Observatorium Michaeligasse 13 in Passau

Volkssternwarte Passau, the public observatory of Passau, sits atop the historic Veste Oberhaus fortress overlooking the city in Bavaria, Germany. Run entirely by volunteers since observations began there in 1962, it opens its domes to the public for a look through some of the region's largest amateur telescopes.

About Volkssternwarte Passau

The observatory occupies a spot on the Veste Oberhaus, the fortress complex that overlooks Passau at the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers. It is a volunteer-run public education facility with the formal status of a nature study site, built to bring astronomy to residents and visitors of the city.

History

Astronomical observations at the site began in 1962, and the observatory has been maintained by dedicated volunteers ever since, growing into one of the region's established public astronomy venues.

Telescopes & research

Visitors can observe through telescopes of up to 50 centimetres in diameter, sizeable instruments for a volunteer-run public observatory, giving clear views of planets, the Moon and deep-sky objects.

Location & getting there

The observatory sits on the Veste Oberhaus fortress above Passau in Bavaria, Germany, with sweeping views over the old town below.

Visiting Volkssternwarte Passau

The observatory traditionally opens its doors on Wednesday evenings for public celestial observation, weather permitting. It's worth checking the current schedule on the observatory's website before you go.

See your named star from here

With telescopes up to 50 cm on hand, Volkssternwarte Passau has the kind of equipment that could, in principle, be aimed at the coordinates of a star named through Star Register. Name a star or browse the catalogue to find one near you.