Winter Solstice 2022: When is it & best European destinations for stargazing - one UK location makes the list

Many look at Winter Solstice as simply the darkest day of the year, but for stargazers looking to escape the light, it brings a perfect opportunity to inspect the night sky. Whether you’re an amateur astronomer or a cosmic expert, stargazing has been a popular hobby for millions since ancient times.

Gazing up at the sky for a little bit of solace or escapism from our busy lives has continued to rise in popularity as Astro tourism sees travellers venturing to breath-taking off-the-grid destinations to experience the unparalleled beauty of our galaxy.

From Northumberland to Iceland, you can find pockets of the planet open to the clearest and darkest skies, and with the Winter Solstice coming up it’s time to make the most of the long nights.

The winter solstice is also known as the hibernal solstice, and occurs when either of Earth’s poles reaches its maximum tilt away from the Sun. In the Northern Hemisphere the Winter solstice marks the 24 hour period with the fewest hours of daylight. The solstice also marks the first day of winter in the astronomical calendar, whilst in the meteorological calendar, we are already three weeks into winter.

The travel experts at Scott Dunn have rounded up the best European destinations for unforgettable astral adventures this winter. So, where are the best places to stargaze this winter solstice? Here’s a breakdown of the best places to catch the magic of the night sky.

When is the Winter Solstice?

Winter Solstice will take place on December 21.

Where are the best places in the world to stargaze?

1. Brandenburg, Germany – Westhavelland

Westhavelland Nature Park in Brandenburg, is around a two hour drive from Germany’s capital city, Berlin. The spot is known as a dark sky region, and officially recognised for its low levels of pollution. According to