Observatorium Prüfeninger Schloßstraße 73d in Regensburg

Volkssternwarte Regensburg, the public observatory of Regensburg, occupies a centuries-old tower in Bavaria, Germany, with an astronomical history that stretches back to the 18th century. Run today by a dedicated non-profit society, it opens for public stargazing on Friday evenings.

About Volkssternwarte Regensburg

The observatory is housed in the Placidus Tower, named after the Benedictine monk and astronomer Placidus Heinrich. It is maintained by the Verein der Freunde der Sternwarte Regensburg e.V., a non-profit society of astronomy enthusiasts who keep the tower's tradition of public observation alive.

History

Regensburg's astronomical tradition dates back to 1774, when Saint Emmeram's Abbey dedicated two towers to astronomical observations. After the abbey was dissolved in 1812, the work moved to a tower built into the city wall - the same tower, later named for Placidus Heinrich, that houses the observatory today.

Location & getting there

The observatory sits within Regensburg's historic city wall in Bavaria, Germany, close to the old town.

Visiting Volkssternwarte Regensburg

The observatory is open to visitors on Friday evenings. As with any public observatory, it's a good idea to check current opening times before setting out, since sessions can depend on the weather.

See your named star from here

A tower with 250 years of observing history is a fitting place to think about the coordinates behind a Star Register certificate - real celestial coordinates that a telescope here could, in principle, be pointed at. Name a star or explore the catalogue.