steinegg obergummer sternenweg planetenweg sternwarte max valier
steinegg obergummer sternenweg planetenweg sternwarte max valier

Astronomical Observatory Max Valier

The public observatory near San Valentino in Campo in Val d’Ega - South Tyrol’s first facility of this kind - is located at 1,350 m a.s.l

The Astronomical Observatory Max Valier - "Volkssternwarte" in German, "Osservatorio astronomico" in Italian - and the Solar Observatory Peter Anich provide insight into the world of space, the sun and the moon, and have been fascinating both inhabitants and visitors since 2002. At night, you will enjoy a breathtaking view into the sky! This one and only observatory in the region is directed by the South Tyrolean Association of Amateur Astronomers, and is dedicated to the pioneer of space travel, Max Valier (1895-1930) who was born in Bolzano. The astronomical observatory consists of a cupola with a diameter of 6 metres, which contains a mirror telescope, a viewing deck for small telescopes as well as a lecture room.

The second building, however, the solar observatory, features a cupola of 4.2 metres which is big enough for barrier-free access. It has been named after Peter Anich, a Tyrolean cartographer of the 18th century who published the famous "Atlas Tyrolensis". If you plan a visit, you definitely should also make a hike on the Planetary Trail. The 3-hour walk starts at the facility, takes you past a biotope and shows the solar system in the ratio of 1:1 billion.

In the village centre of San Valentino in Campo, however, located slightly below, there is the Planetarium South Tyrol, a simulation of space. All these astronomical facilities form together the First Astrological Village of Europe. And how to reach the Astronomical Observatory Max Valier? It is located in San Valentino in Campo and offers a big parking space. The facility is also easily accessible by the means of public transport (bus no. 182, 40 minutes from Bolzano).

Contact info

Opening times

  • Thu 10 Oct 20:00 - 22:30
  • Fri 11 Oct 20:00 - 22:30
  • Sat 12 Oct closed
  • Sun 13 Oct closed
  • Mon 14 Oct closed
  • Tue 15 Oct closed
  • Wed 16 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 observatory tours - spring 2024 (21/03/2024 - 31/05/2024)

  • Mon closed
  • Tue closed
  • Wed closed
  • Thu 20:00 - 22:30
  • Fri 20:00 - 22:30
  • Sat closed
  • Sun closed

Easter 2024 (31/03/2024) closed

Easter Monday 2024 (01/04/2024) closed

Liberation Day 2024 (25/04/2024) 20:00 - 22:30

Labor Day 2024 (01/05/2024) closed

Whit Monday 2024 (20/05/2024) closed

Republic Day 2024 (02/06/2024) closed

Guided observatory tours - summer 2024 (06/06/2024 - 06/09/2024)

  • Mon closed
  • Tue closed
  • Wed closed
  • Thu 20:00 - 22:30
  • Fri 20:00 - 22:30
  • Sat closed
  • Sun closed

Feast of the Assumption 2024 (15/08/2024) 20:00 - 22:30

Guided observatory tours - autumn 2024 (12/09/2024 - 01/11/2024)

  • Mon closed
  • Tue closed
  • Wed closed
  • Thu 20:00 - 22:30
  • Fri 20:00 - 22:30
  • Sat closed
  • Sun closed

All Saints 2024 (01/11/2024) 20:00 - 22:30

Admission

Guided evening astronomical observatory tour:
children up to 6 years free
6 - 14 years: 4,00 €
from 15 years: 8,00 €

More information

Guided astronomical observatory tours are offered every Thursday and Friday evening all year round, guided sun observatory tours during the summer months from June to August.

Reservation online on sternwarte.it/buchen/, the tours are cancelled in case of cloudy skies. Furthermore, the Collepietra Tourist Information organises an additional day and evening tour for hotel guests every Tuesday. The Astronomical Observatory Max Valier stays open all year round.

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