content: It is a bad HDR. So, yes, it is digitally altered. Altough it shouldn't look like it was. That's what makes it a bad HDR.  A good HDR is supposed to mimick the eyes' natural dynamic range, something that no camera can normally achieve.  That's why the photographer takes several pictures (3 at minimum) of the exact same scene, on the exact same position (best achieved with a tripod) with different expositions from very bright to very dark and then uses a software to blend the shots together, obtaining one final picture retaining details in the highlights and details in the shadows.