Max Valier Observatory

Since 2002, it has also been open to visitors who want to gain an insight or outlook into our solar system and the universe. Two separate dome buildings at an altitude of 1,350m house the public observatory "Max Valier" and the solar observatory "Peter Anich". The namesakes are two significant scientists: the South Tyrolean astronomer and space travel pioneer Max Valier (1895 – 1930) and the Tyrolean farmer's son and cartographer Peter Anich (1723 – 1766). In addition to several smaller telescopes, the observatory houses a Cassegrain mirror telescope with an 80cm mirror diameter and 8m effective focal length. The complete telescope weighs about 3.5 tons and moves by friction drive just like a precision clockwork around its own axis to compensate for the Earth's rotation.

But not only the view up to the stars is a unique experience. The public observatory "Max Valier" can boast two other attractions. There is, on the one hand, the spherical sundial made of solid marble, on which the true solar time can be read precisely at any point on the Earth. On the other hand, the "Planet Path" invites you to an experiential walk that wonderfully illustrates the dimensions of the universe, the size of the planets, and their distances from each other. The representation of the planets and their distances is consistently on a scale of 1:1 billion, and at each planet station, display panels provide detailed information about the characteristics of the respective planet. The path also leads through a fantastically beautiful landscape with meadows, forests, and biotopes and offers a magnificent panorama. For the entire Planet Path, you should definitely plan at least two hours, and of course, it is also perfectly suitable for families with children.

Visitors are offered a rich program at the observatory: Guided tours take place all year round every Thursday evening (registration required!), and the solar observatory regularly opens its doors. The exact dates can be found at www.sternwarte.it. Every Friday morning, there are also guided hikes on the Planet Path.

Observatory "Max Valier"
Holiday region Rosengarten-Latemar