Stargazing in the Hohe Tauern National Park region
Under the most beautiful starry sky in Europe
There are places where the night is still as dark as it should be - and therefore sparkles particularly brightly. Two of the darkest places in Europe are located in the Hohe Tauern National Park in Carinthia: shielded from artificial light, surrounded by mountains, forests and clear lakes. Here, the sky shows itself in all its glory - with twinkling constellations, wandering planets and the Milky Way, which stretches across the peaks like a luminous ribbon.
Emberger Alm - the gateway to the universe
At around 1,800 meters above sea level is the Emberger Alm in the Drau Valley - one of the most famous observation spots for amateur astronomers in Central Europe. A public observatory with modern telescopes makes it possible even for beginners to look into space: lunar craters, Saturn's rings or distant galaxies suddenly become tangible. Regular guided tours and observation evenings turn astronomy into an experience for young and old.
Astental - one of the darkest places in Europe
Alongside the Emberger Alm, the Astental valley is also one of the most impressive dark sky spots in Central Europe. Shielded from artificial light, an incomparable view of the stars opens up here: the Milky Way stretches across the sky, constellations shine clearly and the infinite depth of the universe is particularly intense on moonless nights.
Preserving the night - for nature and people
But the night is not only a fascinating spectacle for us humans. Many animals and plants in the national park depend on the darkness: It controls the natural rhythm of life. This is why the Hohe Tauern National Park is consciously committed to protecting the night. Observations and guided tours take place with soft red light, which sharpens the senses, protects animals and leaves the view open to the sky. Anyone who has ever consciously been out and about in this silence knows that you not only see more stars in the dark - you also hear, smell and feel nature more intensely.
Sight at the limit - on a night hike
At night, the sense of sight cannot be fully utilized, so we perceive much more with our ears. Every step out of the group becomes a spectacle of sound. If you are lucky, you may hear the wild animals of the national park jumping over hill and dale.
If necessary, they do not walk through the night with flashlights, but with a soft red light. This is less harmful to the eyes of nocturnal animals and does not attract as much attention.
Likewise, the considerate treatment of nature, whether animal or plant life, is a MUST! So please do not pick any plants or make any loud noises!
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