Icy walkway

A couple strolls under snow-covered trees in the northern German Baltic Sea resort of Travemünde near Lübeck. Picture / Reuters

The contrast between European summer and winter landscapes is well captured in this photograph, taken yesterday.

Travemünde is a popular seaside tourist resort in Lübeck, Germany, located at the mouth of the river Trave. In summertime, visitors flock to the town to enjoy the sun and the open-air cafes.

At this time of year, however, the frosty conditions offer up a very different - yet compelling - perspective.

Travemünde is Germany's largest ferry port on the Baltic Sea with destinations to Sweden, Finland and other Baltic countries. Its famous lighthouse is the oldest on the Baltic coast, dating back to 1539. Another popular attraction is the Flying P-Liner Passat, a museum ship anchored in the river mouth.