Winners of the European Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2026
The German Society for Nature Photography recently announced the top images from the European Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition, selected from more than 26,000 entries from 46 countries.
1. The European Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2026 contest showcased a diverse array of captivating wildlife images, with winners spanning various categories.
2. "Water Rocket" by Csaba Daroczi earned Highly Commended in the Birds category, capturing a unique perspective of waterbirds on the melting Kiskunság Lakes in Hungary during a mild winter.
3. "Black Wolf" by Danny Green secured Highly Commended in the Mammals category, showcasing a powerful image of a black wolf in Yellowstone National Park, where encounters with the elusive predators are rare.
4. "Swan Lake" by Henley Spiers was awarded first place in the Youth Category (14-17 years), depicting a majestic scene of mute swans emerging from the mist in a golden-lit lake.
5. "Sky Surfer" by Sandra Kenyon took Highly Commended in the Birds category, capturing a striking image of a European shag landing amidst swirling flocks of common guillemots on the windswept Arctic island of Hornøya.
6. "Hidden Worlds" by Imre Potyó emerged as the Overall Winner, featuring an innovative composition of hibernating bats in restricted-access mine tunnels in Hungary, where droppings formed a dark layer and small pin mold thrived in the bat's wake under torchlight.
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