Spotting constellations, recognizing star shapes, and admiring a beautifully clear starry sky; stargazing in the Netherlands is a fun and educational outing. But where is the best place to admire the stars? And when is a suitable time? Below, you’ll find a list of the best places to spot stars in the Netherlands, along with great overnight tips nearby!
Stargazing in the Netherlands: Where You Should Be
→ Accommodation tips: Hotel De Walvisvaarder or Baayvilla’s in Lauwersoog
From Observatories to Dark Sky Parks
In the Netherlands, there are many different observatories where you can stargaze several times a year. Additionally, the country has two special national parks that are part of the world’s Dark Sky Parks. The two Dark Sky Parks in the Netherlands can be found on Terschelling and in the Lauwersmeer National Park.
Dark Sky Park Terschelling
Are you a fan of stargazing? Then definitely head to Terschelling to visit the Dark Sky Park there. In 2015, the natural area De Boschplaat was designated a ‘Dark Sky Park’ by the international organization IDA. This means that there is almost no light pollution in this area, the air is clean, and it is very quiet and dark. The animals living there also benefit from these factors. Due to all these favorable conditions, you can see the starry sky from this location very well.
You can find Boschplaat in the east of Terschelling. This area is about five by ten kilometers large and has been a European Nature Reserve since 1970. The Boschplaat is accessible by car, and there is a parking lot at the beginning of the park. From there, you can continue on foot. You can also access the reserve by bike or horseback. There are various options to view the stars from this Dark Sky Park, such as excursions with Staatsbosbeheer, which you can book through the Staatsbosbeheer website or at the VVV on Terschelling. The twilight walk with guide Eilandmeisje is also a lovely way to learn more about the stars and the island itself.
Spotting the Northern Lights on Terschelling?
It is even possible to spot the Northern Lights on Terschelling. For example, during the covered wagon tour organized by Puur Terschelling, where you travel across the island by horse and wagon. An astronomer accompanies this tour and explains everything about the universe along the way. You stop at various locations, allowing you to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights at the right moment. Be sure to bring a camera to capture all the beauty in the sky.
When to Stargaze on Terschelling?
The best time to stargaze is during the ‘new moon.’ You can also see shooting stars during this time. A specific meteor shower is active between late July and August, as well as between early October and early November. The best chance to see the Northern Lights is between late February and mid-April and in September or October.
Staying Near Dark Sky Park Terschelling
Not far from the Dark Sky Park Terschelling is Hotel De Walvisvaarder, a cozy and inviting hotel where you can enjoy your stay. Whether you’re there for a week or just a few days, this hotel is perfect for a pleasant vacation. The rooms are spacious and come with a private bathroom. Every morning, there is breakfast for the guests.
→ Tip: Impressed by our galaxy? On your way back, make sure to visit Franeker. Here you will find the world’s oldest working planetarium: the Eise Eisinga Planetarium. This planetarium has recently become a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Dark Sky Park Lauwersmeer
Another impressive Dark Sky Park can be found on the border of Friesland and Groningen, where the Lauwersmeer National Park was designated a Dark Sky Park in 2016. In this park, there are several spots where you can admire the sky and the stars; you may roam freely along the paths and roads in this park, both during the day and at night.
In this Dark Sky Park, there are two sky platforms from which you can enjoy stargazing. You can go to Achter de Zwarten or to the Vlinderbalg. These are observation towers in the park where you can lie down at night to watch the stars. The observation point Achter de Zwarten can only be reached on foot, starting from the parking lot at Suyderoogh. This is a birdwatching spot during the day, and at night, you can lie down for stargazing. A telescope is recommended here.
The Vlinderbalg is located slightly further south, near the N361 and is another observation tower. At the Activity Center Lauwersnest, you can obtain a night card to see which stars you will be observing. You can also spot stars at the center. Staatsbosbeheer also organizes excursions in this park; a calendar with all activities is available on their website.
Do you enjoy sailing or boating? You can also go out on the water and dock at one of the little islands in the lake. On clear days, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the stars from your private island.
Staying Near Dark Sky Park Lauwersmeer
Want to stay near Dark Sky Park Lauwersmeer? Book a night (or more) at Baayvilla’s in Lauwersoog. These luxury cottages for six people are located close to the Dark Sky Park and near the center of Lauwersoog. The cottages have a private parking space, three bedrooms, a kitchen, a bathroom, a garden, and you can rent bikes at Baayvilla’s.
Observatories in the Netherlands
Throughout the Netherlands, you will find various observatories. At these locations, you can learn more about constellations, receive information about the starry sky, and look through telescopes at celestial objects like the moon, planets, and stars. Observatories often have a number of evenings per month when you can come to watch, or there might be guided tours or courses available.
Halley Observatory in Brabant
One of the observatories worth visiting is Halley Observatory in Vinkel, Brabant. This observatory features a planetarium, auditorium, radio telescope, and a ten-kilometer-long planetary path. There is a public opening every first and third Friday evening. Space is limited, so reservations are recommended.
Want to stay near Halley Observatory? Then book a room at Bed & Breakfast Karakter. This stylish B&B features various suites, each with its own bathroom. There is a garden at this B&B, and you can rent bicycles.
Gooi and Vechtstreek Observatory
At Gooi and Vechtstreek Observatory, you will find two large telescopes that make stargazing easy. On clear nights, you can look through the telescopes, and when the weather isn’t great, presentations on telescopes and astronomy topics are given. This observatory is located in ‘s-Graveland.
Want to stay near this observatory? Book Huisje op de dijk for a pleasant experience. This house has a private bedroom, kitchen, living area, and bathroom. There is also a private terrace and porch.
Cosmos Observatory in Lattrop
One of the largest observatories in the Netherlands can be found in Lattrop, Overijssel: Cosmos Observatory. Here you can admire the planetarium, see live shows, and look at the starry sky through telescopes. This observatory is one of the darkest in the Netherlands. Cosmos is open several afternoons a week and holds special stargazing nights.
Want to stay near Cosmos? Book a night at the Sterrenkubus, not far from the observatory. This cozy little house has a window right above the bed, so you can admire the starry sky at night. Each cottage has its own kitchen and bathroom, and there is a restaurant and bar on-site.
Stargazing in the Netherlands with a Telescope?
Do you really want to gaze at the stars with a telescope? Then you should visit the following places. For example, go to Copernicus Observatory in Haarlem. With the telescope there, you can look at the moon, planets, stars, and even the sun during the day. There are various evenings you can attend, but this observatory is also special to visit during the day.
Another place where you can look at the universe through a telescope is The Observatory in Utrecht, known as Sonnenburgh Museum and Observatory. Special stargazing evenings are organized here, and there are events specifically for children.
Also above café-restaurant Brambergen, at Gooi and Vechtstreek Observatory, you will find two giant telescopes through which you can look. The telescopes have mirrors with diameters of 41 and 35 cm, making them truly two gigantic telescopes available in the Netherlands.
More Great Spots to Stargaze in the Netherlands
Of course, there are even more beautiful places where you can stargaze well. As long as it is nice and dark, you are good to go. For extremely dark spots, you can go to:
- Kiekkaaste in Groningen – This unique bird watching hut is featured on the cover of our book In Love with the Netherlands, and in the evenings, it is a perfect spot to stargaze. Far away from civilization, staring at the sky in the middle of water and reeds? Sounds good, right!
- Texel – Like Terschelling, Texel is also a fantastic place for stargazing. It may not be a Dark Sky Reserve, but you will notice that it is very dark on this island, making it an ideal spot to enjoy the stars.
- Dwingelderveld National Park – In Drenthe, you will find Dwingelderveld National Park, and if there is a place that is dark, it is here. Thus, it is an ideal location to admire the starry sky! And here’s a tip if you go to Drenthe: Walk the Milky Way path-Bospad route, where you can read and discover even more about the universe!
Have we sparked your interest in stargazing in the Netherlands? Then also read Stargazing for Beginners: What Stars Can You Recognize in the Sky?
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