The Bifrost observatory in Lugnås
Lugnås

The observatory

The Bifrost observatory, located in Lugnås about 10 kilometers southwest of Mariestad, is one of the most developed observatories in the amateur world. It is owned and operated by Mariestad Astronomical Club. In addition to instruments, there is also a library, darkroom, mechanical workshop and a lecture hall with a café.

The observatory has an open house a few evenings a year and also accepts groups for viewing, booking in advance is required.

History

After it was built in 1942 in Leksberg just outside Mariestad, it has been moved a number of times. For a time the observatory was in Uppsala but has stood in its current location since 1978. The name Bifrost means the "trembling bridge" which was the name of the Vikings' bridge to their sky, Valhall, the Milky Way.

Directions

From the road E20 about 10 kilometers south of Mariestad, turn towards Trankärr. You follow the small graveled road until you arrive. The road ends at the end between two barns and the fields on both sides of the road. Turn left to the observatory's yard. Bus 506 goes from Mariestad Resecentrum, stop Trankärr, Mariestad. After that, you can walk about 1,5 km to the observatory. The timetable is available at www.vasttrafik.se.