Onsala Space Observatory welcomes prebooked visitors. We offer guided tours for schools and other groups, and regular public events. Chalmers' visitor centre for space technology and astronomy is located right next to the telescopes at Onsala Space Observatory.
Book a guided tour
We accept booking requests from schools and other groups.
From November 1 we accept booking requests for the spring term (January-June 2026).
We can usually accommodate visits from school classes (10-30 people grundskolan, 10-50 people all other schools) of all ages, but preschool. During a guided tour, we visit telescopes, see our exhibition and get the opportunity to ask questions about space and the Earth.
The program can be adapted to the needs of the group. During autumn 2025, we particularly encourage classes in grundskolan years 5, 8 and gymnasiet year 2 to register interest. During December, January and February we can't host classes from year 9 or younger.
We only accept pre-booked visits. Guided tours take place during office hours on weekdays and normally last about two hours. Register your interest via the online form - we will get back to you with information about whether the time you want is available, or with suggestions for another time.
For all groups of more than 10 persons we strongly recommend that you book a bus to visit us.
To request a guided tour, use our online form.
Summer break: During July to mid-August (weeks 27-32), we do not offer guided tours.
There is no café or restaurant service at the observatory, but you are welcome to bring your own snack or lunch.
Use of mobile phones in the observatory area is not permitted. Radio signals from mobile phones can interfere with our telescopes and their measurements. Cellphones and other mobile devices must be in flight mode or switched off during the whole visit.
Public events
Sometimes we arrange special events for the public at the observatory, with a different program than during regular guided tours. Normally you have to book a place in advance and go with a hired bus to the observatory.
(Information about guided tours for school classes and other groups can be found under the heading Guided tours.)
Public events in 2025
In 2025 we expect to host three public events.
Friday 17 April 2026: Visit Onsala Space Observatory as part of the Gothenburg Science Festival (Vetenskapsfestivalen). More about the science festival.
Sunday 31 May 2025: We celebrate Mors dag (Mothers' Day), most likely with bus tours from Kungsbacka and Onsala, in collaboration with Naturum Fjärås Bräcka.
September/October 2026: We expect to celebrate Sweden's Day and Night of Astronomy (Astronomins dag, a Saturday) with bus tours to the observatory from Kungsbacka and Onsala.
Visitor Centre
Chalmers' visitor centre for space technology and astronomy is located right next to the telescopes at Onsala Space Observatory. The result of an innovative, climate-aware building project, the centre was inaugurated on 27 September 2022. A new exhibition in the centre is taking shape, developed with local schools and other partners.