Observatoriet

Perched atop Brorfelde Bakke in the heart of Zealand stands Denmark's largest observatory. Once a bustling workplace for astronomers from Københavns Universitet, it has now been transformed into an interactive discovery centre.

With views stretching across Lammefjorden in a wonderfully undulating landscape, the site is also a fantastic nature experience in its own right.

In this article, you can find information about:

• The new stargazing shelters
• Events
• Experiences at the discovery centre
• Denmark's only protected night sky
• Opening hours
• Prices
• Frequently asked questions

...but first, start with this little teaser of a video:

Stargazing shelters – unique overnight stays under the stars

Since 2021, Observatoriet has offered a truly unique type of accommodation on Zealand – namely their stargazing shelters. Now you can drift off to sleep gazing at shooting stars and wake up to the sound of birdsong. Wonderful!

Architect Kristoffer Tejlgaard is the mastermind behind the four circular stargazing shelters. Each shelter accommodates 6–8 people, allowing the area to host up to 32 guests at a time (ideal for groups such as school classes, etc.) – though they can, of course, also be booked individually.

The curvature of the walls is cleverly designed so you can sit leaning comfortably against them. During the day, an entire school class can be taught inside a single shelter. Come nightfall, you can lie with your heads pointing towards the centre of the shelter, marvelling at the beautiful starry night sky above through a circular glass roof.

To reach the new shelters, guests pass through Istiden – a new geological activity area. An accessible, paved path runs from the main tarmac road through Istiden and on to the four shelters, making it easy for both wheelchair users and prams to visit.

So gather your family, friends, or partner, and treat yourselves to a truly unique experience in Zealand’s nature.

Book the coolest shelters on Zealand

Events

All year round, the science park offers a wealth of activities. Get an overview of some of them below:

Science and discovery centre

From 1953 to 1996, the observatory was a bustling workplace for astronomers, students, and craftsmen. What united them was their passion for the cosmos. Driven by curiosity, they stood night after night to gain deeper insights into the endless and mysterious universe.

The world-renowned telescope facility was forced to close its doors in 1996 as astronomical technologies became digitalised.

In 2016, the doors reopened once again, this time as a discovery centre focusing on astronomy, geology, technology, and biology. Today, the new discovery centre is explored daily by children and adults alike, eager to unlock the mysteries of the night sky.

Denmark's only protected night sky

Besides the discovery centre's eleven listed heritage buildings, the night sky above Brorfelde is also protected by law. This means that after dark, no artificial light is permitted in the area. Brorfelde is the only place in Denmark with a designated protected night sky.

Thanks to this protected darkness, the celestial canopy unfolds with extraordinary clarity, and under the right weather conditions, you can spot both the Milky Way and Mars with the naked eye!