There’s nothing more calming and beautiful than spending a night under the stars. The sense of peace overwhelms you as you look up and realize how small you actually are in this huge universe. This is why we have picked the best spots for stargazing in Europe and marvel at the incredible stars above. If you are lucky, you might even catch a shooting star. So, have your wish ready under the sky full of stars!
Best Places for Stargazing in Europe
- La Palma, Canary Islands
- Alqueva, Portugal
- Hortobágy National Park, Hungary
- Salzburg, Austria
- Stevns Klint, Denmark
- Bavarian Forest National Park, Germany
- Tuscany, Italy
- Connemara, Ireland
- Glencoe, Scotland
La Palma, Canary Islands
Speaking of stargazing, it’s only fair to start in the world’s first starlight reserve in 2012, declared by UNESCO. La Palma is one of major islands in the Canary Islands, with volcanic land formations and numerous hiking opportunities. As the sun goes down, the winding hills will lead you to some of the best stargazing spots on the island.
The island is famous for its clear skies, making it easy for anyone to go stargazing. But, what makes La Palma especially special is that here you can see stars from both the northern and southern hemispheres, as its location is close to the equator.
Alqueva, Portugal
Remote and staying off-the-radar, this hidden lake in Portugal makes a brilliant stargazing spot in Europe. It is recognized as the very first Starlight Tourism Destination in the world. So, imagine looking at a sky with millions of twinkling stars and spotting some distinctive constellations in the middle of nowhere. The serene atmosphere and breathtaking landscape will sweep you off your feet. Additionally, you can head to the Dark Sky Observatory in Cumeada, a small village in the Alqueva municipality, to get a crystal-clear view of the magnificent stars.
Hortobágy National Park, Hungary
Hungary offers multiple stargazing spots in the country, but Hortobágy National Park has got to be the most impressive. It’s the first national park in the country, and the majority is still pristine since the ice age. The 800-metre square park brims with rich culture and fascinating folklore, representing Hungary’s ‘plain life’. At daytime, you can see farmers herding their fluffy cattles and long-horned Racka sheep to the meadows. Also, see some endemic birds at the Bird Hospital. As the night falls, you can see an extensive skyline sprinkled by millions of glittery stars. Therefore, it is one of the best spots for stargazing in Europe.
Salzburg, Austria
The beautiful small city of Salzburg in Austria bordering Germany offers stunning views where you can go stargazing in Europe. The pictures alone do all the talking because, wow, look at that view! The city is surrounded by stunning alps and traditional Austrian houses to admire. Moreover, for all those who are into classical music, Salzburg is also the birthplace of the famous composer Mozart. You cannot ignore the beautiful combination of the alps, lakes, and stars.
Stevns Klint, Denmark
Stevns Klint is a UNESCO world heritage site in Denmark where you can share an incredible stargazing experience with other travel buddies under the white chalk cliffs. Did you know Stevns Klint is one of the best places for stargazing in Europe? In this place, you can also witness traces of the asteroid which wiped out the dinosaurs. So for all you asteroid fanatics out there, why not kill two birds with one stone and do some asteroid-hunting while stargazing simultaneously?
Bavarian Forest National Park, Germany
Germany’s first-ever national park, founded in the 1970s, is one of the best spots for stargazing in Europe. Here, you can pop a visit to the museums, witness wild animals or walk around the beautiful nature. The park has around 350 km of marked hiking trails, so you can be sure that hiking opportunities are many. Then, when the night arrives, you can experience a thousand stars light up in the dark sky.
Tuscany, Italy
Our dear friend Italy is not only good for pasta and pizza but also for stargazing! Galileo did develop his telescope here in Tuscany, Italy. He is known to be the father of observational astronomy, so maybe he is on to something here. Tuscany is the perfect place to go stargazing in Europe due to its dry weather and long distances from the city centers making it the perfect condition for stargazing. Tuscany is also home to some famous astrophysics observatories where you can learn more about the night sky from astronomers.
Connemara, Ireland
Want to stargaze while being surrounded by nature and historical buildings? Then, travel to Connemara, one of the best places for stargazing in Europe, and admire the twinkling stars. Connemara does not have much light pollution surrounding it, which is great for beginner astronomers since you will most likely be able to have clear skies all year round. Moreover, this tiny cute village has numerous accommodations available for you and your travel buddies, or you can camp under the stars.
Glencoe, Scotland
A small village in western Scotland lies beautiful Glencoe and its stunning mountain views, making it a popular destination among climbers and hikers. But we can’t forget Glencoe also offers stargazing opportunities with a view! The green hills and meadows offer such a peaceful sensation that you and your loved ones will most likely get lost in the stars.
There you have it, the best places where you can go stargazing in Europe with your travel buddies! Have you planned a trip yet? Start packing your bags! Check out JoinMyTrip to kick-start your incredible adventure. You will find like-minded TripLeaders that will take you on many cool yet unique group trips around the world.