Sternwarte Simplon-Adler

At exactly 2,000 metres above sea level on the Simplon Pass, in the Swiss canton of Valais, Sternwarte Simplon-Adler gives visitors one of the highest-altitude public observing spots in this region.

About Sternwarte Simplon-Adler

Sternwarte Simplon-Adler is a public observatory run by the Astronomical Society of Upper Valais (AGO), sited directly on the Simplon Pass at 2,000 metres elevation. Its facilities include an observation room with a sliding roof and a training and common room that can seat up to 25 people, and the site is accessible year-round despite its Alpine setting.

Telescopes & research

The main instrument is a Meade LX200 16-inch f/10 Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope, with a 406-millimetre mirror and a 4,060-millimetre focal length, backed up by a Borg ED101 apochromatic refractor with a 100-millimetre aperture and 640-millimetre focal length. Between them the two instruments cover both deep, high-magnification views and wider, sharper fields.

Location & getting there

The observatory sits directly on the Simplon Pass in the canton of Valais, southern Switzerland, at 2,000 metres above sea level - high enough that the mountain air itself makes for good seeing conditions. Use the map and directions button on this page to plan the drive up.

Visiting Sternwarte Simplon-Adler

The AGO runs public guided tours on set dates through the year, with free admission (donations are welcome), and can also host school classes and other groups by arrangement.

See your named star from here

Every star named through Star Register comes with exact coordinates, and the AGO's volunteers can point their Meade LX200 towards them on a clear Alpine night. Browse the star catalogue or start a naming through our packages before you plan a tour.