Sometimes it is best to just breathe: looking at the stars is a great way of doing just that. We have found the best stargazing spots in the world for you.
The night sky is a natural wonder. We can see the planets, enjoy the incredible Milky Way and understand the massive scale of the universe. A clear sky with minimal light pollution and no moon makes stargazing possible with the naked eye.
Marvel at the Southern Cross from New Zealand’s wonderfully non-light polluted vantage point. This is the world's largest dark sky reserve and therefore a stargazing paradise. The 4,300 square kilometre area was the first one to be awarded the Gold Tier status, the highest dark sky certification possible.
The area is almost completely free from light pollution and the reserve protects the heritage of the Maori people – they navigated by the starry skies and constellations loom large in their folklore.
Known as one of the best stargazing sites on earth, this UNESCO-established biosphere reserve offers some of the most impressive star-gazing walks in the world. Mercury, Venus, Mars are the three brightest planets in our night sky, and they are the easiest ones to spot.
The reserve is situated in the low mountain ranges of the Rhön in Germany and the “land of endless horizons” offers visitors the unique opportunity to spot M 31, the Andromeda Galaxy, which is 2.5 million lightyears away with the naked eye.
Another favourite place for star lovers. Cherry Springs is a designated Gold Level Dark Sky Park and you can even see the beautiful northern lights - shafts or curtains of coloured light visible on occasion in the night sky.
To elevate your experience, make sure to register for star parties that are planned to return in 2022. The famous events receive national media coverage and attract hundreds of astronomers every year.
The desert is a famous site for both international scientists and visitors. While scientists use the high-tech satellites at the ALMA Observatory to "search for our cosmic origins", visitors are totally filled with awe.
The Atacama Desert offers you everything: unparalleled views of stars, the ultimate beauty of the dark sky and the endless power of the universe through a state-of-the-art telescope.
Thanks to the efforts of local communities to minimise light pollution in the area, Pic du Midi is particularly noteworthy for its dramatic mountaintop observatory and magical nights under the stars. Located in Southern France, it is part of a French National Park and within the UNESCO world heritage site in Pyrénées-Mont Perdu.
Summer months are not considered ideal for stargazing in Pic du Midi. Winter, however, is believed to be the best time for stargazers. Cold air and long nights make a stargazing adventure much more memorable.
