Where are the best places in Austria for stargazing?

The best stargazing spots in Austria are found where nights are especially clear and free from light pollution. The Attersee–Traunsee Star Park in Upper Austria, the country’s only official star park, is considered a hotspot for observing the night sky. Also impressive are Lake Millstatt in Carinthia with its star-viewing bivouacs, the open-air planetarium in Vienna, the Gesäuse National Park in Styria and the clear night skies of the Lungau.

When is the best time to see the stars?

The clearest nights are between August and October, as well as on cold, cloud-free winter evenings. Important: as little moonlight and light pollution as possible!The best time for stargazing is during a new moon and between 2 and 3 a.m. – as long as the clouds don’t get in the way.

Stars are giant balls of gas, where immense pressure in their cores causes temperatures to soar. The intense heat fuses hydrogen atoms together—a process that releases energy and makes the stars shine. Planets, on the other hand, are cold and only appear to shine when lit by a nearby star. And yes—our sun is a star, too!

Why are some stars colourful and flickering?

Astronomers call the “flickering” of stars scintillation (from Latin scintillare – to flicker). This phenomenon is caused by the bending of light as it passes through Earth’s atmosphere. For especially bright stars, you might even notice a subtle flickering of color.

How many stars are there in the sky?

Even though we can only see the brightest ones with the naked eye, there are around 100 billion stars in our galaxy alone.

How do you take a picture of a sky full of stars?

For best results, use a Digital Single-Lens Reflex Camera (DSLR) with manual settings: Set the exposure time to 20 seconds, aperture to f/5.6, ISO between 800 and 1600, zoom to 20 millimetres, turn off image stabilisation, and set the focus manually to infinity.

Stargazing in Austria
The best places for stargazing experiences without light pollution

Star parks, starry picnics, and star gardens: where Austria’s night skies shine brightest. Here are the places where stargazing becomes an unforgettable experience.

Silence. The faint, invisible chirping of crickets. Crisp, clear air. Deep darkness. Above this peaceful natural scene stretches a breathtaking canopy of stars. For thousands of years, humans have gazed up in wonder, weaving stories of gods and mortals into the night sky. The mystery of the infinite cosmos—the timeless questions of where we come from, why we are here, and whether a higher power exists—has captivated us since the dawn of time. After all, Astronomy is humanity’s very first science.

Today, the magic of the stars can still be experienced—beautifully curated and accessible, not just to romantics. Special nighttime nature reserves, like the Star Park in the Salzkammergut, work to reduce light pollution. A benefit to humans, animals, and the environment alike.

In Austria's regions, there are more and more places where stargazing becomes pure enjoyment – with guided star workshops, tours and observatories. Or you can simply discover the overwhelming beauty of the night sky on your own, at numerous lookout spots and along designated hiking trails.

The most beautiful places for stargazing

Bivouac under the stars on Lake Millstättersee: time for two

Stars in Gesäuse national park: europe’s darkest nights

Dark sky preserve Dürrenstein: stargazing in the "jungle"

Star hiking in the Lungau

Outdoor experience at DreamAlive in the Great Walser Valley

Moon way in Altenmarkt Zauchensee

Open-air Gala at Göttweig Abbey „Classic under the Stars“

Observatories with guided tours, workshops and seminars

University observatory and museum in Vienna: Top-Tip!

Observatory Gahberg: Attersee-Attergau under the stars

Kuffner and Urania observatories: Stargazing in Vienna

Klagenfurt observatory: View to far-away galaxies

Johannes Kepler observatory: Stars over Graz

3 questions about Austria's star parks

What is a Star Park?

A Star Park is a protected night-time landscape where light pollution is minimised.
Its purpose is to preserve natural darkness, enable clear views of the starry sky, and promote biodiversity for future generations.

Why is a star park important for biodiversity?

Less light pollution protects night-active animals and preserves natural habitats.
In this way, the Star Park contributes to ecological balance.

What does the certification mean for Austria?

With the Attersee-Traunsee Star Park, Austria is now officially part of the “Dark Sky Places” network for the first time. This strengthens awareness for the protection of the night sky—both locally and in other regions across the country.

Austria's first star park

Attersee-Traunsee star park in the Salzkammergut region

In 2021, the Attersee-Traunsee region was certified as Austria’s first Star Park by the International Dark Sky Association.

This marks Austria's first entry into the global “Dark Sky Places” network—home to 150 Star Parks worldwide, including 35 in Europe. The goal of the project is to preserve the natural darkness of the night and reduce light pollution.

Visitors to the Star Park are treated to magnificent views of an unspoiled night sky, the Milky Way visible to the naked eye, and the enchanting magic of deep darkness.

This sustainable project not only supports biodiversity but also raises awareness of the precious value of darkness in an ever-brightening world.

Starpark Attersee-Traunsee

When we look up at the starry sky, a beauty unfolds before us that delights and uplifts us. (…)
Adalbert Stifter (1805-1868), Austrian author

Here's what you need for stargazing in Austria

Clear, cloud-free night – ideally during a new moon.
Warm clothing and a blanket – nights in Austria’s mountains can get chilly.
A lounger or sleeping mat – for comfortable sky-watching outdoors.
Binoculars or a telescope – for an even closer look at the stars.
Red torch – to find your way in the dark without disturbing your night vision.
Hot drink & snacks – for cosy stargazing moments.
Star chart or app – helps you identify constellations and planets.

Enjoy your time under the stars!

Why darkness matters

Light pollution: Harmful to people and nature

Light pollution is the uncontrolled brightening of the night sky caused by artificial light. And it’s becoming an increasing concern. Because light pollution doesn’t just dim our view of the stars—it also has far-reaching ecological and health impacts:

Harmful to people: Exposure to light at night can suppress melatonin production—a hormone vital for restful sleep and recovery. This disruption of our natural rhythm can weaken the immune system and affect long-term health.
Harmful to wildlife: Around 70% of all mammals are active at night. Artificial lighting can change their behaviour, disrupt insect populations, and disturb the entire food chain.
Harmful to the environment: At night, artificial light can trigger photosynthesis in plants — a process normally driven by daylight. This stresses trees and vegetation, shortening their lifespan as they expend too much energy.