed perspectives and effectively highlights details such as individual trees. A sturdy tripod is essential for long exposures and sharp shots in low light. A polarizing filter reduces reflections and saturates the sky, while an ND filter allows for longer exposure times even in brighter light. Warm clothing should not be forgotten, especially for early morning shots in autumn and winter.

Where are the most beautiful Drumlin photo spots in the canton of Zug?

The canton of Zug offers some of the most impressive Drumlins in Switzerland. Particularly beautiful are the hills around the Seerücken and the open hilly landscape in the Zug hinterland. What many don't know: there is an exclusive photo spot on private property that allows for an iconic composition with three hills and distinctive trees – a motif I always enjoy photographing and which is exclusively accessible in my workshops.

How can I improve my Drumlin landscape photography?

The most important tip: Take your time. The Drumlins are not a place for quick snapshots – they reward patience and observation. Come early, stay late, and observe how the light changes. Experiment with different perspectives: low to the ground for dramatic foregrounds or elevated for an overview of the hill ranges.

Work with lines – the curved contours of the Drumlins are natural leading lines that guide the eye through the image. And don't forget: the best pictures often emerge when you simply wait and let nature do its thing.

Fancy the Drumlins? Come to my workshop!

If you want to experience the Drumlin landscape yourself and master it photographically, I cordially invite you to my "The Hills – Drumlins Landscape Photography Workshop" in the canton of Zug.

What awaits you: exclusive access to private property with the iconic 3-hill composition, photography during golden & blue hour, personal coaching with a maximum of 4 participants, as well as tips on camera settings, filter techniques, and image critique.

Dates 2026: May 9 · May 30 · July 1 · July 4 · October 21 · October 24
Time: Approx. 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM  |  Location: Canton Zug, Switzerland

Register now: The Hills – Drumlins Landscape Photography Workshop

Summary

For me, the Drumlins in the canton of Zug are one of the most fascinating photo motifs in Switzerland – and one of the most underestimated. Whether in spring, autumn, or winter: this landscape always has something to offer. As a nature photographer, I always return here because the combination of soft hill lines, striking trees, and changing light always inspires me anew. I hope my tips help you capture your own unforgettable images. If you have any questions, feel free to write them in the comments!

Best regards,
Manuel Mohorovic – Nature and Travel Photographer from Switzerland