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Stargazing: In these places you can see the most beautiful starry sky

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Stargazing: In these places you can see the most beautiful starry sky

Stargazing with a view of the Matterhorn: Astronomical phenomena are also possible in Switzerland, as a new ranking shows.

Stargazing with a view of the Matterhorn: Astronomical phenomena are also possible in Switzerland, as a new ranking shows.

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Also in SwitzerlandIn these places you can see the most beautiful starry sky

Stargazing will also be trendy in 2025. A new ranking shows where you have a particularly good chance of seeing astronomical phenomena. With a little luck it will also work in Switzerland.

Laura Zygmunt
from

2024 was the year of the Northern Lights – the natural phenomenon could even be seen at times in Switzerland. But the total solar eclipse in the USA also captivated Swiss people. If you are also fascinated by the starry sky and stargazing is on your bucket list, a new ranking with the best spots in the world is just right.

The online travel platform Tourlane used data analysis to examine 25 countries around the world that are either already popular destinations for amateur astronomers and northern lights hunters or are known for their particularly dark places with low light pollution.

Tip: You will see more stars higher up

Have you ever wondered why there are suddenly more stars to see on the mountain? The reason is simple: fog at lower altitudes acts like a filter that essentially captures and scatters the artificial light. This brightens the sky and makes stars harder to see. Further up, above the fog line, the sky remains darker. And that’s not all: the air is calmer at higher altitudes, which further improves visibility.

5th place: island

Best time for stargazing: winter

Darkest Places: Thingvellir National Park and Asbyrgi Gorge

The Asbyrgi Gorge in particular, from which you have an uninterrupted view to the north, is ideal for observing the night sky with bright eyes and taking unique shots with your camera.

The Asbyrgi Gorge in particular, from which you have an uninterrupted view to the north, is ideal for observing the night sky with bright eyes and taking unique shots with your camera.

IMAGO/Depositphotos

Not surprisingly, Iceland stands out as the best destination for astro-tourists in Europe. Its geographical proximity to the Arctic Circle offers unique conditions for observing the impressive Northern Lights.

4th place: Namibia

Best time for stargazing: Summer (winter in the southern hemisphere)

Darkest Place: NamibRand Nature Reserve

In Namibia, numerous observatories and astrofarms are specially designed to meet the needs of stargazing tourists.

In Namibia, numerous observatories and astrofarms are specially designed to meet the needs of stargazing tourists.

imago/Nature Picture Library

The NamibRand Nature Reserve is one of the world’s most accessible dark sky areas in the Namibian desert. This protected area, officially recognized by the International Dark-Sky Association, protects against light pollution and is a leading location for professional astronomers.

The astronomical highlights in 2025

3rd place: Saudi Arabia

Best time for stargazing: Summer

Darkest Place: Al’Ula Manara and Al-Gharameel Nature Reserve

With its vast desert landscapes, Saudi Arabia offers ideal conditions for an uninterrupted view of the Milky Way. The low luminance, which is particularly found in the Al’Ula Manara and Al-Gharameel nature reserves, plays a decisive role.

2nd place: South Africa

Best time to travel for stargazers: Winter (summer in the southern hemisphere)

Darkest Place: Ae Hai Kalahari National Park

The probability of a cloudless sky in the Kalahari Desert is around 81 percent, allowing clear views of astronomical phenomena on most days.

The probability of a cloudless sky in the Kalahari Desert is around 81 percent, allowing clear views of astronomical phenomena on most days.

IMAGO / Depositphotos

South Africa offers one of the world’s best places for stargazing with the Ae Hai Kalahari National Park. The light protection area in the South African part of the Kalahari Desert has existed since 2019 and has been intended to maintain darkness permanently since then. Strict controls ensure that this natural nighttime environment is protected.

1st place: Australia

Best time to travel for stargazers: Summer (winter in the southern hemisphere)

Darkest Places: Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary, River Murray Dark Sky Reserve, Warrumbungle National Park and Dark Sky Park

The outback is the ideal place for stargazing, largely because of the extremely low light pollution and clear, expansive skies. Star images such as the Southern Cross are visible here, which you can never see in the northern hemisphere in Europe. With the geographical proximity to the South Pole, you also have the chance of seeing the Aurora Australia – the equivalent of the Northern Lights.

The 25 countries at a glance – including Switzerland

In the table below you can see all 25 countries examined at a glance. Switzerland is also represented in 21st place. In this country you have little chance of seeing the Northern Lights and the light pollution is also high compared to other countries. Nevertheless, the probability of a cloudless sky is 48 percent and therefore in the middle range. A popular stargazing spot in summer is the Gantrisch Nature Park in the city triangle of Bern, Thun and Freiburg.

20min/Source: Tourlane

Whether the northern lights, a clear starry sky or a supermoon: which astronomical phenomena do you remember or which ones would you like to experience?

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