CZECH REPUBLIC /

TOP HIGHLIGHTS:

Global pioneer in fighting light pollution

Dedicated dark sky areas

High density of public observatories

HIGHEST PEAK: Kleť Mountain - 1,087 m

BEST BORTLE SCALE: Šumava National Park - Bortle 3

OFFICIAL DARK SKY AREAS: YES

BEST LOCATIONS:

JIZERA DARK SKY PARK / LOCATION: in the Jizera Mountains on the border between the Czech Republic and Poland

HIGHLIGHTS:

Exceptional Dark Sky Protection: The park covers 75 square kilometers in a remote area, shielding observers from the light pollution of surrounding cities.

High Visibility: Up to 2,000 stars are visible to the unaided eye in good conditions—far more than the roughly 50 usually visible in urban environments.

Milky Way and Deep Sky Views: The area is ideal for spotting the Milky Way, the Andromeda Galaxy, nebulae, and star clusters.

Scientific and Educational Value: Established in 2009, it focuses on preserving the night sky and minimizing light pollution, featuring educational panels and educational astronomy events.

Accessible Nature: Located in the picturesque Jizera Mountains, it offers a peaceful, scenic environment for both professional and amateur astronomical observations.

BESKYDY DARK SKY PARK / LOCATION: on the border of the Czech Republic and Slovakia, specifically on the Gruň Ridge near Staré Hamry in Northern Moravia

HIGHLIGHTS:

Dark Sky Park Status: Declared in 2013, the park covers 308 km² near Staré Hamry and actively limits artificial light, resulting in high-quality night sky visibility.

Naked-Eye Visibility: Due to the lack of light smog, the Milky Way is clearly visible, and observers can often see thousands more stars than in urban areas.

Dark Sky Centre (Gruň Ridge): Located at an altitude of almost 900 meters, this center offers professional commentary and observation nights.

Largest Public Telescope: The Beskydy region features one of the largest telescopes available to the public in the Czech Republic, making it a premier spot for astrophotography and viewing deep-sky objects.

Guided Tours: You can participate in "relaxation under the stars" tours, where experts guide you through the constellations.

Unique Mountain Atmosphere

Primeval Landscapes: The observations take place surrounded by raw, forested Carpathian Mountain landscapes, specifically on the ridges of Gruň.

MANETIN DARK SKY AREA / LOCATION: Western Bohemia region

HIGHLIGHTS:

Amazing Darkness: As the third certified dark sky park in the Czech Republic (declared in 2014), it covers 346 km² in the Plzeň and Karlovy Vary regions. It is considered one of the darkest places in the country

Minimal Light Pollution: Local municipalities in the area voluntarily comply with reducing artificial lighting

Excellent Visibility: In good conditions, thousands more stars are visible than in populated areas, offering spectacular views of star clusters, nebulae, and constellations.

Accessibility and Atmosphere: Located north of Pilsen, the area is accessible yet provides a quiet and peaceful environment suitable for both individual observers and public, organized events.

Ideal for Astrophotography: The area is a hotspot for photographers looking to capture star trails and the Milky Way without interfering light

ŠUMAVA NATIONAL PARK / LOCATION: southwestern part of the Czech Republic

HIGHLIGHTS:

High Altitude: The high altitude (often above 1000m) offers clearer views above many layers of haze.

Quiet & Natural Atmosphere: The park provides a serene experience where you can enjoy the night sky in almost total silence

PODYJI NATIONAL PARK / LOCATION: South Moravian Region of the Czech Republic

HIGHLIGHTS:

Scenic & Open Horizons: The park features deep, canyon-like river valleys and open heathlands that provide panoramic, unobstructed views of the night sky.

Tranquility and Nature: Unlike urban areas, Podyjí offers a peaceful atmosphere to observe the stars without distractions, enhanced by the surrounding nature

IDEAL LOCATIONS IN THE PARK:

Sealsfield Stone (Sealsfieldův kámen): A high rocky viewpoint overlooking the Dyje River, offering a dramatic, quiet spot for stargazing.

Hardegg Lookout: A viewpoint on a 100-meter-high cliff that provides a secluded, elevated perspective, located near the Austrian border.

Havraníky Heathlands: Open areas that allow for panoramic views.