Naturpark Sölktäler

Star Place St. Nikolai

Sternenplatz St.Nikolai

Tour description

When the sun disappears behind the peaks of the Sölk valleys and the sky slowly fills with thousands of stars, a magical journey through the universe begins at the Sankt Nikolai stargazing site. A breathtaking natural spectacle unfolds in this darkest region of Central Europe: the Milky Way shines in all its glory, constellations twinkle clearly in the firmament - without any disturbing light pollution.

The Sölk is a true protected area of the night. Artificial light is deliberately avoided here in order to preserve the darkness as a valuable habitat for nature, humans and animals. After all, 60% of all living creatures on earth are nocturnal! While bats and owls glide through the silence of the night, you can observe galaxies, planets and shooting stars with the naked eye.

The region sets a good example: energy-saving, warm white lighting, measurements of the quality of light at night - in the Sölk, protection through use is a way of life. Whether you simply enjoy the silence or are inspired by the cosmic expanse - this place opens a window to the universe.

Pack a thermos flask, put on something warm - and treat yourself to an unforgettable evening under what is probably Austria's most spectacular starry sky.

Here you can see exactly where the pitch is located.


The tour

publicly accessible
Tour characteristics

Map, elevation profile & further information

Turn off the Ennstalstraße B320 at Pruggern (from the west) or Espang (from the east) in the direction of the Sölktäler Nature Park. From Stein a.d. Enns continue towards Sölkpass until you reach the village of St. Nikolai after approx. 18 km.Parking lot on the outskirts of St. Nikolai.
Arrival to Stein/Enns at the train station with Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB).
Taxi Stefan Mayer: +43 676 54 09 858

Valley bus during the summer holidays in Styria (beginning of July to beginning of September).  This bus makes crossings in the Sölktäler Nature Park possible. You can also arrive comfortably by train, and the valley bus will take you to your starting point for your hike.

Wheather predicition

today
26.07.2026
Mountain 19 °C
Valley 26 °C
Precipitation
Probability
80 %
Amount
12.4 l/m²
Wind speed
West
10 km / h
Sun
Sun hours
8.8 h
Sunrise
05:35 o clock
Sunset
20:46 o clock

Dry and fair in the early morning, later frequent thunderstorms.

tomorrow
27.07.2026
Mountain 17 °C
Valley 24 °C
Precipitation
Probability
60 %
Amount
3.5 l/m²
Wind speed
Nordwest
15 km / h
Sun
Sun hours
9.2 h
Sunrise
05:36 o clock
Sunset
20:45 o clock

Fair in the early morning, later variable with frequent showers.

day after tomorrow
28.07.2026
Mountain 22 °C
Valley 29 °C
Precipitation
Probability
0 %
Amount
0 l/m²
Wind speed
West
10 km / h
Sun
Sun hours
14.4 h
Sunrise
05:37 o clock
Sunset
20:44 o clock

Some clouds in the morning, lateron much sunshine and hardly any clouds

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