A celestial installation in Austria’s darkest skies

Completed in 2022, the Sternenschale (Star Gazing Bowl) sits high on the Kaunertal Glacier in Geaptsch, Austria’s darkest and most remote region. Designed by Raphael Hanny of Columbosnext Architekten, the circular structure functions as both a contemplative space and a platform for stargazing. The installation invites visitors to reconnect with their surroundings and ancestry through quiet observation of the sky, creating a space where solitude and cosmic wonder intersect.

A rare view of the Milky Way

Geaptsch offers one of Europe’s clearest views of the Milky Way, with minimal light pollution and wide-open skies. The Sternenschale has quickly become a gathering point for astronomy enthusiasts and nighttime explorers. Its bowl-like form encourages shared experiences, with up to 20 people able to gather comfortably within its stone-lined perimeter. The spatial design fosters intimacy and openness simultaneously, offering an unbroken encounter with the stars above.

Built from local materials with artisanal care

Measuring nearly 7 meters in diameter, the Sternenschale is built from stone and Swiss pine sourced directly from the Kaunertal region. The structure was developed in collaboration with local craftspeople, ensuring that each element harmonizes with the mountain landscape. Its earthen textures and grounded form sit lightly on the terrain, embodying both permanence and sensitivity. This thoughtful construction reinforces the project’s deep connection to place.

Two trails to a shared destination

The Sternenschale is accessible around the clock via two restored paths. The first follows the “Old Gepatsch Trail” from the nearby reservoir, winding through glacial terrain. The second begins at the Gepatsch House, crossing a revitalized bridge that reconnects hikers to the landscape. These routes offer more than access—they create a journey that culminates in a space of reflection, where visitors can pause and look upward into the Alpine sky.

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