The best places for stargazing in Switzerland

Introduction

Switzerland offers unique conditions for star-gazing, combining sumptuous tourist landscapes with a relatively unspoilt sky. Thanks to its high mountains and remote regions, the country boasts some of the best astronomical sites in Central Europe.

At altitude, the air is pure and stable, and some areas far from urban centers enjoy a level of darkness that is exceptional on a national scale. Whether you're an inquisitive family, an amateur with a telescope or a seasoned astronomer, Switzerland's geographical diversity - from the peaks of the Alps to the plateau to the ridges of the Jura - offers a wide range of possibilities. wide choice of observation sites.

In this article, which is as much about tourism as it is about science, we take a look at Switzerland's must-see places for stargazing, not forgetting the facilities available to the general public. We'll focus in particular on the François-Xavier Bagnoud Observatory, a veritable astronomical nugget in the Valais, then list other remarkable sites across the country, before concluding with a few practical tips for successful stargazing evenings.

François-Xavier Bagnoud Observatory (OFXB) - St-Luc, Valais

The François-Xavier Bagnoud Observatory (OFXB) under a twirling starry sky (long exposure). Situated at an altitude of 2200 m above St-Luc (VS), this site offers an unobstructed panorama and a pure sky ideal for astronomy.

Perched at an altitude of 2,200 metres above sea level in the Valais village of Saint-Luc in the Val d'Anniviers, the François-Xavier Bagnoud Observatory is one of Switzerland's leading astronomical centres. Easily accessible by funicular to the resort of Tignousa, it benefits from the purity of the Alpine air and the absence of direct light pollution. Infrastructure and equipment : The OFXB boasts the largest public telescope in French-speaking Switzerland (a 60 cm diameter Dobson), as well as a high-tech dome housing a 50 cm instrument. A 30-seat auditorium, a small digital planetarium, an open-air planet trail and even a 6-bed dormitory complete the facilities to welcome visitors and astronomers alike. This configuration enables observation of the night sky (stars, planets, nebulae) by day (observation of the Sun using a dedicated heliostat).

Activities for the general public : The François-Xavier Bagnoud Observatory aims to make astronomy accessible to all. Throughout the year, the Observatory offers events and observation evenings for the general public, including astronomical evenings under the dome, digital planetarium sessions and solar observations led by scientific mediators. Special programs for schools are also organized to attract the interest of younger children. Beyond tourism, a scientific hub : the OFXB is more than just a recreational site; it also welcomes astronomers amateurs that professionals who want to work under an exceptional sky. The association that runs the observatory makes its instruments available for astrophotography projects (including remote photography via the Internet) and collaborates with scientific institutions on observation campaigns. In August 2024, for example, the OFXB hosted a large "Star Party for two nights, bringing together amateur astronomers, astrophotographers and enthusiasts to enjoy the quality of its skies. Thanks to its dual role as a tourist and scientific attraction, the François-Xavier Bagnoud Observatory has established itself as a leading Switzerland's astronomy highlightThe result is a unique combination of wonder for the public and valuable data for experts.

The best observation sites in Switzerland

From the Jura to the Alps, here is a selection of Switzerland's most renowned sky-watching sites, accessible to the general public or appreciated by the initiated. Each site offers its own particular setting - easily accessible for a family outing, or more secluded for advanced observations - so that everyone can find something to their liking. sound starry sky.

• Gornergrat (Valais) - Rising 3,100 m above Zermatt, the Gornergrat offers breathtaking Alpine panoramas and skies of exceptional quality. Historically, this summit has been the site of cutting-edge astronomical research and remains "one of the best sites for astronomical observations in Central Europe". . It features the Stellarium Gornergrata modern educational observatory created in collaboration with the Universities of Geneva and Bern, which provides schools and the general public with a professional telescope that can be remotely controlled. In the evening, guests at the 3100 Kulmhotel can observe with the naked eye a brilliant firmament featuring the Milky Way and the glimmer of galaxies, far from the artificial lights of the valleys.

• Jungfraujoch - Sphinx Observatory (Bernese Alps) - Located at 3,571 m on the Jungfrau Pass, the Sphinx Observatory is one of the highest observatories in the world. Accessible by the famous Jungfraujoch cogwheel railway, it features a platform open to the public, offering breathtaking views of the sky and surrounding peaks. The the second-highest accessible observation point in Switzerland (after the Klein Matterhorn terrace) and a privileged place to contemplate the stars above the clouds. By day, the platform offers panoramic views (Eiger, Mönch, Jungfrau), and at night, when conditions permit, it reveals a crystal-clear sky. Although the Sphinx serves primarily as a scientific laboratory (glaciology, cosmic rays, astronomy...), its symbolic presence at the summit of Europe makes it a must-see for visiting astronomy enthusiasts.

• Mirasteilas - Falera (Graubünden) - The small village of Falera, perched at 1,288 m in the Grisons, is home to theMirasteilas Observatorya true reference in Eastern Switzerland. The telescope has a diameter of 90 cm, making it a true the largest publicly accessible astronomical instrument in Switzerland (a status it maintained for many years). Managed by the Graubünden Astronomical Society, the observatory organizes guided evenings for visitors (usually Fridays and Saturdays), during which star clusters, galaxies and planets can be observed using this giant instrument. The Falera site is ideally located on an alpine terrace with a clear horizon to the west, south and east, and very little light pollution - hence the name. "Mirasteilas which means "look at the stars in Romansh . A stopover at Mirasteilas will delight both seasoned astronomers, who can take advantage of the state-of-the-art equipment, and neophytes dazzled by the celestial vault in nearby Parc Ela.

• Gantrisch Nature Park & Space Eye (Bern/Fribourg) - Between Bern, Fribourg and Thun lies the Gantrisch Park, the first Swiss region to receive the Gantrisch label. "Star Park for the quality of its nights. This natural park, devoid of large conurbations, enjoys very dark skies and has even developed four panoramic platforms specially dedicated to astronomical observation. In 2023, this area saw the inauguration of the Space Eye Observatory on the Uecht site (municipality of Niedermuhlern, BE). Equipped with the Switzerland's largest public telescopeThis new multimedia observatory houses a telescope measuring over a metre in diameter, housed in a 15-metre tower designed by architect Mario Botta. The Space Eye offers visitors of all ages an interactive immersion in astronomy and the environment, with an exhibition, 8K planetarium and guided telescope observations. Located at an altitude of 950 m, the Uecht site is ideally situated for protected from urban lights (the Längenberg hills screen Bern's glare) and lies at the heart of what astronomers call the the bernese "darkroomthe least polluted area of the Gantrisch . Star gazers and families on astronomical excursions will appreciate the modernity infrastructure that the purity of sky offered by this park.

• Mont-Soleil Observatory (Bernese Jura) - On the heights of St-Imier, at an altitude of around 1,200 m, the Mont-Soleil astronomical observatory is a prime destination for an introduction to astronomy in the Jura region. Managed by a foundation, this center offers observations of the Sun (thanks to filtered instruments), and planets and deep sky for groups and special events. It is equipped with a main telescope under a dome and a digital planetarium to offer projections of the starry sky, even in inclement weather. Every year in August, Mont-Soleil organizes its traditional Starry night during the Perseids, with several telescopes available, sessions under the dome and even a food truck for a convivial atmosphere. Easily accessible (by funicular from St-Imier), this site will appeal to families and the curious thanks to its educational approach, while satisfying amateurs thanks to the quality of the Jura sky when it's dark.

• Jura Astronomical Observatory (Vicques, Jura) - In the canton of Jura, near Delémont, there's an observatory run by the Société Jurassienne d'Astronomie (SJA) in the municipality of Vicques (505 m altitude). Although not as high as the Alpine sites, it nonetheless benefits from a clear horizon and the passion of local astronomers, who occasionally organize evenings open to the public. For example, on Perseid Night, the Vicques observatory opens its doors wide to enable everyone to observe the shooting stars in good conditions, free of charge and without registration. The facility comprises several medium-sized telescopes in a dome and a reception building. Visits are generally by prior arrangement, but regular events are also on the agenda (some neighbouring communes, such as Val Terbi, support these initiatives and partially switch off their public lighting during major celestial events). The site is particularly suitable for enlightened amateurs and north-western Swiss looking for a local vantage point, but it will also amaze neophytes guided by dedicated SJA members.

• Col du Marchairuz & Jura vaudois - The Parc Jura Vaudois boasts some of the darkest skies in French-speaking Switzerland. In particular, the Col du Marchairuz (1,447 m) and surrounding ridges is renowned for the purity of its night sky. According to an analysis by the Astronomical Observatory of the University of Lausanne, this corner of the Jura is among the "best observation spotsIt's just as much a part of the Alps as it is of France, thanks to its remoteness from major cities. Not far from here, under the Grand Cunay hut or towards Roche Champion (on the French border), you'll find natural lookouts offering a panoramic view of the celestial vault, with virtually no extraneous light. These undeveloped sites are more popular with seasoned amateur astronomers, ready to brave the cold nights with their telescopes, but motivated visitors can also venture out on clear summer nights to see the Milky Way spread out over the fir trees. The silence of the forest, the twinkling of the stars and the occasional shooting star make this an unforgettable experience. (Please note: you must be self-sufficient and well-equipped, and respect nature by remaining discreet and leaving with your garbage).

• Vue-des-Alpes (Neuchâtel) - This aptly named pass, between Neuchâtel and La Chaux-de-Fonds (approx. 1,283 m), is not only a tourist attraction with a beautiful view of the Alps in the distance, it is also one of the world's most important tourist attractions. popular vantage point for observing the sky. La Vue-des-Alpes has a wide-open horizon to the south and west, above the winter sea of fog, which means that the skies are clear for much of the year. At night, far from any major city, you can admire a splendid dome of stars: "Vue-des-Alpes offers an unobstructed view of the starry sky". local guides indicate. The site is accessible by car and has a simple restaurant/observatory. Astronomy clubs from the region regularly organize evening events for the public. It's an ideal spot for a family night out in summer, when you can sit relatively comfortably by the car and let the kids discover the constellations in a safe environment. In winter, it's a popular place to admire the celestial vault above a sea of clouds - a magical atmosphere, but be sure to bring warm clothes!

• Signal de Bougy (Vaud) - At an altitude of 700 m, the Signal de Bougy is a vast public park on the heights between Lausanne and Geneva, known for its playgrounds and golf course... but it's also a an accessible place to gaze at the stars. Far enough away from the direct light of the cities of Lake Geneva, this plateau offers a wide open sky to the south. Events "starry nights are sometimes organized. This easy-to-reach spotlight particularly suitable for beginners and romantic outings under the sky - it is even described as "the ideal spot for stargazing for two". . Of course, the relative proximity of cities means that the sky is less dark than in the Alps or the remote Jura, but you can already see many stars, the brightest planets, and learn to recognize constellations and polar stars. It's a good compromise between accessibility and sky quality for residents of the Lake Geneva region.

• Fribourg and German Plateau - On the densely populated Swiss Plateau, there are still pockets of dark skies and active observatories. For example, theÉpendes Observatory (near Freiburg) welcomes the public every Friday evening free of charge since 1984: you can recognize constellations, observe the Moon and planets, and even see nebulae and galaxies when the weather's right. It's one of the country's oldest amateur observatories, having amazed nearly 100,000 visitors in 40 years. In German-speaking Switzerland, theUrania Sternwarte in the heart of Zurich: inaugurated in 1907 in a 50 m high tower, this venerable urban observatory allows the curious to admire the craters of the Moon or the rings of Saturn through a 30 cm Zeiss telescope, with a magnification of up to 600× . Admittedly, in the middle of the city, the faintest stars are drowned out by light pollution, but guided tours are offered three evenings a week to give visitors the opportunity to see the stars. "a little bit of sky and introduce the public to astronomy. Finally, for those looking for a dark spot on the Plateau without climbing the mountain, the North Vaud countryside can offer decent skies: between Yverdon and Neuchâtel, sectors such as Onnens-Vaumarcus or Cheseaux-Noréaz-Yvonand allow you to get away from the city lights, while remaining less than 500 m above sea level. These plains near Lake Neuchâtel, when not fogged in, offer an interesting compromise for observing the summer sky with the naked eye, stretched out in a field far from streetlights.

Obviously, this list is not exhaustive. There are many other places in Switzerland where you can observe the sky, such as the Bella-Tola hut (VS) not far from St-Luc to spend a night in the mountains with your head in the stars. Vuipay pastures in the Fribourg Pre-Alps, recommended for family observing in a bucolic setting, or the Signal de Bernex on the outskirts of Geneva, where amateurs often gather with their instruments. Every amateur astronomer has his little corner of the night as long as it combines the same recipe: a sufficiently clear sky darka horizon clearand, if possible, access secure and practical to set up.

Practical tips for stargazing

Star gazing can be a spontaneous activity, but it requires a special good preparation will help you make the most of the celestial spectacle. Here are a few recommendations for beginners and experts alike:

• Choosing the right moment: prefer moonless nights (around the new moon), as the lunar glow eclipses the palest stars. On the other hand, a winter sky is often clearer (cold, dry air) than a summer sky, but you have to put up with the cold; summer offers milder nights and the chance to observe popular phenomena such as the shooting star shower of the Perseids mid-August. Keep an eye on the weather and target a night cloudless - a clear sky is essential! -Avoid lowland fog and full moon conditions wherever possible.

• Find a dark, open spot: stay away from stray lights (street lighting, car headlights, shop windows) and visual obstacles (buildings, trees) that block the field of vision. In practice, this means getting out of urban centers and choosing an open area (field, hill, lakeside). Some people recommend setting up on high ground to get away from the fog and widen the horizon, while others prefer a deep valley that blocks out distant light. Mountain, countryside or lakeside, it's up to you to decide what's most accessible - the important thing is to have 90% from the sky visible above you. Don't hesitate to find your chosen location on the day itself, to avoid unpleasant surprises in the dark.

• Comfort and safety: get settled comfortably to observe the sky. Make sure you have something to lie or lean on (a reclining deckchair, a thick blanket on the ground or a camping mattress) so that you can contemplate the celestial vault without your neck getting sore over time. Dress warmly, even in summer: after dusk, temperatures drop rapidly, especially at altitude, and standing still can quickly turn cold (hat, blanket and thermos of hot drink are welcome). If you're climbing at night, don't go off on your own: tell someone you're going out, and take a headlamp, map and charged telephone with you as a precaution. At very remote sites, you should also take care to respect nature and tranquillity: stay on the paths, avoid excessive noise, and take your garbage down with you.

• Observation material : good news for starters your eyes are enough ! Many of the wonders of the sky (constellations, the Milky Way, meteors, brilliant comets) can be seen with the naked eye once your eyes have become accustomed to the dark. A pair of binoculars can enhance the experience by revealing more stars and a few blurred objects (star clusters, galaxies). A telescope or an astronomical telescope are a plus, especially for seeing lunar craters, Saturn's rings or the Andromeda galaxy, but they require a bit of practice; if you're just starting out, take part in observation evenings with a club or at a public observatory to learn how to use them. Tip: use a flashlight red light (or cover a white lamp with red film) to illuminate your maps or movements without ruining your night-time adaptation - red light is less tiring for night vision than white.

• Adapt your vision and spot the stars: once you're there, avoid looking at any light sources (telephone screens, distant streetlamps, etc.), to preserve your eyesight. night vision. It takes about 20 minutes in the dark for our eyes to reach their maximum sensitivity: patience! If the Moon is present, position yourself so that it's at your back, so that its brilliance doesn't affect your observation. To orientate yourself under the sky, take along a rotating sky chart or an astronomy app on your smartphone (using it only when necessary, with minimum brightness). Free mobile applications such as SkyView, Stellarium or Google Sky Map can help you identify constellations and planets by pointing your screen at the sky. Finally, learn some basic landmarks: for example, locate the Big Dipper, then use it to find the North Star - a fun game to play with the kids.

By following these tips and visiting the appropriate sites, you will optimize your chances of spending a good night's sleep. unforgettable night under the stars. Don't forget that astronomy is both a science and a contemplative pleasure: take the time to appreciate the calm of the night, the beauty of the Milky Way and the journey through time represented by the light of each star. Whether you're on a remote Alpine peak or simply in the back of your garden on a moonless night, the Swiss sky is awe-inspiring and a humbling reminder of our place in the universe. Good observation!

Sources : The information in this article comes from a variety of tourist and scientific sources, including official observatory websites (OFXB, Mont-Soleil, Ependes, etc.), specialist press articles and contributions from astronomy experts. Specific references are given in the text, for example on the quality of the sky at Gornergrat , the OFXB infrastructure , or practical observation tips . These sources attest to the reliability of the facts presented, and invite you to find out more about each place mentioned. The Swiss sky is waiting for you - so look up and discover it for yourself!