The International Dark-Sky Association and other groups that work to protect the night skies from light pollution have classified many places in Europe as dark-sky zones. In comparison to an uncontrolled sky, you can see a hundred times more stars in these locations. Here are some of the top locations for stargazing in Europe.
1. La Palma, Canary Islands
Due to its exceptionally clear skies, La Palma in the Canary Islands is renowned as one of the best locations for stargazing. Due to its particular location in the Atlantic Ocean, it benefits from a built-in cloud cover that deflects sunlight from the sky above. Additionally, because of its proximity to the equator, stargazers can see stars in both the northern and southern hemispheres.
La Palma is a genuinely unique location for stargazing, and UNESCO agreed when it named the island the first Starlight Reserve in the world in 2012. The Caldera de Taburiente National Park, which surrounds the enormous volcanic land formation that gives the park its name, is located in the island’s center.
The island’s geographic location also grants it a variety of vegetation and temperatures. The Roque de los Muchachos Astrophysics Observatory is located on the island’s peak, which is accessible by a multitude of hiking trails. Booking a guided trip there will give you the opportunity to see the stars, planets, constellations, nebulae, and, if you’re lucky, a shooting star.
2. Westhavelland Nature Park, Germany
The International Dark-Sky Association has designated Westhavelland as a Dark Sky Reserve for its natural park. Due to its close proximity to Berlin, it has been given the extra-special status of having certified dark skies that are shielded from light pollution from adjacent large population areas. Westhavelland is subsequently one of the more easily accessible Dark Sky Reserves.
Visit the park during the day to canoe down the Havel River and enjoy the animals. The park is a wetland that is home to birds, otters, and beavers. In order to emphasize the value of protecting its skies from light pollution, the park offers nighttime guided tours of its night sky. Additionally, it holds gatherings like the WestHavelländer AstroTreff star party, which attracts both novices and experienced astronomers from across the nation to observe the night sky.
3. Hella, Iceland
The skies in Iceland are so clear that you can see a vast number of stars because of the country’s crisp Nordic climate. In addition to having amazing astronomy skies, Hella is also home to the extraordinary Northern Lights. With twice as many sights as other viewpoints of the Northern Lights, you’ll be able to stay outside for longer, which is good news because you’ll want to make sure you don’t miss anything. Astronomy enthusiasts can stay at the Hotel Rangá in Hella.
It has everything you need to get a close-up glimpse of the stars and planets above, including a built-in astronomy observatory and daily night sky-guided excursions. The greatest time to see the Northern Lights is from September through April. Iceland’s most sophisticated observatory makes it the ideal location to watch the Northern Lights glimmering colors dance over the night sky.
4. Haunte-Pyrénées, France
The Pyrénées Mountains, which divide France from Spain, are in the south of France in the region known as Haute-Pyrénées. The Pyrénées National Park, the largest International Dark Sky Reserve in Europe, and the location of the Pic du Midi Observatory can be found there.
The Gentili telescope at the observatory, which NASA scientists used to survey the moon in 1963 to prepare for the Apollo moon landings, draws astronomy enthusiasts, but it also appeals to Star Wars fans since, in 2015, local artists painted the dome to resemble a stormtrooper.
5. Tuscany, Italy
There is no better place to learn about astronomy than the location where Galileo built his telescope, and Tuscany’s dry climate and isolation from cities provide ideal stargazing conditions. The moon’s craters, Jupiter’s moons, and sunspots are all visible here. Hire a villa in the Italian countryside, then settle in for the ideal starry night.
The renowned Arcetri Astrophysics Observatory is located in Florence, and the nearby Chianti Observatory holds stargazing events where guests can learn about the night sky from local astronomers who will describe what they observe via a telescope.
6. Hortobágy National Park
The first national park in Hungary, Hortobágy National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and an IDA-recognized Dark Sky Park. It is one of the largest continuous grasslands, and more than 340 different bird species call it home thanks to its varied terrain and water sources. Go birdwatching throughout the day to see how many you can find, and make sure not to miss the rare bustards, which live in a different reserve.
The park arranges educational activities to inform visitors of the value of protecting the night sky. Take part in one of their stargazing treks for a unique evening experience beneath the Milky Way.
