Saltsjöbaden Observatory

Saltsjöbaden Observatory stands in Saltsjöbaden, Sweden, a coastal town southeast of Stockholm, and for seventy years served as the main research site of Stockholm Observatory.

About Saltsjöbaden Observatory

Designed by architect Axel Anderberg and funded by a donation from the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, the observatory sits at an elevation of about 50 metres above sea level. Its main instrument is a 40-inch (roughly 102 cm) reflecting telescope built by the British firm Grubb in 1931, complemented by a 24/20-inch Grubb refractor.

History

The observatory was inaugurated on 5 June 1931, with King Gustaf V of Sweden as the guest of honour. Astronomer Bertil Lindblad led its scientific work as the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences' astronomer, and the site served as Stockholm Observatory's operating home from 1931 until 2001, when responsibilities transferred to the AlbaNova University Centre in Stockholm.

Telescopes & research

For seven decades, Saltsjöbaden's Grubb reflector and refractor were the working instruments of Stockholm's professional astronomy programme, supporting the observational research carried out under Lindblad's leadership before the move to AlbaNova.

Location & getting there

Saltsjöbaden is a coastal suburb of Stockholm, Sweden, and the observatory building remains a landmark there at around 50 metres above sea level.

Visiting Saltsjöbaden Observatory

We don't have confirmed current public opening hours for the building. Check locally or with Stockholm-area astronomy and heritage groups before planning a visit, since the site's historic status may affect access.

See your named star from here

Nearly a century of professional stargazing happened at Saltsjöbaden, under Scandinavian skies that are still worth exploring today. If you've named a star, find its coordinates in our catalogue and see if you can pick it out from the Stockholm archipelago.