Welcome to the Observatory of Épendes
Partial solar eclipse on Wednesday 12 August
On Wednesday 12 August, a solar eclipse will once again be visible from Europe. Although it will not be a total solar eclipse in Switzerland, the Épendes Observatory will be opening its doors to the public that evening.
Here, you can observe the progress of the solar eclipse using various instruments, either directly through the eyepiece with strong solar filters or as a projection onto a screen or pane attached to the telescope itself. While stocks last, you can also buy solar eclipse glasses from us that evening for CHF 2.
No booking is required. In the event of bad weather (overcast skies), the observatory will remain open, but direct observation will not be possible. Instead, we will be showing a live stream.
Start of the eclipse: 7.25 pm
Maximum (91.8% coverage): 8.19 pm
End (sunset): 8.46 pm
Night of the Stars on Saturday 15 August
Our team of guides will be opening the doors on Saturday 15 August for observations of the Perseid meteor shower.
To avoid queues and to help with organisation, we require you to register in advance. Please register – places are limited!
https://eventfrog.ch/etoiles-sterne
Booking mandatory
For logistical reasons, we request that visitors book their visit in the week before the event. The number of visitors is limited to 30 and to a maximum of 5 persons (including children) per booking. Events without bookings will not take place.
- Next nightly observation: friday night 24 Jul 2026. There is no more seat available.
You can register on the waiting list (Reservations already on the waiting list: 0). - Next observation of the Sun: sunday morning 2 Aug 2026, 10 to 12 am. Remaining seats: 10.
Book your visit for 2 Aug 2026!
The registered visitors are expected to be there at the start of the visit; the Observatory doors will be closed once the visit has begun
The public tours are aimed at individuals, families or small groups of up to 5 people. For organised groups (companies, clubs, etc.), we kindly ask you to organise a group tour in the interests of fairness.
Opening hours
Every friday, in all weathers,
- 19.00–21.00 (November to March),
- 21.00–23.00 (April and September-October),
- 22.00–24.00 (May to August).
First Sunday of the month, 10.00 – 12.00, only in fine weather, for observing the sun.
Support us
We would welcome your support, either by donating via Twint or to IBAN CH53 0076 8300 1688 1490 2 or by joining the Association of Friends of the Observatory of Épendes.
If you'd like to get actively involved (as a presenter, for maintenance tasks or as a collaborator in special activities), feel free to contact us.