Lake Constance's natural showcase offers an exceptional visual experience
With the Perseid meteor shower set to light up the night sky on Tuesday to Wednesday, Baden-Württemberg is gearing up to offer a range of stargazing opportunities for both seasoned astronomers and curious beginners.
The weather forecast, according to the German Weather Service (DWD), promises a clear night with only a few clouds passing through, making it an ideal setting for this celestial spectacle. No thunderstorms or rain are expected, ensuring a comfortable viewing experience.
For those interested in learning more about the solar system, the Planet trail in Winterlingen offers a great starting point. For a panoramic view of the stars, the Haldenberg chapel in Ailingen above Friedrichshafen and the Zollern-Alb Observatory in Rosenfeld-Brittheim, one of the most modern public observatories in Europe, are excellent choices.
The Robert-Mayer Observatory in Heilbronn hosts numerous daytime and evening events and tours, including "Make a Wish" evenings during the Perseids. The Zollern-Alb Observatory also plans to host an event during the Perseid meteor shower.
For a unique stargazing experience, the Mountain Gasthof on the Highest Point in Upper Swabia is hosting a full moon buffet on August 11th at 6 PM, timed perfectly for the Perseid meteor shower. A storyteller for adults will perform by the campfire at 8 PM, accompanied by spherical sounds, astronomy, and a quiz about celestial bodies.
The cost per participant for the Mountain Gasthof event is 40 euros. Another quieter spot for stargazing can be found at 450 meters altitude, with a parking lot nearby.
For those seeking darkness with minimal light pollution, the region around Bad Mergentheim (Main-Tauber district) is one of the darkest spots in Baden-Württemberg. The Hachteler See, located south of the city between the B19 and B290, is one such spot for stargazing in the region.
The best places in Baden-Württemberg to observe the Perseid meteor shower with minimal light pollution are Gersbach and the Black Forest region, including towns like Bad Wildbad and areas near Baden-Baden. These locations offer clear, dark skies away from city lights, ideal for stargazing during meteor showers.
Gersbach, with its hidden-gem status and especially dark skies, is a popular choice for holiday rentals equipped with telescopes for an enhanced viewing experience. The Black Forest, encompassing Bad Wildbad and Baden-Baden, features dense woods and elevated terrain, which help reduce light pollution, making it favorable for observing celestial events like the Perseids.
Even Baden-Baden itself offers proximity to nature and dark spots despite being a known spa town, with nearby forested areas suitable for meteor showers. Urban centers such as Heidelberg have substantially more light pollution, making them less optimal for meteor observation despite good general night sky visibility data.
Temperatures in the southwest will drop to around 18 degrees by early Wednesday morning, and it is estimated that up to 60 meteors per hour could be discovered. So, grab your blankets, pack some snacks, and head out to one of these stargazing spots for an unforgettable Perseid experience!
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