Johnsbacher Himmelsspektakel

Star walking led by Johannes Sulzbacher, night & star storyteller and national park ranger for 20 years.

In civil twilight we delve into the history of Johnsbach as the "university of climbing,” while the light gradually fades behind the peaks of the Reichenstein group. Johnsbach is not only the most beautiful end of the world and a place of remembrance but also one of the last retreats for the natural night.

It is considered one of the darkest places in Central Europe and is part of the “darksky reserve” in the heart of Austria. On a clear night, we can see up to 6,000 stars with the naked eye. Experts initially thought the devices were defective during the first photon measurements because the values were so low. We sharpen our senses, hear the rush of water, and feel our eyes starting to work in the ‘gray area’.

During a short hike, we discuss the downsides of light and why Johnsbach is so dark (low population, basin location). Looking up, we see light that has been traveling to us for thousands of years; we look back into the past, and the Milky Way – our cosmic home – seems within reach. The day and night rhythm (also circadian rhythm) is not only significant for the animal and plant world but is essential for our health. We perceive the night as our own habitat, leave this place as ‘guardians of darkness,’ and take a piece of this calm and serenity back into our daily lives.