Nature Night Experience – on the value of darkness in Gesäuse National Park
Fr., 24.07.2026 from 21:00 o'clock
Discover the darkest night sky in Central Europe: why less light is so valuable.
Artificial light threatens insects, plants, and nocturnal animals, disturbs human sleep, and makes the stars disappear. This short hike highlights the importance of darkness. With a bit of luck, the starry sky will also twinkle above us.
Under optimal stargazing conditions, the mobile observatory Gisela will be in operation.
The Gesäuse National Park is part of the Natural Night Area Eisenwurzen. The Natural Night Area Eisenwurzen is a collaborative project in one of the largest contiguous protected areas in Austria. Spanning over 2,396 km², the area brings together Upper Austria, Lower Austria, Styria, six protected areas, and 20 municipalities to reduce light pollution and preserve the natural night sky and its habitat.
Leadership: National Park Rangers
Event location
Admont - Nationalpark Pavillon, Gstatterboden
Additional Information
Adults, teenagers
The tour is conducted in German.
Will this event take place in any weather?
Yes, because we believe our national park Gesäuse is an experience in any weather! With clear skies, observing the starry sky will take up a larger part of the event; however, we will also take a short hike. If the sky is overcast or it rains, a hike into the darkness and - depending on the weather conditions - a short lecture will be on the program. In case of a risk of thunderstorms, we will inform you by email by 12 noon on the day of the event about a cancellation.
Can I bring my four-legged friend?
The bringing of dogs is not allowed.
Yes, because we believe our national park Gesäuse is an experience in any weather! With clear skies, observing the starry sky will take up a larger part of the event; however, we will also take a short hike. If the sky is overcast or it rains, a hike into the darkness and - depending on the weather conditions - a short lecture will be on the program. In case of a risk of thunderstorms, we will inform you by email by 12 noon on the day of the event about a cancellation.
Can I bring my four-legged friend?
The bringing of dogs is not allowed.
Fri, 22 May 2026, 21 – 23 hours, National Park Pavilion, Gstatterboden
Fri, 19 June 2026, 21 – 23 hours, National Park Pavilion, Gstatterboden
Fri, 24 July 2026, 21 – 23 hours, National Park Pavilion, Gstatterboden
Fri, 14 August 2026, 21 – 23 hours, National Park Pavilion, Gstatterboden
Fri, 16 October 2026, 20 – 22 hours, National Park Pavilion, Gstatterboden
€ 25.00 per person
The parking lots in the Gesäuse National Park are subject to a fee (day ticket € 7.00). Further information about the parking lots can be found here.
