Der Reflexionsnebel NGC 1999 in der Nähe des Orionnebels sieht aus wie das Schloss eines Schlüssels und ist eine leere Region im Weltraum. | © ESA/Hubble & NASA, ESO, K. Noll; CC BY 4.0

Night Sky Explorer

Discover the Night Sky

Experience the universe with your own eyes: During an introductory session at the planetarium, you’ll learn about the current night sky before heading outside. Together with our Space Guides, you’ll observe stars, planets, and other fascinating celestial objects through our large telescope, weather permitting.

Approx. 3.5 hours · Recommended for ages 10 and up · Only in good weather

Book your ticket now

Your Night Sky Explorer Evening

Traveling by Space Shuttle
Your experience begins with the drive from the parking lot in Niedermuhlern to the Space Eye on the Uecht. The travel time depends on the season and, therefore, on the time of twilight.
Your experience begins with the drive from the parking lot in Niedermuhlern to the Space Eye on the Uecht. The travel time depends on the season and, therefore, on the time of twilight.
Introduction at the Planetarium
Before heading outside, you’ll receive an introduction to the current night sky in the planetarium. Our Space Guides will show you which stars, planets, and constellations are visible tonight and what to look for during the observation that follows.
Before heading outside, you’ll receive an introduction to the current night sky in the planetarium. Our Space Guides will show you which stars, planets, and constellations are visible tonight and what to look for during the observation that follows.
Observation through a telescope
Now it’s time to head outside under the real starry sky. Together with our Space Guides, you’ll observe fascinating celestial objects through our large telescope. What you’ll see depends on the current night sky and visibility—and that’s exactly what makes every Night Sky Explorer night unique.
Now it’s time to head outside under the real starry sky. Together with our Space Guides, you’ll observe fascinating celestial objects through our large telescope. What you’ll see depends on the current night sky and visibility—and that’s exactly what makes every Night Sky Explorer night unique.
A little snack
Light refreshments will be available throughout the event. If you'd like something else to eat or drink, you can purchase it individually at our bistro.
Light refreshments will be available throughout the event. If you'd like something else to eat or drink, you can purchase it individually at our bistro.
Return Trip on the Space Shuttle
After your stargazing session, the Space Eye Shuttle will take you back to the parking lot in Niedermuhlern.
After your stargazing session, the Space Eye Shuttle will take you back to the parking lot in Niedermuhlern.

The exact schedule and the celestial objects that can be observed depend on the current weather conditions, visibility, and the night sky.

Your Evening—Depending on the Season

Since twilight changes throughout the year, the Night Sky Explorer starts at different times depending on the season.

  • 8.30–9.00 pm: Journey by shuttle from Niedermuhlern
  • 9.00 pm: Programme begins
  • 11.15 pm–12.00 am: Return journey by shuttle

  • 7.30–8.00 pm: Journey by shuttle from Niedermuhlern
  • 8.00 pm: Programme begins
  • 10.15–11.00 pm: Return journey by shuttle

  • 6.30–7.00 pm: Journey there by shuttle from Niedermuhlern
  • 7.00 pm: Programme begins
  • 9.15–10.00 pm: Return journey by shuttle

Getting There

Take the Space Shuttle or walk to the Uecht?

The easiest way to reach the Space Eye is by taking our shuttle from the parking lot in Niedermuhlern. The shuttle ride is included in the Night Sky Explorer ticket.

However, you can also reach the Space Eye on foot and combine your visit with our adventure trail to the Uecht. The trail takes you through the countryside surrounding the Space Eye and can be used either on the way there or on the way back.

More about getting there

If you have limited mobility and cannot use our shuttle, please feel free to contact us directly—together we’ll find a suitable solution.

Practical Information

Time
depending on the season
depending on the season
Duration
about 3.5 hours
about 3.5 hours
Age
Recommended for ages 10 and up
Recommended for ages 10 and up
Getting There
Space Shuttle or Adventure Trail
Space Shuttle or Adventure Trail
Parking Lot
Space Eye parking lot in Niedermuhlern, across from the cheese factory
Space Eye parking lot in Niedermuhlern, across from the cheese factory
Language
Swiss German or Standard German
Swiss German or Standard German
Implementation
Night Sky Explorer will take place if at least 15 people sign up. If the minimum number of participants is not reached, the Space Eye Team will contact you by 4:00 p.m. the day before, at the latest.
Night Sky Explorer will take place if at least 15 people sign up. If the minimum number of participants is not reached, the Space Eye Team will contact you by 4:00 p.m. the day before, at the latest.
Weather
The Night Sky Explorer tour will only take place if the weather is good. If the tour is canceled, you will be notified by email.
The Night Sky Explorer tour will only take place if the weather is good. If the tour is canceled, you will be notified by email.
Clothing
For telescope observations, we recommend bringing clothing appropriate for the weather. Warm clothing, warm shoes, gloves, and a hat are especially useful in winter. Even in summer, it can get chilly at night on the Uecht.
For telescope observations, we recommend bringing clothing appropriate for the weather. Warm clothing, warm shoes, gloves, and a hat are especially useful in winter. Even in summer, it can get chilly at night on the Uecht.

What if the weather doesn't cooperate?

Don't worry—your ticket isn't lost.

Since the Night Sky Explorer only takes place when the weather is good, we’ll decide by 4:00 p.m. the day before at the latest whether the event can go ahead. We’ll then let you know via email.

If the Night Sky Explorer is canceled, you’ll receive a credit voucher for the value of your ticket. This way, you can easily choose a new date and use your voucher directly for your next Night Sky Explorer.

So your ticket is still good for your next adventure.

Prices

  • Adults: CHF 52.00
  • Students: CHF 42.00
  • Children / Youth ages 7–15: CHF 32.00
  • Children 6 and under: Free
  • KulturLegi: CHF 32.00
  • Group rate (10 to a maximum of 25 adults): CHF 47.00

Price includes: Introduction at the planetarium, telescope observation, light refreshments, and the Space Eye Shuttle.

Ready to explore the night sky?

Join us on a journey through the night and explore the universe through our telescope.

Find your Night Sky Explorer date

Abbildung der Milchstrasse mit Panorama der Berner Alpen.  | © Martin Mutti

As a Group on the Night Sky Explorer

For group visits to the “Night Sky Explorer,” we offer a group rate for groups of 10 to 25 adults. This rate applies only to adults and only during official opening hours. It can be selected and booked online.

 

Private Tours for Groups & Companies
Would you like to visit Space Eye with your group or company outside of public events? We offer private tours and events for groups of 15 or more, which can be complemented with regional catering. Learn more on the pages for groups and companies!