Karl Schwarzschild Observatory

The Karl Schwarzschild Observatory is an astronomical facility in Tautenburg equipped with large telescopes for observing the night sky. The site contains specialized equipment used by scientists to study distant stars, galaxies, and other celestial objects.

The observatory was founded in 1960 and was initially affiliated with the German Academy of Sciences in East Berlin. After the early 1990s it became a regional facility in Thuringia and continues its research work to this day.

The facility is named after a physicist who developed foundational theories about gravity in the early 1900s. Today visitors can learn about the site's scientific importance, which continues to resonate within the international astronomy community.

The site sits on a hilltop near Tautenburg and is reachable by car. Visitors should check the facility's website before traveling to find current opening times and information about any guided tours that may be offered.

The facility houses one of Germany's largest telescopes, still used today for important astronomical discoveries. Its special camera design allows it to capture large portions of the sky in a single image.

Location: Tautenburg

Inception: 1960

Elevation above the sea: 341 m

Website: http://tls-tautenburg.de/TLS

GPS coordinates: 50.98010,11.71120

Latest update: December 12, 2025 08:00