Rozhen National Astronomical Observatory

The National Astronomical Observatory “Rozhen” is located on the Rhodope peak Rozhen, at 1750 m above sea level, about 25 km from the town of Smolyan. The observatory was opened in 1981. It is the largest astronomical observatory in the Balkans and in this region of Southeast Europe in general.

The Rozhen Observatory is equipped with 4 telescopes. It provides observations on a wide range of astronomical and astrophysical tasks – from the dynamics and physics of bodies in the solar system, to extragalactic studies: asteroids and comets, spectra of stars of different classes and types of variability, star clusters, near and far galaxies, quasars.

The National Astronomical Observatory is well equipped to conduct scientific meetings, internships and schools. A visitor center with a 30-centimeter demonstration telescope, a lecture hall and a museum collection has also been built. Under the dome of the large telescope, talks and demonstrations are held for individual and organized tourists.

Work time:

Visits are made in groups of 6 to 25 people from 10:00 to 16:00 every hour. Summer season: June 1 – September 30 Tuesday – day off; Winter season: October 1 – May 31 Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday – days off;