Wasserturm

Wasserturm is a former water tower in Demmin, Germany, converted into an astronomical station and planetarium that today welcomes the public for regular sky shows.

About Wasserturm

The tower was originally built in 1897 as a water tower before being converted into an astronomical station in 1978. A Zeiss planetarium was added in 1981, housed in a 6-metre dome that seats 35 visitors and projects the night sky with a Zeiss ZKP-2 SkyMaster projector. A refractor telescope on site is used for live observations.

History

The building's shift from municipal water infrastructure to astronomy hub reflects a wider pattern in Germany, where disused towers have found new life as observatories and planetariums. Demmin's Wasserturm has run in this role since the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Telescopes & research

Alongside its Zeiss planetarium projector, the site operates a refractor telescope for direct sky observation, giving visitors both simulated and live views of the night sky in the same building.

Location & getting there

Wasserturm stands about 1,400 metres southeast of Demmin's city centre in northeastern Germany, at an elevation of around 15 metres.

Visiting Wasserturm

Public shows typically run on a monthly basis, and schools, clubs, companies and private groups can arrange their own sessions. Check current dates and booking details with the venue before planning your visit.

See your named star from here

Between its planetarium dome and its refractor telescope, Wasserturm is built for exactly the kind of stargazing that makes a named star's coordinates come alive. Explore our naming packages or browse the star catalogue to find your star before a visit.