Public observation evenings in the Great Refractor in Potsdam 2026/27
The Great Refractor at the Telegrafenberg in Potsdam
Credit: AIPDuring the winter months, we offer again observation evenings at the Great Refractor on Telegrafenberg in Potsdam. Due to the high demand and to avoid long waiting times, advance booking is required. Admission is free.
The Great Refractor on Telegrafenberg in Potsdam is the fourth-largest refracting telescope in the world. Built in 1899, it is a historic monument yet still fully operational: during observation evenings in the winter months, visitors can look through the double telescope and get a little closer to the stars.
In total, we offer six dates for observations from October 2026 to March 2027. Prior registration is necessary to ensure that the queues at the telescope do not get too long. The registration form for each observation evening will be activated two weeks in advance and linked on the website for the observation evenings.
Viewing through the telescope is only possible when the sky is clear and the dome is free of snow. In case of bad weather conditions, visitors can view the historic telescope and the exhibition in the dome room, and gain fascinating insights into the technology and history of the Great Refractor.
Dates
- Thursday, 8th October 2026, 20:30 Uhr - booked out
- Monday, 23rd November 2026, 19:30 Uhr - Registration starts at 9th November, 12 pm
- Tuesday, 8th December 2026, 19 Uhr
- Monday, 18th January 2027, 19 Uhr
- Friday, 12th February 2027, 19 Uhr
- Tuesday, 9th March 2027, 19:30 Uhr
Location
Great Refractor (building A27)
Science Park "Albert Einstein", Telegrafenberg
14473 Potsdam
Meeting point: At the entrance of the refractor building
If you are travelling by car, please use the parking opportunities in the street "Albert-Einstein-Straße", it is not permitted to drive into the science park. From the entrance, it is a 10 minute walk (500 metres) to the Great Refractor. The dome is accessible via stairs (2nd floor) and is not wheelchair accessible.
Further information
More about the observation evenings, dates and registration: www.aip.de/beobachtungsabende
Previous events were booked out very quickly, alternatively you can also enjoy night sky observations at our Babelsberg Starry Nights.
General guided tours for groups (without observations) can be arranged with the Förderverein Großer Refraktor Potsdam e.V., refraktor@aip.de
The Great Refractor at the Telegrafenberg in Potsdam
Credit: AIPDuring the winter months, we offer again observation evenings at the Great Refractor on Telegrafenberg in Potsdam. Due to the high demand and to avoid long waiting times, advance booking is required. Admission is free.
The Great Refractor on Telegrafenberg in Potsdam is the fourth-largest refracting telescope in the world. Built in 1899, it is a historic monument yet still fully operational: during observation evenings in the winter months, visitors can look through the double telescope and get a little closer to the stars.
In total, we offer six dates for observations from October 2026 to March 2027. Prior registration is necessary to ensure that the queues at the telescope do not get too long. The registration form for each observation evening will be activated two weeks in advance and linked on the website for the observation evenings.
Viewing through the telescope is only possible when the sky is clear and the dome is free of snow. In case of bad weather conditions, visitors can view the historic telescope and the exhibition in the dome room, and gain fascinating insights into the technology and history of the Great Refractor.
Dates
- Thursday, 8th October 2026, 20:30 Uhr - booked out
- Monday, 23rd November 2026, 19:30 Uhr - Registration starts at 9th November, 12 pm
- Tuesday, 8th December 2026, 19 Uhr
- Monday, 18th January 2027, 19 Uhr
- Friday, 12th February 2027, 19 Uhr
- Tuesday, 9th March 2027, 19:30 Uhr
Location
Great Refractor (building A27)
Science Park "Albert Einstein", Telegrafenberg
14473 Potsdam
Meeting point: At the entrance of the refractor building
If you are travelling by car, please use the parking opportunities in the street "Albert-Einstein-Straße", it is not permitted to drive into the science park. From the entrance, it is a 10 minute walk (500 metres) to the Great Refractor. The dome is accessible via stairs (2nd floor) and is not wheelchair accessible.
Further information
More about the observation evenings, dates and registration: www.aip.de/beobachtungsabende
Previous events were booked out very quickly, alternatively you can also enjoy night sky observations at our Babelsberg Starry Nights.
General guided tours for groups (without observations) can be arranged with the Förderverein Großer Refraktor Potsdam e.V., refraktor@aip.de
Images
Big screen size [1000 x 1418, 210 KB]
Original size [3497 x 4961, 1.3 MB]
