All my Astro-Locations
Ebenwald-Hütte
Ebenwald-Hütte. The observation point is located at a height of approx. 1020m and is easy to reach via a public road that is also accessible in winter. This place is relatively dark because very little light comes through from the direction of St. Pölten. There is very good visibility to the north, east and south, even for deeper objects. To the west there are obstructions due to tall trees. But if you know the location somewhat and choose the objects and the place strategically, astrophotography works very well in every direction. Lower lying objects also go to the south and east. It is important to pay attention to the meadow barriers installed by the farmers!
Geschriebenstein
Geschriebenstein. The observation point is located at an altitude of approx. 805m and can be reached all year round via a federal road. The large parking lot slopes slightly to the south and there are trees all around that also provide good wind protection. There is no light pollution from the surrounding areas. Since the parking lot is on a not very busy federal road, cars sometimes drive past in the south. But I've never had bad photos there because of the light.
I really like to go to this observation site because it offers the best opportunity for observation when bad weather comes from the west or is already there.
Steyersberger-Schwaig
Steyersberger-Schwaig. This observation point is located at an elevation of approximately 1,400 meters and is easily accessible year-round. In winter, it is open for skiing during the day. The parking lot, which stretches from south to north, offers many strategic setup options. The parking lot is surrounded by rising terrain and forest. Deep objects like the M42 are, of course, possible if you position yourself strategically a little further north, for example. The view is furthest downwards to the east. Winds there usually blow from southwest to west to west-northeast, so wind protection is a concern.
Local light pollution is to be expected in winter season. (as of January 2024)
Fuscher-Törl
Fuscher-Törl. The observation point is located at an altitude of approx. 2400m and is a large car park which can be easily reached via the Großglockner Hochalpenstrasse (toll!) in the season from around May to the end of October. The exact and actual opening times of the street are on the Homepage of the Großglockner Hochalpenstrasse to explore BEFORE.
In bad weather and snow, winter tires and snow chains are mandatory. Or the High Alpine Road may be temporarily closed.
The parking lot is ideal for setting up astronomy equipment. During the day, there are many cars and tourists in this lot. At night, it's usually empty, as there is a nighttime driving ban here!
Depending on the weather conditions, the seeing is usually very good and there is no light pollution.
In good weather, the night is usually almost windless. However, this can change suddenly, depending on the weather!
Predictive weather knowledge is very important and in demand here!
The astro equipment should be dismantled after use and stored safely!!
