Description
Between the Middle Ages and the Cosmos – the Sternenturm Judenburg
The Sternenturm ("Star Tower") in Judenburg, Styria, brings together a medieval landmark and cutting-edge astronomy. The tower is around 500 years old, stands 76 metres tall, and can be climbed via 256 steps. Its upper floors are now home to a planetarium that, according to the operators, is the highest-situated planetarium inside a tower anywhere in the world.
Concept and Approach
The planetarium positions itself as both an educational and leisure destination, using modern technology to explore astronomy, science, and culture. True to the spirit of edutainment, it covers a wide range of topics in an accessible way, from everyday celestial phenomena such as moon phases, tides, and solar eclipses, through to the latest findings from space research.
Technology and Equipment
The centrepiece of the planetarium is the Zeiss ZKP 4 projector, capable of recreating the night sky exactly as it appeared thousands of years ago, or as it will look thousands of years from now. It is complemented by several video projectors that together bring the film shows to life across the dome. The dome itself measures 8.53 metres in diameter and has a volume of 163 cubic metres.
Programme
Each show begins with a high-resolution film projected across the dome, followed by a live presentation in which a presenter explains constellations, moon phases, and currently visible planets. Audiences are encouraged to ask questions, and specific celestial configurations, however far back or forward in time, can be displayed on request.
The programme covers a broad range: astronomy documentaries such as From Earth to the Universe, Black Holes, and Phantom of the Universe sit alongside children's shows like Little Moon Bear, Holiday Under the Stars, and Kaluoka'hina – The Enchanted Reef. There are also music shows dedicated to the likes of Pink Floyd, Queen, and U2. The schedule changes regularly; current new additions include Little Major Tom for younger audiences and Sterntaler – Rewarded by the Universe. All shows are presented in German, though English presentations are available on request.
Historical Information
Construction of the planetarium began in 2018. A new level was added to the historic tower directly above what had previously been its highest gallery floor, with infrastructure for a lift installed at the same time. The medieval tower, which had until then served primarily as a viewing platform, was thus given an entirely new purpose.
How to get there
By car: The easiest approach is via the S36 motorway. Take the Judenburg West exit and continue essentially straight ahead , the tower will appear on your left.
By public transport: Judenburg is well connected by rail. From Judenburg station, city bus lines 1 or 2 will take you to the Judenburg Hauptplatz stop, or it's a roughly 1.4-kilometre walk into the centre. City buses 2 and 3 as well as regional buses 860, 870, and 871 also stop at Judenburg Hauptplatz. From there, the Sternenturm at Kirchplatz is just a few minutes on foot.
By bike: Cyclists can make use of the Mur Cycle Path, a long-distance route running through the whole of Styria and passing directly by the Sternenturm.