Sonneberg Observatory

The Sonneberg Observatory is an astronomical research facility located at 638 meters (2,093 feet) elevation on Erbisbühl in the Neufang district, with multiple observation domes and laboratory spaces. The complex combines viewing equipment with museum displays about sky observation and space science.

The facility opened on December 28, 1925 under Cuno Hoffmeister's leadership with financial backing from the Carl-Zeiss Foundation. It developed into an important center for studying and cataloging celestial objects across Europe.

The site includes an Astronomy Museum that opened in 1998 and presents exhibitions about space science and observational history. Regular public viewing sessions allow visitors to look through telescopes and explore the night sky directly.

Plan for changing weather conditions at the higher elevation and bring appropriate clothing, since viewing depends heavily on clear skies. Check ahead about opening hours and scheduled events to make the most of your visit.

The facility houses Germany's second-largest astronomical plate archive holding about 300,000 photographic records of the northern sky from many decades. This extensive collection documents how the heavens have changed and remains valuable for scientific comparisons across long time periods.

Location: Sonneberg

Official opening: December 28, 1925

Elevation above the sea: 638 m

Website: http://stw.tu-ilmenau.de

GPS coordinates: 50.37750,11.19000

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:09