Skyscape

The project is funded by the European Regional Development Fund and Interreg V-A Italy-Austria 2014-2020.

Background

Unlimited and often excessive use of artificial light, especially in cities, has made the undisturbed view of the starry sky and the experience of intact night landscapes rare. 99% of Europeans live in more or less light-polluted areas where the night sky is illuminated by unused or upwardly directed artificial light.

Some areas in Tyrol and Italy are still relatively unaffected by light pollution due to their topography and low population density. Here, people, animals and plants live a largely undisturbed day-night rhythm; visitors are given the enriching opportunity to come into contact with natural darkness and nocturnal phenomena.

Project goals

• To preserve and promote the dark, undisturbed night sky,
• to draw attention to the value of a dark night sky for the health and well-being of people, animals and plants and
• to create innovative tourism products in selected dark areas that are linked to the observation of the night sky and encounters with darkness.

Measures

• Raising awareness for the reduction of light pollution
• Support and advice on the implementation of selected measures to reduce light pollution (best practice examples)
• Development and implementation of new tourism products in selected areas that are linked to observing the night sky and experiencing the intact, undisturbed night landscape.
• Publicizing the new products through public events, press trips and supra-regional communication strategies.

Results

New tourist offers and products:

STARGAZING BOWL

An unique sky observation point has been created in the upper Kaunertal Valley, in the Gepatsch area. The Stargazing Bowl (Sternenschale) offers a special opportunity to experience firsthand how our world — and we as part of the solar system — are connected to the stars, planets, and the vastness of the universe.

This installation continues a millennia-old Alpine tradition of sky observation sites. The Stargazing Bowl serves both as a guide for exploring the night sky and as a tranquil place to pause and reflect.

The Stargazing Bowl marks the final destination of the annual guided tour “Hiking Starry Nights in the Kaunertal Valley” (Sternennächte erwandern im Kaunertal), held every summer. Find out more at the Tourist Office in Feichten!

PAVILLON EXHIBITION:

At an altitude of 2,750 m on the Kaunertal Glacier, this exhibition provides insights into the unique qualities of Kaunertal’s night sky and the importance of using outdoor lighting responsibly.
For opening hours, please contact the  Kaunertal Glacier!

BEST PRACTISE – Examples to reduce light pollution

• FESTIVE LIGHT CODE

In cooperation with MK Illumination, guidelines have been developed to help reduce light pollution in the field of decorative lighting. By following these recommendations, the negative impacts on plants, animals, and human health can be significantly reduced. Click here to view the FESTIVE LIGHT CODE (German).