With a diameter of 100 meters, the Effelsberg radio telescope is one of the largest fully movable radio telescopes on Earth. Since its commissioning in 1972, continuous improvements have been made to its technology (e.g., a new surface for the antenna dish, better receivers for high-quality data, extremely low-noise electronics), so it is still considered one of the most modern telescopes in the world today.
Through the Planet Trail to the Stars
Near the city of Bad Münstereifel, you will find the Effelsberg Radio Telescope. With its 100 meters in diameter, it was the world's largest movable radio telescope until the year 2000 and is definitely worth a detour into the Eifel region.
It is located 319 meters above sea level and looks like a facility from a science fiction movie. With its enormous dish and grid edge, it receives signals from space and provides us with secrets from distant galaxies. The telescope is still considered one of the most modern in the world today.
You can easily reach it from the parking lot. From there, it’s just a short walk of about ten minutes, and you can get very close to the telescope without any registration. It is freely accessible to you via an observation platform.
You are welcome to combine your visit with an informative lecture about the impressive telescope and the connections of our solar system. The lectures take place regularly on various galactic topics in the visitor pavilion.
In addition, there is a 13 km long Radio Telescope Trail from Bad Münstereifel to the radio telescope. Part of this hiking trail is an 800 m long Planet Path. This hiking route includes a scaled-down model of the solar system. There, the planets, as well as the sun, are set up to scale in size and distance along the route or displayed on panels. The dwarf planet Pluto, which was considered a full-fledged planet until 2006, is thus 766 m away from the sun along the Planet Path. On information panels, you can see which planet you are currently walking by and learn details about its size, composition, and orbit. When you reach a solar model with a diameter of 39 cm at the visitor pavilion, the Planet Path is finished, and you have arrived at the radio telescope.
Tip: Besides the Planet Path, you can also walk three other educational trails: the Time Travel Trail, the Milky Way Trail, and a Galaxy Trail. And with the surrounding EifelLOOPS you can explore the impressive nature with its tranquil forests and wide views over green meadows and fields surrounding the radio telescope.
Directly at the parking lot, there is also a kiosk with drinks and snacks for you. So if you feel a little hungry, grab a coffee to go and a little something to eat here.
Note: Due to the sensitivity of the telescope, please turn off all electronic devices or switch them to airplane mode.
Weather
