The Sierra Nevada Observatory is a scientific infrastructure dependent on the Institute of Astrophysics of Andalusia (IAA-CSIC), and is the highest active professional optical astronomical observatory at the highest altitude in Europe. It is located in the heart of the Sierra Nevada National Park, an area declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, so the mere fact of touring this environment is a delight for the senses.

During the visit you will be able to access the interior of the Sierra Nevada Observatory to visit the two main telescopes of 1.5 m and 0.9 m aperture as well as the main control room. We will tell you about their history and, of course, the scientific projects that are carried out with these telescopes and their associated scientific instruments.

The ascent to the observatory will be done by cable car from Pradollano to the Borreguiles area and then by chairlift to go up to the level of 3,000 m a.s.l., from there we will make a route of about two kilometers on foot to the observatory passing through the area of the Laguna de las Yeguas.

From 4:45 p.m., after the visit, you will return to the Borreguiles area to take the gondola back to Pradollano.

Dates:

July: 27
August: 3, 17

IMPORTANT:

This visit takes place in a high mountain environment above 2,500 m a.s.l., and is why it is not recommended for people with heart or respiratory system problems as well as for the elderly. The observatory does not have medical assistance on its premises.

During the visit, you must be accompanied by authorized guides at all times.

This activity depends on the weather conditions as well as on the operability of the mechanical means (gondola, chairlift).

It is essential to bring enough warm clothes as well as appropriate mountain footwear.

Daytime visit to the Sierra Nevada Observatory

Get to know the Sierra Nevada Observatory, its facilities and the science that is carried out from this scientific infrastructure.