Stärepark Pëtschent – Putscheid, Luxembourg

About

Located in the northern Ardennes of Luxembourg, Stärepark Pëtschent (Star Park Putscheid) encompasses the rural municipality of Putscheid within the Our Nature Park. Rolling hills, forested ridges, river valleys, and small historic villages characterize the 27 square kilometer (km²) territory. Its proximity to Germany and Belgium places it at the heart of a cross-border landscape shaped by nature, heritage, and sustainable energy production. Despite Central Europe’s dense urban network, the region retains high-quality night skies, offering rare opportunities to experience natural darkness.

Protecting this nocturnal environment has become a strategic priority. Putscheid adopted a Lighting Management Policy requiring fully shielded luminaires, ultra-low upward light ratios, and warm color temperatures of 2200 K. Municipal street lighting has been systematically upgraded with high-efficiency LED technology equipped for smart adaptive control. Since 2022, all public lighting is switched off between 1:00 a.m. and 4:30 a.m., and a “Light on Demand” system is being implemented, reducing energy consumption by up to 85% in certain areas.

Continuous monitoring through an All-Sky Camera and a TESS sky sensor provides long-term scientific documentation of sky brightness. These data guide policy decisions and support educational outreach programs organized by the Our Nature Park. Public events, lectures, and astronomy activities strengthen awareness of the ecological and cultural value of dark skies.

Visitors are welcome year-round. The best stargazing conditions occur during clear, moonless nights in spring and autumn. Hiking trails, cycling routes, and scenic viewpoints offer excellent places to view the Milky Way. Visitors are encouraged to use warm, downward-directed lighting and to respect the natural nighttime environment that defines Stärepark Pëtschent.

Area

27 km²

Designated

2026

Category

International Dark Sky Community

Address

7, Veinerstrooss
L-9462 Putscheid, Luxembourg
Google Maps

Contact

Municipality of Putscheid
7, Veinerstrooss
L-9462 Putscheid, Luxembourg
Tel. +352 28 55 93 200
[email protected]

Amber Harrison
Dark Sky Places Program Manager,
DarkSky International
520-347-6363
[email protected]

Documents

Application
Annual Reports
Announcement