With approximately 60% of Brits living in areas of severe light pollution, it may have been months since we last saw the stars in the sky. This summer, the Swiss mountain resort of LAAX is on a mission to encourage star-starved Brits from light-polluted cities to look up and enjoy the night sky, with a brand-new ‘Sleep Under the Stars’ package in the local UNESCO world heritage site.
With the town at over 1,200 metres above sea level and home to Switzerland’s largest public observatory, LAAX is one of the best destinations in Europe to witness the breath-taking constellations, and has created a handy guide to the best stargazing activities in LAAX.
Sleep Under the Stars in the UNESCO World Heritage Site
Spend the night in the open air at 2,100 m above sea level in the middle of the Tectonic Arena Sardona UNESCO World Heritage Site.
After a home-cooked local meal at the Segnes hut, visitors can lay down their mats to enjoy admiring the formation of the Alps as the moon lights up the landscape and the constellations, visible in one of Europe’s clearest night skies. Whilst Switzerland’s climate fares much better at night than the UK, warm clothes are welcomed to create the ultimate cozy experience.
For curious visitors staying across the weekend, come Saturday morning may be able to catch one of the Geo Guides at the entrance to the UNESCO visitors Centre from 10am-2pm, divulging their expert insights on the geological background of Flims.
The new package includes:
- 1 overnight stay from Saturday to Sunday under the starry sky in the open air at the Sardona Visitors’ Pavilion
- Dinner and breakfast at the Segnes Hut
- Packed lunch for Sunday
- 1 day hiking ticket mountain railways Flims Laax Falera
- 1 ride with the Nagens Shuttle (Laax – Alp Nagens)
- Outdoor equipment for hire (Sleeping bag, sleeping mat, bivouac bag and solar lamp)
Link: https://www.flimslaax.com/en/accommodation/package-deals/starry-sky-of-flims
Prices start at CHF 139 (£116) for adults and the experience is bookable on weekends from 25 June to 18 September 2022.
Witness the brightest meteor shower in Europe
Urbanisation means clear starry night skies are less frequent and certainly less impressive in the UK’s big cities and built up towns. LAAX however, is considerably less polluted, making it a haven for spotting meteors.
Time it right by visiting between the 12-13 August and visitors can be in for the chance of witnessing the Perseid meteor shower, the brightest in Europe.
During the spectacle, up to 150 shooting stars per hour can be seen shooting through the dark night sky. Whilst this phenomenon can be seen simply by looking up at the sky, it can be best experienced by visiting the Mirasteilas Observatory.
Camp at Camping Flims to lie back just steps from your bed and watch the moon rise. Tickets cost just CHF 11 (£9.20) for adults and CHF 6.50 (£5.45) for children
Link: http://www.camping-flims.ch/en/podhouses-rented-accommodations/
Taka a visit to the Mirasteilas Observatory
While meteor showers only come around very occasionally, there are incredible sights to see and unmissable spectacles all year round at the Mirasteilas Observatory. Free of charge to enter, regular guided tours are also available to purchase for those who want a deeper, first-hand insight into the world of astronomy.
The site is also home to a 1.6 tonne Cassegrain telescope: the ultimate spotting tool for Asteroids, comets and satellites, which frequently supplies NASA with its findings.
Link: https://www.flimslaax.com/en/indoor-activities/culture
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About LAAX, Switzerland
The region of Flims Laax Falera in the Swiss Alps, only 90 minutes by car from Zurich, is marketed under the brand LAAX. It stands for a unique lifestyle, a wide range of outdoor adventures and impresses with its breath-taking mountain landscape, characterised by natural phenomena. From hiking and biking in summer to skiing and snowboarding in winter – LAAX offers the ideal infrastructure embedded in a unique scenery.
For more information visit: https://www.laax.com/
