Lühburg Astronomical Observatory
One of six themed observation stations along the “De Sternkieker” astronomy trail in the Mecklenburger ParkLand Star Park.
By the light of the moon On the grounds of Lühburg Castle is an astronomical observation station dedicated entirely to the moon. Where nature lovers hear croaking frogs in the spring and the mating calls of stags in late summer, there are now many more moons. It’s especially nice to visit during the day to get a sense of what our moon has to offer. At night, however, Lühburg offers a sky full of stars. The landscape is then bathed in moonlight and transformed into a fantastical new world. It is almost as if the 400-year-old linden tree behind the castle is dancing in the moonlight. It’s not just stargazers and nature lovers who will find a wealth of interesting information at the astronomical observatory at Lühburg Castle. With the help of the guide, anyone can quickly and easily find the North Star. The ergonomically designed wooden lounger sits atop a small hill with a great view of the surrounding landscape and the night sky. Of course, an armrest is also provided at the edge of the field for comfortably holding spotting scopes and binoculars. But the best part is that after visiting the station, the castle invites you inside, where there are many wonderful architectural details to discover. Interesting Facts About the Moon The Moon is one of the celestial bodies with which humans have the closest relationship—both because it is our only natural satellite and because of its influence on phenomena such as the tides. In all civilizations, it bore names such as Diana, Selene, or Cynthia. The Romans called it Luna. Often, the Moon, much like the Sun and the planets, was worshipped as a deity. The Moon orbits our planet Earth in 27.3 days. However, the cycle of the lunar phases, as viewed from Earth, lasts 29.5 days (one lunar month). The Moon is, on average, 384,000 km away from us, and its light reaches us in just over a second, given the speed of light (about 300,000 km/sec). The Earth’s gravitational pull has caused the Moon to always show us the same face. With binoculars, we can observe daily how the Moon’s terminator line (the boundary between light and shadow) shifts. Along this line, we can see many details of the Moon’s surface that aren’t as clearly visible during a full moon. Did you know that… an astronaut who weighs 78 kg on Earth weighs only 13 kg on the Moon’s surface? average temperatures on the Moon’s surface range from 120 to -153°C!!! during a new moon, you can see the Moon bathed in its ashen-gray light? When the Moon is particularly close to Earth in its orbit, we even call it a supermoon, and it sometimes appears slightly reddish to us due to the diffraction of sunlight by Earth’s atmosphere. Its path in the sky lies on the ecliptic, so it follows the same path as the Sun and the other seven planets. It appears to move against the background of the fixed stars and is the only celestial body we can see during the day besides the Sun. However, it only reflects sunlight, since it is not a star. From Earth, we see only the near side of the Moon, since the Moon is tidally locked to Earth. It is only since the space age that humans have known the far side of the Moon. Since the Moon has no atmosphere, most meteorite impacts can be seen as craters on the Moon’s surface. With a diameter of 3,476 km, it is the fifth-largest known moon in the solar system. This makes it relatively large compared to Earth, causing tides on Earth and determining many rhythms in nature. The Six Moons of Lübeck The Earth’s moon is impossible for us humans to overlook. It is the second-brightest celestial body in the sky, influences nature, and is responsible for many geophysical phenomena on Earth. It is therefore not surprising that the Moon has left its mark on the mythology of many cultures and in the imagination of countless people. Seeing the moon in a different light—as something more than just a standard astronomy lecture—was a key motivation behind the development of the astronomical observation station at Lühburg Castle. The artistic design was created by Cassandra Danielides.
Lühburg Astronomical Observatory – Worlds of the Moon in Walkendorf
On the grounds of Lühburg Castle in Walkendorf, in the heart of the Mecklenburg ParkLand Star Park in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, lies one of the six thematic stations of the "De Sternkieker" astronomy trail. The Lühburg Astronomical Observation Station is entirely dedicated to the moon – and combines astronomical knowledge with the tranquil beauty of the Mecklenburg park landscape, far from the hustle and bustle of Baltic Sea coastal cities like Rostock, Stralsund, or Greifswald.
Moon phases, the North Star, and an ergonomic wooden lounger
During the day, visitors can explore a wealth of interesting information about the moon at the station. A practical guide shows how to find the North Star. An ergonomically shaped wooden lounger on a small hill invites visitors to observe the sky, while a special armrest allows for relaxed use of binoculars or a spotting scope at the edge of the field. The station’s artistic design is by Cassandra Danielides and allows visitors to experience the moon in a unique, extraordinary way.
Interesting facts: The moon as a natural phenomenon and cultural heritage
The Moon is Earth’s only natural satellite and has influenced nature and culture for millennia. It orbits Earth in 27.3 days, is on average 384,000 km away, and, due to its synchronous rotation, always shows us the same side. With binoculars, you can observe daily how the terminator line—the boundary between light and shadow—moves, revealing the fine structures of the Moon’s surface. During a new moon, it appears in what is known as ashen light, and when it comes particularly close to Earth, it is referred to as a supermoon.
Nature and the starry sky around Lühburg Castle
What makes the station in Walkendorf special is the unique interplay of astronomy and living nature: in the spring, frogs croak; in late summer, the mating calls of the stags can be heard. At night, the moonlight bathes the landscape in a mysterious glow—and a roughly 400-year-old linden tree behind the castle adds a sense of historical depth to the scene. After visiting the station, it’s worth taking a look at the impressive architecture of Lühburg Castle itself.
Other attractions in Walkendorf
Parkland Safari Oliver Hellweg
● Walkendorf
The experienced landscape planner Oliver Hellweg takes you along in his eight-seater off-road vehicle and shows you the Mecklenburg Parkland from its most beautiful side! We drive - no, not cross-country - but (at least most of the time) comfortably and leisurely on public paths and roads that you would never drive in your own car because your navigation system doesn't know them and they seem to lead to nowhere. However, this nowhere is beautiful and typical of Mecklenburg Parkland. Of course, traditional craftsmanship is also part of it, so we will also take a quick look at a guitar-making workshop and a goldsmith's shop. Welcome to our journey through time from the Ice Age to the present day, from the megalithic tomb to the country castle, from wild nature to the estate park. When? From April to October on Wednesdays, Saturdays or by arrangement Where? We normally start in Dalwitz in the heart of the Mecklenburg Parkland. On request, however, we can also start from Tessin (terminus Wismar-Rostock-Tessin), the Warbel town of Gnoien or your vacation home in the vicinity of these two towns (e.g. manor houses in Lühburg, Samow, Duckwitz, Nustrow, Rensow, Stubbendorf, Dettmannsdorf-Kölzow, Ehmkendorf, Wesselstorf, Alt Polchow, Alt Vorwerk). How long? The tour starts at 2.30 pm and we will be back between 6.00 and 6.30 pm. At the beginning, approximately in the middle and at the end of the tour we will be at stations with WCs. With what? XXL off-road vehicle Ford Expedition, 8-seater All-inclusive booking for 1-7 people
Parkland Massage Annette Hellweg
● Walkendorf
Sports therapist Annette Hellweg welcomes you to the cozy rooms of the Mecklenburg Parkland Massage: "For me, getting a massage is the most beautiful and restorative way to relax. Here, body and soul can recharge their batteries to cope with everyday life with strength and vigor. I look forward to offering you a relaxing and restorative time-out in a feel-good atmosphere and attach particular importance to a high degree of empathy, mindfulness and concentration during the massage. Be inspired by my offers and enjoy the feeling of being the most important person on earth for a while." There is a choice: Classic partial body massage - completely individual - back, shoulder/neck or leg Fantastic full-body relaxation with the Hawaii, hot and cold stone or anti-ageing options Foot massage - soothing with a nourishing foot bath Face and décolleté - for a radiant and refreshed appearance Special massages such as abdominal, brush and soul massage Combination and savings offers Opening hours: by appointment
Dalwitz ceramics
● Walkendorf
Ceramics studio and exhibition at Dalwitz Estate in Mecklenburg ParkLand Dalwitz ceramics and courses in the old clubhouse! Drop by, try it out, have a go Courses: Theoretical courses on ceramics and try-outs for young and old (taster courses approx. 2 hours, small clay works, painting of vessels) Souvenirs (you are sure to find something in the exhibition) Workshop & exhibition (no commissioned work) annual presentation at Whitsun at Kunst:OFFEN in the Lüchow school Feel invited to visit the small workshop exhibition, perhaps find a new favorite piece or try it out for yourself. You can visit Dr. Brekenfeld in the workshop in the old clubhouse at any time by appointment. Dr. Brekenfeld does not have fixed opening hours, but you can reach her by cell phone.
Accommodations nearby
Vacation rentals, hotels, and more in the region
AKZENT Hotel Residenz
● Graal-Müritz
Experience classic spa-style romance in one of the most traditional hotels in the Baltic Sea spa town of Graal-Müritz. With comfortable rooms, friendly service and excellent cuisine, we will pamper you in a cozy and stylish atmosphere.
ART. Quarter
● Starkow
Do you love long rides in the countryside, idyllic villages, art and culture? Then ART Quartier is the right place for you to enjoy your vacation in a private, informal atmosphere with child and horse.
Everything's fine - Karls Upcycling Hotel
● Rövershagen
Spend the night in one of our exceptionally furnished hotel rooms with upcycling charm directly at the adventure village, the cozy and lovingly furnished vacation homes in the middle of the countryside or in our unique ice hotel in the ice world.