Close to the cosmos - guided star hikes

© Photo credits: Futorist-christophmalin.com, Andreas Kirscchner

Immerse yourself in the vastness of the universe surrounded by a breathtaking natural and mountain backdrop at night. The Kaunertal Glacier Road provides safe access to a magical place in the middle of a mountain world formed by glacial ice at around 2000 m above sea level, the Gepatsch in the Kaunertal.

Here, away from the cities and far from artificial light, you can experience the Milky Way in incredible detail on a moonless and clear night. Join us on a journey to the stars, the history of the universe.

Accompanied by experts, you will recognize stars and constellations and learn what significance the stars have for mankind, for our orientation and for the creation of stories and world views.

Climatic changes on Earth have always been closely interwoven with astronomical cycles. Part of the hike will be to show the signs of the times in the Kaunertal. Interesting facts about the glacier, mountain life and its challenges will be explained by an experienced mountain guide.

The night tour ends on the terrace at the Gepatschhaus, the oldest Alpine Club hut in Austria. The guides will be happy to answer your questions as you look through the telescope. Here you can reflect on your impressions of the incredible vastness of the universe in a relaxed atmosphere.

Nocturnal meetings at the most beautiful cul-de-sac in the world

Several guided tours are offered between June and September. The hike is scheduled for a three-day window (Wednesday - Friday). The first possible date is Wednesday, if the weather does not allow it, the date will be postponed by one day. On the day of the tour, by 4 p.m. at the latest, the guide will decide which day is best suited for sky observation according to the weather forecast and the participants will be informed by the guides.

Meeting point:
The meeting point is the toll booth on the Kaunertal Glacier Road in Feichten. Here the further procedure is briefly discussed and the contribution is collected (please pay the contribution in cash if possible). Afterwards we go to the Gepatschhaus. Driving on the Kaunertal Glacier Road (toll road) in a private car is included in the fee, but is at your own risk. Car pools can be formed at the toll station.

Course of the hike:
Starting point is the Gepatschhaus
Short briefing and introduction
Easy hike on existing hiking trails
The hike begins at dusk and ends in the dark at the Sternenschale.
We stop every now and then to tell you interesting facts and give you time to marvel.
We return via the newly built bridge to the Gepatschhaus.
Here you can marvel at selected celestial objects through two telescopes
Duration of the tour: 3-4 hours

Tips and hints:
Dress warmly: It can get very cold at night, even in summer.
Good footwear: at night, sure-footedness is required even on paved paths!
Flashlight: for orientation before and after the experience
Red light lamps: can be borrowed for the duration of the tour. The use of red light has no effect on the adaptation of the eyes to the dark.
Use of light: The eye needs about 30 minutes to adjust to the darkness. Looking at your cell phone or using “normal” flashlights means that you have to get used to the darkness for another 30 minutes. We therefore ask you not to use any other light during the hike apart from the red light lamps (also out of consideration for other participants).
Binoculars: If you have binoculars, you are welcome to take them with you. Even with binoculars you can discover many things in the night sky.

Registration:
Registration under: Philip Hughes & Andreas Penz
Philip: 0043 (0) 681 2032 1035
info@tirolerhof-feichten.at
Andreas: 0043 (0) 664 522 5568
Participants min. 15 max. 20 people
Cost of the star hike:
€ 25.00 per person, € 20.00 with Summercard
In case of no-show or last-minute cancellation, the fee must be paid. If it becomes apparent that you will not be able to take part, please let us know in good time so that others on the waiting list can join you.
In the event of bad weather on the day of the event, the star hike will take place on the following day