Maseben mm reihig b HDR
Maseben mm reihig b HDR

Astronomical Observatory Maseben

The only observatory in the western part of South Tyrol offers an impressive view into the starry sky

Those interested in stars and astronomy will also find what they are looking for in the Val Venosta valley since July 2019. Until now, South Tyrol's only observatory - the Max Valier Observatory - was located in San Valentino in Campo in the Val d'Ega valley, but now there is a second one at the Maseben Mountain Hut in the Vallelunga valley. The area is ideal for this, as there is no light pollution in the rustic valley and the sky can be explored undisturbed with the telescope, if the weather conditions allow.

The observatory is located at the Maseben Mountain Hut, called "Atlantis of the mountains", at 2,267 m a.s.l. Until a few years ago, the high plateau had a ski lift and was part of the Ortler Ski Arena. However, the ski area was abandoned, as well as the old chairlift that transported hikers in summer. Today, two telescopes offer the opportunity to immerse oneself in the fascinating world of the sun, moon and stars. The project was accompanied by astronomer Norbert Span and financed by the cross-border Interreg project "Terra Raetica under the stars".

And how to reach the observatory - "Sternwarte Maseben" in German, "Osservatorio astronomico Maseben" in Italian? A shuttle service is offered, and it can also be reached from the valley station in Vallelunga in a 2-hour hike. Always follow the signs to "Maseben", in winter the way back can also be done by sledge. Trained star guides offer star tours on request and in suitable weather.

Contact info

Opening times

  • Tue 03 Oct closed
  • Wed 04 Oct 20:00 - 23:00
  • Thu 05 Oct closed
  • Fri 06 Oct closed
  • Sat 07 Oct closed
  • Sun 08 Oct closed
  • Mon 09 Oct closed

Despite careful control we cannot guarantee the correctness of the provided data.

Full timetables
Despite careful control we cannot guarantee the correctness of the provided data.

Guided star tours - summer 2023 (21/06/2023 - 06/09/2023)

  • Mon closed
  • Tue closed
  • Wed 20:00 - 23:00
  • Thu closed
  • Fri closed
  • Sat closed
  • Sun closed

Feast of the Assumption 2023 (15/08/2023) closed

Guided star tours - autumn 2023 (13/09/2023 - 11/10/2023)

  • Mon closed
  • Tue closed
  • Wed 20:00 - 23:00
  • Thu closed
  • Fri closed
  • Sat closed
  • Sun closed

Admission

guided star tour to Maseben:
€ 35.00 adults
€ 35.00 young people (15-18 years)
€ 15.00 children (6-14 years)

not suitable for children under 6 years

More information

The opening hours refer to the guided star tours to Maseben with the star guides: They are offered every Wednesday from June 21 to October 11, 2023 (only in case of fine weather).

The fee includes a dinner at 8 pm in the Maseben Mountain Hut with a portion of pasta, a drink and a taste of Secci distillery (the ascent to the hut takes place individually), star observation at 9 pm, guided return hike to the valley at 11 pm.

The guided star tours are also offered from February to April, season closure in winter (mid-October to mid-February) and in spring (mid-April to mid-June).

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