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Astrotourism trend: the 15 most beautiful starry skies in Europe

Astrotourism trend: the 15 most beautiful starry skies in Europe

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Stargazing is fashionable – and here you have the best chances

The ranking reveals where the clearest starry skies and magical northern lights can be found in Europe.

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From clear skies to the northern lights: the ranking presents the most famous and beautiful stargazing spots in Europe.

Pexels / Kendall Hobbs

Did you try that as a kid, too? Count the stars in the sky, or waiting for the stars to shoot on hot summer nights? That magic seems to be back for now, because so-called stargazing is high on many travelers’ wish lists.

This is the conclusion reached by the German booking platform holiday, for which travel experts have compiled a ranking of the best star destinations in Europe. They examined 15 countries for the following factors: the chance of northern lights, the extent of light pollution and the chance of having starry nights.

There are also some surprises in our ranking of the 15 best stargazing spots in Europe.

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First place: Iceland

Not surprisingly, Iceland reached the top of the ranking. Especially in the winter months, there are very good conditions for starry nights and the chance to experience the dancing lights of Aurora Borealis up close – light pollution is very low.

Accordingly, the country is also popular with so-called astrotourists, that is, travelers who specifically chase the northern lights and clear starry skies. Private accommodations with very large windows or apps with Northern Lights alerts are especially in demand.

Thingvellir National Park and the Asbyrgi Fjord with Europe’s most powerful waterfalls are especially good places to experience the magic of the Northern Lights with your own eyes.

2. Ireland

To get a particularly good view of billions and billions of stars, some things have to be true: only absolute darkness, moonless nights, and a cloudless spectacle make it possible. This is where Ireland comes in. The island’s countryside is dark at night as if you were on the high seas.

In addition to the clear starry sky, you have the chance to see the northern lights in a few nights. From starry walks to observatory visits, travelers from all over the world come here in search of the scenery.

The largest hotspot for this purpose is in the middle of Wild Nephin National Park – one of the darkest places on Earth from where you can see the Milky Way with the naked eye. If you’re feeling adventurous, an astro camping trip to County Kerry is worth it. The area is particularly known for its deep air pollution.

3. Northern Ireland

If you travel back in time, you also have the chance to see the landscapes of the Northern Lights in Northern Ireland. The best time to do this is between September and March, when the nights are longer and the chances of clear skies are higher.

Particularly famous is the Davagh Forest, one of the most pristine landscapes in Europe. In the midst of hills and forests, you will find OM Dark Sky Park with an observatory and visitor center, where events around the stars and the moon take place all year round and where you can feel close to the universe.

4. Germany

In some areas of Germany it becomes so black that astronomical events such as the Perseids swarm of shooting stars can easily be observed, especially in summer. You don’t even have to travel long distances for that.

Biosphere Reserve and Star Park Rhön are about a five-hour drive from Zurich. On clear, moonless nights, you can see countless stars and planets with the naked eye. The only downside: you won’t find the northern lights here. Because even Germany’s northernmost point is still too south for the dancing lights.

5. Finland

Not only are winters particularly long in Finland, polar activity is also particularly high. This is why the northernmost country is particularly popular with stargazers, who often vacation in remote areas. For example in the Saariselkä region, the Santa Claus is supposed to be home.

If you want to be on the safe side, Ylläs, a remote area of ​​Lapland, is the right choice for you. This is about 150 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle and almost guarantees the northern lights.

What is the most beautiful starry sky you have ever seen?

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