Experience Night in Nature – The Value of Darkness in Gesäuse National Park
General Information
Discover the darkest night sky in Central Europe: why less light is so valuable.
Artificial light threatens insects, plants, and nocturnal animals, disrupts human sleep, and makes the stars disappear. This short hike illustrates the importance of darkness. With a bit of luck, the starry sky will sparkle above us.
Under optimal star observation 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 community-supported project in one of the largest contiguous protected areas in Austria. Spanning over 2,396 km², the area unites Upper Austria, Lower Austria, Styria, six protected areas, and 20 municipalities to reduce light pollution and preserve the natural night sky and their habitats.
Leadership: National Park Rangers
About the offer
Suitable for
Adults, teenagers
The tour will be conducted in German.
FAQ / good to know
Does this event take place in any weather?
Yes, because we believe our Gesäuse National Park is an experience in any weather! On 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 walk into the darkness and – depending on the weather conditions – a short lecture will be on the program. In case of a thunderstorm warning, we will inform you by email by noon on the day of the event about a cancellation.
Can I bring my four-legged friend?
The admission of dogs is not allowed.
Yes, because we believe our Gesäuse National Park is an experience in any weather! On 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 walk into the darkness and – depending on the weather conditions – a short lecture will be on the program. In case of a thunderstorm warning, we will inform you by email by noon on the day of the event about a cancellation.
Can I bring my four-legged friend?
The admission of dogs is not allowed.
Meeting point
Fri, May 22, 2026, 9 PM – 11 PM, National Park Pavilion, Gstatterboden
Fri, June 19, 2026, 9 PM – 11 PM, National Park Pavilion, Gstatterboden
Fri, July 24, 2026, 9 PM – 11 PM, National Park Pavilion, Gstatterboden
Fri, August 14, 2026, 9 PM – 11 PM, National Park Pavilion, Gstatterboden
Fri, October 16, 2026, 8 PM – 10 PM, National Park Pavilion, Gstatterboden
Price information
€ 25.00 per person
Arrival information
Important information
The Perseids (mid-August) are among the most prolific meteor showers of the year, with 80 to 150 shooting stars per hour.
Contact and Arrival
Contact
Experience Night in Nature – The Value of Darkness in Gesäuse National Park
info@nationalpark-gesaeuse.at Website (0043) 3613 211 60-20Operator
Nationalpark Gesäuse GmbHNationalpark Gesäuse GmbH
Weng 2,
8913 Admont AT
