Sternwarte Stuttgart

Observatories in Germany

By · Updated on · Details checked on 14 September 2026

🔭 The observatory for your home: Modern smart telescopes like the DWARF 3 ($549.00€ 529) work like a fully automatic mini observatory on your balcony – and the Celestron Origin is even officially called an “Intelligent Home Observatory”.

🎁 For the living room: A home planetarium projects the starry sky onto your ceiling – on every cloudy evening.

Here you will find a directory of all planetariums, public observatories and private observatories in Germany.

Also NEW is a detailed checklist for building your own garden observatory!

If you know of another one or would like to inform us about changed information, please let us know at info@sterngucker.de.

Observatories are everywhere. Here in Stuttgart
Observatory in Stuttgart, Uhlandshöhe

List of observatories

At the observatory somebody let you look through. At home you can do more than you think.
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The fascinating world of observatories in Germany

The fascination with the universe has always been unbroken. Observatories are places where the wonders of the sky can be marveled at and explored.

In Germany there are numerous observatories that offer not only professional astronomers but also interested laypeople insights into the world of stars and planets.

Below you will find an overview of the most active and best-known observatories near you:

Selected and well-known observatories [by state]

  • Access for private individuals
  • Educational program and public events
  • Public observation evenings
  • Courses and lectures for beginners and advanced enthusiasts
  • Public guided tours and observations
  • Astronomy workshops and lectures
  • Regular guided tours and observation evenings
  • Workshops and lectures on various astronomical topics
  • Public planetarium shows
  • Astronomy courses and lectures
  • Guided tours and observation evenings
  • Astronomical educational programs and events
  • Public observation evenings
  • Astronomy courses and lectures
  • Regular guided tours and public observations
  • Events and lectures for amateur astronomers
  • Public observation evenings and guided tours
  • Astronomical events and courses for all age groups
  • Regular public observations and events
  • Astronomical educational offerings for beginners and advanced enthusiasts
  • Public guided tours and observation evenings
  • Courses and lectures all about astronomy
  • Regular public observations
  • Astronomy workshops and lectures for interested visitors
  • Public observation evenings and guided tours
  • Astronomical educational offerings for various age groups
  • Regular public observation evenings
  • Astronomy workshops, courses and lectures for interested visitors
  • Public guided tours and observation evenings
  • Astronomical events and educational programs for visitors
  • Regular public observations and guided tours
  • Astronomy courses, workshops and lectures for various age groups

Discover the night sky with your own telescope

With your own telescope you bring the night sky to you. With a solid telescope for beginners (around $699.95€ 479) you can already observe the rings of Saturn, the Galilean moons of Jupiter, Mars, Venus or craters on the Moon.

In addition, the first details appear in deep-sky objects such as the Orion Nebula, globular clusters and galaxies.

Take the test to find out which telescope suits you:

Want to buy your first telescope? Here’s a quick check.

Do you want to transport the telescope over long distances?




Would you like very simple operation, even if it means you can’t upgrade the telescope later?




Would you like automatic object location (GoTo)?






Your result:


How to build your own garden observatory [checklist]

Read this first: which design fits your garden and what it really costs is covered in Garden observatory: dome, roll-off roof or tent. If you want to build it yourself, foundation depth, pier dimensions and the roll-off roof are in the step-by-step build guide.

Anyone toying with the idea of building their own private garden observatory should bring professionals on board from the very start – experts who regularly handle such projects. This way you avoid unnecessary mistakes and flaws that could later spoil the enjoyment and success of your astronomy.

Garden observatory, dome modelGarden observatory, dome model
“Dome” variant“Dome” variant – € 8,290
Garden observatoryGarden observatory
“Garden shed with sliding roof” variant“Garden shed with sliding roof” variant – € 8,920

If you use the following checklist as a guide, not much should go wrong:

☑️Planning and site selection:

  • Choose a location in your garden with the clearest possible field of view and low light pollution.
  • Make sure the location is sufficiently far from tall trees, buildings or other obstacles.

☑️Building permit:

  • Check with your local building authority about the need for a building permit and the local building regulations.

☑️Budget planning:

  • Set a budget for building the observatory and purchasing telescopes and other accessories.

☑️Construction type and size of the observatory:

  • Decide on a construction type, e.g. a dome, roll-off roof or sliding roof.
  • Plan the size of the observatory according to the number and size of the telescopes and the intended use.

☑️Foundation:

  • Pour a stable concrete foundation for the observatory and the telescope. Ensure a solid anchoring and a level surface.
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☑️Assembling the observatory:

  • Ensure a solid construction to minimize vibrations and wind movement. Make sure the openings are easily accessible and work smoothly.

☑️Telescope mounting:

  • Install the chosen mount for the telescope (e.g. an equatorial or altazimuth mount) on the foundation. Make sure it is correctly aligned (e.g. to the celestial pole).
  • Mount the telescope on the mount and make sure it is fixed stably and securely.

☑️Accessories and electrics:

  • Set up the power supply for the observatory, e.g. for the lighting, telescope motors and computer.
  • Equip the observatory with the necessary accessories, such as eyepieces, cameras, filters and diagonal prisms.

☑️Computer system and software:

  • Install a computer or laptop with suitable astronomy software to control the telescope, process images and plan observation nights.

☑️Weather and temperature conditions:

  • If necessary, install a weather protection system to automatically close the observatory in bad weather and protect your equipment from moisture and wind.

☑️Interior furnishing and lighting:

  • Set up a work area with seating and storage space for accessories and documents.
  • Install dimmable red lighting so as not to impair your night vision during observations.

☑️Security:

  • Provide sufficient protection against unauthorized access, e.g. with lockable doors or windows and possibly an alarm system.

☑️Testing and adjusting:

  • Test all the equipment, check the functionality of the observatory and adjust the telescope for optimal observations.

☑️Commissioning:

  • Take your time to familiarize yourself with operating the telescope and computer controls, and practice observing various celestial objects.

☑️Maintenance and care:

  • Carry out regular maintenance to ensure the functionality and cleanliness of the observatory and the equipment. This includes cleaning optics, lubricating moving parts and checking the electrics and mechanics.