Dark Sky Reserve Camping in Central and Eastern Europe

Dark sky camping enthusiasts in Austria can find ideal spots in the Hohe Tauern National Park, where minimal light pollution allows for stunning views of the stars. In Croatia, the Velebit Dark Sky Park offers excellent opportunities for camping under pristine night skies, surrounded by the beauty of nature. Greece's Vikos-Aoos National Park provides a magical setting for dark sky camping, with its remote location and minimal light pollution ensuring an unforgettable stargazing experience.

In Hungary, the Bükk National Park offers designated camping areas where visitors can enjoy clear views of the night sky. Poland's Bieszczady Dark Sky Park is another fantastic destination for camping enthusiasts, offering expansive vistas of the star-filled heavens. Finally, Switzerland's Val Müstair Biosphere Reserve provides secluded camping spots amidst stunning alpine scenery, perfect for immersing oneself in the wonders of the night sky. Each of these destinations promises unforgettable experiences for those seeking to camp under some of Europe's darkest and most pristine skies.

Austria

Attersee-Traunsee IDS Park

Naturpark Attersee-Traunsee
Location Upper Austria, Austria
Status International Dark Sky Park
Year of Designation 2021
Area 106km²

The Attersee-Traunsee Nature Park, the largest in Upper Austria, covers 77 square kilometres and encompasses the Traun and Atterseer Flysch Mountains between Lakes Attersee and Traunsee. 

This diverse landscape offers stunning views, from fruit trees in bloom to colourful forests. Nestled in the Alps' foothills, the park boasts some of central Europe's darkest night skies, offering panoramic vistas from its unforested hilltops.

Naturpark Attersee-Traunsee International Dark Sky Park Campsites

Camping Wolfgangsee Birkenstrand
Austria, Salzburg, St Gilgen/Abersee

Camping Wolfgangsee Birkenstrand has spectacular views over the Wolfgangsee and the distant mountains. This friendly, family-run site offers a relaxing holiday in an ‘away from it all’ location in Salzburg. With direct access to the crystal clear waters of the lake, the opportunities for watersports are numerous - snorkelling, scuba diving, windsurfing and water-skiing; courses are also available. There are multiple cycling routes from the site which range from flat and easy to more challenging.

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Croatia

Jelsa IDS Community

Jelsa
Location Hvar, Croatia
Status International Dark Sky Community
Year of Designation 2022
Area 121km²

The Municipality of Jelsa, located on the island of Hvar, Croatia, encompasses 12 settlements and is home to 3,582 inhabitants. Recognised as Croatia's first International Dark Sky Community and third International Dark Sky Place, Jelsa boasts a rich history dating back to Roman times. 

To preserve its pristine night sky, over 1,000 public lights have been retrofitted with environmentally friendly fixtures, and community engagement initiatives include public events and school activities aimed at raising awareness about the importance of dark sky preservation.

Jelsa International Dark Sky Community Campsites

Camp Vira
Croatia, Dalmatia, Hvar

Situated at the western end of Hvar, Croatia’s longest and reputedly sunniest island, Camp Vira is a quiet site built around a small protected bay with crystal clear water and a 200 m. long, curved, pebble beach - an ideal place for sunbathing and swimming. Bordering the beach are an open plan bar and a restaurant. Most of the 172 pitches, all with 16A electricity, surround the bay and are set on steep terracing under ample pine tree shade. With extensive use of natural stone walling and good plant and tree cover, the site fits in very well on an island renowned for its unspoilt beauty.

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Petrova Gora-Biljeg IDS Park

Petrova Gora-Biljeg
Location Kordun, Croatia
Status International Dark Sky Park
Year of Designation 2019
Area 29km²

Petrova Gora is renowned for its stunning and well-preserved mountain forest landscapes in Croatia. Designated as a protected area in 1969 under the category of "significant landscape," Petrova Gora-Biljeg is safeguarded to maintain its forest habitat, stream valleys, and cultural and historical values for sustainable development, tourism, and recreation.

Petrova Gora-Biljeg International Dark Sky Park Campsites

Camp Zagreb
Croatia, Central, Zagreb, Rakitje

Lying west of the capital of Zagreb, one of Central Europe's oldest cities, this is a useful location for those who want a short stopover or a longer stay to explore this attractive region. The campsite is located in the village of Rakitje beside a lake fringed with inviting trails. The pitches here are laid out in a circular arrangement, linked by pathways.

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Vrani Kamen IDS Park

Vrani Kamen
Location Gornji Borki, Croatia
Status International Dark Sky Park
Year of Designation 2019
Area 80km²

The name "Vrani Kamen" originates from the Proto-Slavic word "vorn," which evolved into "vran" in modern usage, meaning "raven" in English. Located in the Republic of Croatia, Vrani Kamen Park is predominantly managed by Croatian Forests, with the Petrov Vrh area overseen by the town of Daruvar. 

Nestled near Daruvar, the park spans 8,000 hectares of the Papuk mountain in Western Slavonia and is conveniently situated 130 km from Zagreb, 140 km from Osijek, 300 km from the Adriatic coast, 65 km from Hungary, and 60 km from Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Petrova Gora-Biljeg International Dark Sky Park Campsites

Campsite Duboka
Croatia, Central, Velika

Campsite Duboka is located on the edge of the Nature Park Papuk, in Velika. It is the first modern-style campsite in the eastern part of Croatia, located in the natural oasis of the Dubočanka Creek valley. The site can accommodate up to 200 campers. However, only 11 touring pitches are available with access to electricity and water. One part of the campsite is also set up to accommodate tent guests. You will also find a small communal kitchen that guests can use to cook and prepare food. Particular attention is paid to environmental conservation, alternative energy sources, wastewater treatment and waste management, while the campsite mainly uses natural materials.

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Greece

Aenos IDS Park

Aenos National Park
Location Kefalonia, Greece
Status International Dark Sky Park
Year of Designation 2023
Area 28km²

Named after the highest peak on the Ionian Island of Kefalonia, Greece, Aenos National Park is the country's smallest national park. Established in 1962 to protect the Abies Kefalonica fir forest, it is rich in flora and fauna and part of the Kefalonia-Ithaca UNESCO Global Geopark.

Despite low levels of light pollution from nearby islands, the park boasts exceptional darkness, especially in its interior. Efforts to mitigate light pollution include retrofitting lighting at transmission sites and beaches frequented by egg-laying turtles, and educational resources emphasise responsible outdoor lighting.

Aenos National Park International Dark Sky Park Campsites

Camping Karavomilos Beach
Greece, Islands, Ionian Islands, Kefallonia

Camping Karavomilos Beach is just 1 km from the village of Sami, which has many shops, tavernas, bars, a post office, an ATM, medical facilities, and a pharmacy. The region of Sami, still untouched by the invasion of mass tourism, is a perfect place to have a wonderful holiday, either at one of the charming beaches or enjoying nature, the famous Melissani and Drogarati caves or the traditional villages.

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Hungary

Bükk IDS Park

Bükk National Park
Location Northern Hungary, Hungary
Status International Dark Sky Park
Year of Designation 2017
Area 431km²

Bükk National Park, Hungary's largest, spans 43,170 hectares in the Bükk Mountains near Miskolc. Renowned for its limestone landscape and diverse bird species, it's a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. 

In recent years, the park has expanded its offerings to include stargazing and nocturnal environment events. These activities attract visitors from across Europe, catering to both casual stargazers and amateur astronomers.

Bükk National Park International Dark Sky Park Campsites

Öko-Park Camping
Hungary, North Hungary, Heves County, Szarvaskö

Öko-Park Camping is close to the Baroque style town of Eger, on the edge of the protected Bükk National Park. Buildings on the site are all made of natural materials and there is a well used for watering the plants. Öko-Park has 45 pitches off a single gravel access lane that runs to the back of the site. The grass pitches are level, marked and numbered. All have 16A electricity and are in the shade of mature trees. There is a small adventure park on site with climbing wall, tree-path and waterfall. The disadvantages are a road running alongside, a railway to the back and pitches which may be small for larger units.

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Hortobágy IDS Park

Hortobágy National Park
Location Eastern Hungary, Hungary
Status International Dark Sky Park
Year of Designation 2011
Area 820km²

Hortobágy, Hungary's premier national park, boasts Europe's largest continuous native grassland and holds UNESCO World Heritage, Biosphere Reserve, and Ramsar Convention status. Preserved since the last ice age, its ancient marshes and alkaline flats provide a sanctuary for diverse wildlife, especially birds. 

While prioritising avian protection in its lighting management plan, the park also caters to astronomical interests, offering nighttime walks, educational programs on light pollution, and plans to establish an observatory within its 10,000-hectare designated area, known as Hortobágy Starry Sky Park.

Hortobágy National Park International Dark Sky Park Campsites

Dorcas Christian Camping Centre
Hungary, The Great Plain, Hajdu-Bihar County, Debrecen

Debrecen is an interesting old town, close to the Hortobagy National Park and convenient if you are looking for a break travelling to Romania or the Ukraine. Dorcas is a Dutch Christian organisation and the campsite provides holidays for special causes. The site is about 10 km. from Debrecen in a forest location, fenced and covered with trees. The 40 flat and grassy touring pitches are off tarmac access roads, arranged in four groups. Some pitches are divided by hedges, others marked out by trees and all have electricity available (6A). A pool and a restaurant are on the site and a lake for swimming, fishing and boating is close by.

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Zselici IDS Park

Zselic National Landscape Protection Area
Location Southern Hungary, Hungary
Status International Dark Sky Park
Year of Designation 2009
Area 105km²

The Zselic Starry Sky Park, part of the Zselic National Landscape Protection Area, began in 1976 as a collaboration between the Duna-Dráva National Park Directorate and the Hungarian Astronomical Association. Covering 9,042 hectares, it involves 17 nearby municipalities and the Lighting Society of Hungary to minimize light pollution. 

Zselic National Landscape Protection Area International Dark Sky Park Campsites

Koppany Pines Camping - Hungarian Country Camping
Hungary, Southern Danube, Tolna County, Koppanyszanto

Koppany Pines Camping is in a quiet, rural part of Western Hungary, some 150 km. south-west of Budapest and 50 km. south of Lake Balaton. It is well and truly off the beaten track, in an orchard setting with 20 pitches for motorhomes and tents with 13A electricity hook-ups available. A warm welcome is guaranteed whilst you enjoy the site facilities, including a natural plunge pool for 2024 and a wild café , which is self-service on Tuesday & Wednesday and offers garden to plate options. There is also communal seating area, outdoor kitchen and cooking area. Workshops inspired by nature are also run on site.

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Poland

Sopotnia Wielka IDS Community

Sopotnia Wielka
Location Silesian Voivodeship, Poland
Status International Dark Sky Community
Year of Designation 2023
Area 105km²

Sopotnia Wielka, nestled in the Żywiec Beskids, is a picturesque village celebrated as an International Dark Sky Community. Its rich history dates back to Wallachian settlers and its role in logging and agriculture. In the late 1990s, residents championed reduced street lighting to combat light pollution. 

Today, all street lamps are shielded, making it a prime destination for astro-tourism. Regular workshops and events educate residents and tourists, while a Rational Lighting Policy ensures continued commitment to preserving the dark sky environment.

Sopotnia Wielka International Dark Sky Community Campsites

Camping Ondraszek Nr. 57
Poland, South, Slaskie, Bielsko Biala

If you enter Poland from the Czech Republic, Bielsko Biala could well be the first large town you enter. Formed by the joining of the Silesian town of Bielsko and the Galician town of Biala it was once an important centre for the textile industry. It is a good starting point for excursions into the Beskid Slaski Mountains and the local ski lift will take you to the Szyndzielnia peak 1,026 m. (3,300 feet). The site is located south of the town is in a pleasant park area. With 60 pitches for touring in two areas, some between mature trees, the site is quiet and well kept.

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Switzerland

Gantrisch IDS Park

Gantrisch Dark Sky Zone
Location Bern/Friebourg, Switzerland
Status International Dark Sky Park
Year of Designation 2024
Area 104km²

The Gantrisch Dark Sky Zone, nestled in the Bernese Prealps, spans 10,000 hectares and is part of the larger Gantrisch Regional Nature Park. Recognised for its natural beauty and ecological significance, this zone comprises 19 communities across two cantons. Efforts to preserve natural darkness led to Dark Sky Park certification, supported by initiatives like the "Light Toolbox" and regional lighting guidelines. These guidelines promote responsible lighting practices, categorising the park into E0 and E1 zones.

Gantrisch Dark Sky Zone International Dark Sky Park Campsites

TCS Camping Thunersee
Switzerland, Central, Bern, Gwatt

Situated on the shores of Lake Thun, Camping Thunersee is an ideal site for those who wish to explore this part of the Bernese Oberland and who would enjoy staying on a small site in a quiet area away from the larger sites and town atmosphere of Interlaken. There are 75 numbered but unmarked pitches for touring units, most with 4A electricity available, and about the same number of seasonal units. There are hard access roads but cars must be parked away from the pitches. Recent additions are eight premium pitches overlooking the lake and popular pods for light travellers. Although there are some trees, there is little shade in the main camping area. There is direct access to the lake for swimming and boating.

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