Thanks to minimal light pollution, Bohemian Switzerland is one of the best places in the country for watching the night sky.
Dark skies over Bohemian Switzerland
The Bohemian Switzerland area is one of the places with the lowest light pollution in the Czech Republic. The distance from large towns and the low population density create ideal conditions for stargazing. On a clear night you will see the Milky Way with the naked eye, dozens of constellations and, with a little luck, the flash of a meteor. From the terrace of the cottage you can enjoy the show without going anywhere.
The best places and times
The best conditions run from September to March, when the nights are long and the sky tends to be clearer. Viewpoints on the rock plateaus, such as Mariina skála or Vilemínina stěna, offer an open view of the sky with nothing in the way. In August you can watch the Perseid meteor shower — one of the most striking annual displays in the sky.
How to go about it
For basic stargazing you need no special equipment — warm clothes, a sleeping mat or a lounger and patience are enough. Binoculars or a small astronomical telescope will reveal details of the Moon, the rings of Saturn or nebulae. Apps such as Stellarium or Sky Map will help you identify individual constellations and planets in the sky.
Practical tips
- check_circle Wait at least 20 minutes in the dark for your eyes to adjust — then you will see many times more stars.
- check_circle Follow the cloud forecast on the Clear Outside portal when planning your stargazing.
- check_circle The Perseids (around 12 August) are the best opportunity — up to 100 meteors an hour.
