Star Projects

Challenge: Light Pollution is Increasing 
According to an international study, light pollution in Europe is growing by about 6% per year. Already, one-third of Austria’s population can no longer see the Milky Way with the naked eye. Artificial light negatively impacts human sleep quality and disrupts nocturnal animals, including migratory birds, bats, and insects. 

Sölktäler Nature Park on the Path to Becoming a Dark Sky Park 
To permanently protect the sky above Sölk, the Sölktäler Nature Park is working towards certification as an "International Dark Sky Park" under the auspices of the organization "DarkSky International." This initiative focuses on heightened public awareness, monitoring light pollution, and sustainable outdoor lighting solutions. Thus far, Austria only has one certified area: the Attersee-Traunsee Star Park. 
The project is receiving scientific assistance from Dr. Stefan Wallner (Dark Sky Austria, University of Vienna – Institute for Astrophysics). He explains: "The Niedere Tauern mountains are located at the continental minimum of light pollution in Central Europe, with Sölktäler Nature Park at its center." 

Measures to Achieve Certification: 

• Scientific analysis of sky quality
• Establishment of two star-viewing sites in the municipality of Sölk 
• Installation of light measurement stations 
• Development of a light management plan in collaboration with the municipality 
• Conversion of street lighting in Sölk 
• Involvement of local schools 

The application for certification is expected to be submitted by December 2025. This project is also supported by the Styrian Department of Regional Development and RML (Regional Management of the Liezen District.) 

LEADER Project "Star Viewing Sites" 
Yet another project focuses on raising awareness and guiding visitors in the spirit of ecotourism. In addition to the two star-viewing sites within the Sölk municipal boundaries, four more will be created in the Schladming-Dachstein region. These will be equipped with astronomical theme stations and rotating star maps that show the changing night sky. These locations are intended to be used specifically for stargazing whilst avoiding disturbance to wildlife and nature. "Our goal is for visitors to experience the starry sky at selected locations without wandering willy-nilly through the countryside," says Gabriele Trinker, Managing Director of Sölktäler Nature Park. 

Star Viewing Sites from May 2025: 

• St. Nikolai at the Mesnerhaus 
• Stein/Enns by the Rosenkranzkirche (church) 
• Mitterberg - Pürcherhof 
• In the town center of Aich 
• Haus im Ennstal - Birnberg 
• Ramsau am Dachstein - Walcherhof 

Special Events in 2025 
To deepen public understanding of the topic, three events will be offered where visitors can experience the night sky under expert guidance: 

April 25, 2025: Night Sky Viewing (Schloss Großsölk) 
Explore the night sky with astronomer Stefan Wallner. Registration required, free participation. 

September 19, 2025: Long Night of Nature Parks – Earth Night (Schloss Großsölk) 
View the night sky with Stefan Wallner – a fascinating natural spectacle. Registration required, free participation. 

December 4, 2025: Night Sky Viewing (Church in Stein/Enns) 
Explore the night sky with Stefan Wallner. Registration required, free participation.