Sternwarte Welzheim

Deep in the Naturpark Schwäbisch-Fränkischer Wald, near Welzheim in Germany, a walking trail lined with eight planetary information stations leads visitors straight to the doorstep of Sternwarte Welzheim, described as home to the largest telescope in Baden-Württemberg.

About Sternwarte Welzheim

Sternwarte Welzheim sits at 547 metres elevation in the Langenberg district near Welzheim, inside the Naturpark Schwäbisch-Fränkischer Wald nature park. It is operated by the Carl-Zeiss-Planetarium Stuttgart and houses several telescopes, including what is described as the largest telescope in the state of Baden-Württemberg.

History

The city of Welzheim built the observatory in 1991/92 with support from the Rems-Murr district, and it opened on 9 September 1992. Since then it has built a reputation well beyond the region: high-quality colour photographs of celestial objects taken here have been published throughout Europe.

Location & getting there

The observatory is reached via the Planetenweg, a planetary-themed walking path with eight information stations that runs through the Naturpark Schwäbisch-Fränkischer Wald to the site at 547 metres elevation. Use the map and directions button on this page for the route.

Visiting Sternwarte Welzheim

The Carl-Zeiss-Planetarium Stuttgart runs public star tours here as well as monthly sun-observation sessions; check the official schedule before setting out, especially if you plan to walk the Planetenweg on the way.

See your named star from here

Every star named through Star Register comes with exact coordinates that the largest telescope in Baden-Württemberg, right here at Sternwarte Welzheim, can be pointed towards on a clear night. Browse the star catalogue or start a naming through our packages before your visit.