Kyritz-Ruppiner Heath

About

There are very few places left in Germany where nights are still as dark as they were 150 years ago, before artificial light became widespread. In most regions, light pollution now dominates the night sky. The Kyritz-Ruppiner Heide is one of these rare exceptions.

It is not only one of the largest contiguous heathlands in Europe, but also one of the darkest places in Germany. Artificial light reaches the heath mainly from surrounding communities, leaving the area itself largely free from light pollution. As a result, the accessible parts of the Kyritz-Ruppiner Heide are ideal for stargazing.

The character of the landscape is defined by wide horizons, low vegetation, and a remarkable sense of quiet. On clear nights, visitors can experience a star-filled sky with exceptional clarity, an increasingly rare sight across Europe. The openness of the heath allows constellations, planets, and the Milky Way to be seen with the naked eye.

Preserving this darkness is a priority for the region. Excessive artificial light disrupts nocturnal birds and insects, many of which rely on starlight for orientation. Protecting the night supports biodiversity while also enhancing opportunities for nature-based tourism.

As interest in nighttime experiences continues to grow, the Kyritz-Ruppiner Heide is expanding its range of offerings. Regular stargazing tours, themed nighttime hikes, lectures, and educational programs are planned, inviting visitors to slow down, look up, and learn more about the night sky and responsible lighting.

The surrounding towns of Flecken Zechlin, Zempow, Schweinrich, Gadow, Zootzen, Fretzdorf, Rossow, Rägelin, Pfalzheim, Frankendorf, Neuglienicke, and Basdorf play a special role in future astro-tourism opportunities. These communities provide access points and visitor services that support a growing interest in night-sky experiences. More information on astro-tourism offerings can be found at https://www.kyritz-ruppiner-heide.de/astrotourismus.html.

While much of the Kyritz-Ruppiner Heide remains a restricted area due to historical ammunition contamination, the accessible areas offer a rare chance to experience true darkness. Here, visitors can rediscover a night sky that has largely disappeared elsewhere—quiet, expansive, and filled with stars.

Area

118 km²

Designated

2025

Category

Dark Sky Park

Address

Zur Kyritz-Ruppiner-Heide 1,
16816 Temnitzquell, OT Rägelin
Google Maps

Contact

Olaf Wolff
Landkreis Ostprignitz-Ruppin Team Kreisentwicklung und Mobilität
+49 33082 40718
[email protected] 

Victoria Juraschek
Landkreis Ostprignitz-Ruppin Team Kreisentwicklung und Mobilität
+49 3391 6661120)
[email protected]

Dan Oakley
Policy and Destination Senior Manager, DarkSky International
+44 780 357 0818
[email protected]

Documents

Announcement
Application
Annual Reports