Star Square St. Nikolai

The alpine window to the cosmos: the Sölk as a sanctuary of the night

When the sun disappears behind the peaks of the Sölk valleys and the sky slowly fills with thousands of stars, a magical journey through the universe begins at the Sankt Nikolai stargazing site. A breathtaking natural spectacle unfolds in this darkest region of Central Europe: the Milky Way shines in all its glory, constellations twinkle clearly in the firmament - without any disturbing light pollution.

The Sölk is a true protected area of the night. Artificial light is deliberately avoided here in order to preserve the darkness as a valuable habitat for nature, humans and animals. After all, 60% of all living creatures on earth are nocturnal! While bats and owls glide through the silence of the night, you can observe galaxies, planets and shooting stars with the naked eye.

The region sets a good example: energy-saving, warm white lighting, measurements of the quality of light at night - in the Sölk, protection through use is a way of life. Whether you simply enjoy the silence or are inspired by the cosmic expanse - this place opens a window to the universe.

Pack a thermos flask, put on something warm - and treat yourself to an unforgettable evening under what is probably Austria's most spectacular starry sky.

Here you can see exactly where the pitch is located.