steinegg obergummer sternenweg planetenweg sternwarte max valier
steinegg obergummer sternenweg planetenweg sternwarte max valier

Astronomical Observatory Max Valier

The public observatory near San Valentino in Campo in Val d’Ega - South Tyrol’s first facility of this kind - is located at 1,350 m a.s.l

The Astronomical Observatory Max Valier - "Volkssternwarte" in German, "Osservatorio astronomico" in Italian - and the Solar Observatory Peter Anich provide insight into the world of space, the sun and the moon, and have been fascinating both inhabitants and visitors since 2002. At night, you will enjoy a breathtaking view into the sky! This one and only observatory in the region is directed by the South Tyrolean Association of Amateur Astronomers, and is dedicated to the pioneer of space travel, Max Valier (1895-1930) who was born in Bolzano. The astronomical observatory consists of a cupola with a diameter of 6 metres, which contains a mirror telescope, a viewing deck for small telescopes as well as a lecture room.

The second building, however, the solar observatory, features a cupola of 4.2 metres which is big enough for barrier-free access. It has been named after Peter Anich, a Tyrolean cartographer of the 18th century who published the famous "Atlas Tyrolensis". If you plan a visit, you definitely should also make a hike on the Planetary Trail. The 3-hour walk starts at the facility, takes you past a biotope and shows the solar system in the ratio of 1:1 billion.

In the village centre of San Valentino in Campo, however, located slightly below, there is the Planetarium South Tyrol, a simulation of space. All these astronomical facilities form together the First Astrological Village of Europe. And how to reach the Astronomical Observatory Max Valier? It is located in San Valentino in Campo and offers a big parking space. The facility is also easily accessible by the means of public transport (bus no. 182, 40 minutes from Bolzano).

Contact info

Opening times

  • Tue 08 Apr closed
  • Wed 09 Apr closed
  • Thu 10 Apr 21:00 - 00:00
  • Fri 11 Apr 21:00 - 00:00
  • Sat 12 Apr closed
  • Sun 13 Apr closed
  • Mon 14 Apr closed

Despite careful control we cannot guarantee the correctness of the provided data.

Full timetables
Despite careful control we cannot guarantee the correctness of the provided data.

Guided astronomical observatory tours - spring 2025 (03/04/2025 - 01/06/2025)

  • Mon closed
  • Tue closed
  • Wed closed
  • Thu 21:00 - 00:00
  • Fri 21:00 - 00:00
  • Sat closed
  • Sun closed

Guided astronomical observatory tours - summer 2025 (02/06/2025 - 28/09/2025)

  • Mon closed
  • Tue closed
  • Wed closed
  • Thu 21:00 - 00:00
  • Fri 21:00 - 00:00
  • Sat closed
  • Sun closed

Guided astronomical observatory tours - autumn 2025 (29/09/2025 - 30/11/2025)

  • Mon closed
  • Tue closed
  • Wed closed
  • Thu 20:00 - 23:00
  • Fri 20:00 - 23:00
  • Sat closed
  • Sun closed

Admission

guided astronomical observatory tour:

€ 8.00 adults
€ 8.00 young people (15-18 years)
€ 4.00 children (6-14 years)

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guided sun observatory tours:

€ 8.00 adults
€ 8.00 young people (15-18 years)
€ 4.00 children (6-14 years)

free for children under 6 years

More information

The facility stays open all year round. The guided astronomical observatory tours are offered every Thursday and Friday at 8 pm resp. 9 pm (summer time). Tickets may be purchased online on sternwarte.it/it/prenotazione/, the tours will be cancelled in case of cloudy skies.

The Tuesdays at the astronomical observatory are reserved for guests of the Val d'Ega. Guided sun observatory tours are organised from June 6 to the 3rd of October 2025 every Friday at 2 pm.

Special guided tours are offered for groups on request by calling +39 371 6761 428 (Monday to Friday from 9 am till noon time and from 3 pm to 6 pm).

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