Calendar 2025/2026: The Most Important Outdoor Sky Events Around Amberg

All of the following events are in the future from today's date and are suitable – depending on light conditions – for observations from high vantage points, open fields, or darker forest clearings.

• December 13–14, 2025: Peak of the Geminids meteor shower
• January 3–4, 2026: Peak of the Quadrantids
• April 22–23, 2026: Peak of the Lyrids
• May 5–6, 2026: Peak of the Eta Aquariids
• June 21, 2026: Summer solstice (longest day of the year)
• August 12, 2026: Partial solar eclipse in Germany (visible as a partial eclipse in Amberg)
• August 12–13, 2026: Peak of the Perseids
• October 21–22, 2026: Peak of the Orionids
• November 17–18, 2026: Peak of the Leonids
• December 13–14, 2026: Peak of the Geminids

Important time changes in 2026 (relevant for sundowner planning): Start of daylight saving time on March 29, 2026; end of daylight saving time on October 25, 2026.

Where in Amberg These Events Are Especially Impressive

The following places are suitable for the mentioned events. They combine views, tranquility, and depending on the goal, either dark skies (meteors) or open horizon/view axes (solar eclipse, golden hour).

Mariahilfberg: Sundowner and Meteors Over the Old Town

For the golden hour at the summer solstice and for the nightly meteor showers, Mariahilfberg offers a quick, city-close ascent with a wide view over rooftops and the Vils. For meteors, the area a bit away from the path lighting is recommended.

Lichtenegg Castle Ruins: Panoramic Views for Perseids and Geminids

The freely accessible ruins offer open horizons and a relatively dark environment. Ideal for the nights of the Perseids (August 12–13, 2026) and Geminids (December 13–14, 2025/2026). A sleeping mat and warm clothing make longer observations easier.

Steinerne Stadt and Rock Labyrinths: Darker Forest Clearings

Around the “Steinerne Stadt” as well as the rock labyrinth at Weissingkuppe, there are small clearings that are interesting for the Lyrids (April 22–23, 2026) and Orionids (October 21–22, 2026). Pay attention to paths and protected areas.

Stadtbrille (Water Gate Building): Golden Hour and Reflections

At the summer solstice on June 21, 2026, and on long summer evenings, the Stadtbrille offers impressive lighting moods and reflections in the Vils – a photo motif for “sundowner” moments in the city.

Rammertshof Airfield – Rock Bands in the Surroundings

Towards the airfield, there are open areas with wide skies, suitable for the Quadrantids (January 3–4, 2026) and Leonids (November 17–18, 2026). Check accessibility and private property in advance.

Taubenbach Valley and Reichental: Cool Spots for Summer Evenings

As a heat tip around the longest days (June/July 2026), the gorges offer partial shade and freshness. They are less suitable for meteors, but perfect for evening walks during the golden hour.

Upcoming Highlights in Detail

Geminids 2025: December 13–14

What to expect: A strong meteor shower with many bright shooting stars. Best visibility in the late evening/night hours with clear skies.

Recommended vantage points: Lichtenegg Castle Ruins (panoramic view), Mariahilfberg (city-close option).

Quadrantids 2026: January 3–4

What to expect: Short, intense peak in cold, clear winter air. Bring warm clothing and a thermos.

Recommended vantage points: Open areas towards Rammertshof; clearings in the surroundings.

Lyrids 2026: April 22–23

What to expect: Classic spring shower with bright meteors. Good photo opportunities with rocks and trees in the foreground.

Recommended vantage points: Steinerne Stadt, clearings near Weissingkuppe.

Eta Aquariids 2026: May 5–6

What to expect: Early morning shower before dawn, especially impressive with a clear eastern sky.

Recommended vantage points: Open fields and hills with a clear eastern horizon.

Summer Solstice 2026: June 21

What to expect: The longest day of the year – ideal conditions for long evening walks, photography during the golden hour, and panoramas.

Recommended vantage points: Mariahilfberg, Stadtbrille, Lichtenegg Castle Ruins.

Partial Solar Eclipse 2026: August 12

What to expect: In Amberg, a partial covering of the sun will be visible. Exact times and degree of coverage will be published by the specialist press closer to the date.

Recommended vantage points: Open horizons without obstacles; open meadows and hills.

Safety: Only look towards the sun with certified protective filters (CE-marked solar eclipse glasses). Do not use makeshift filters.

Perseids 2026: August 12–13

What to expect: The most famous meteor shower of the year, often with many brighter meteors.

Recommended vantage points: Lichtenegg Castle Ruins, darker clearings in the surroundings; stay away from direct light sources.

Orionids 2026: October 21–22

What to expect: Autumn shower with fast meteors. Can be combined with autumn colors in the early evening.

Recommended vantage points: Steinerne Stadt, Weissingkuppe, open fields in the surroundings.

Leonids 2026: November 17–18

What to expect: Slim but photogenic shower with fast shooting stars.

Recommended vantage points: Open areas towards Rammertshof, hills with wide views.

Geminids 2026: December 13–14

What to expect: Year-end with one of the most productive meteor showers – ideal for clear, cold nights.

Recommended vantage points: Lichtenegg Castle Ruins, Mariahilfberg.

Tips for Observing Upcoming Events

• Avoid light: The darker the location, the more meteors are visible. Avoid street lamps and bright places.
• Equipment: Warm clothing, sleeping mat, headlamp with red light mode, thermos, possibly camera with tripod.
• Adapt your eyes: Allow at least 15–20 minutes for dark adaptation.
• Solar eclipse: Only look towards the sun with certified protective glasses; binoculars/telescopes require suitable solar filters.
• Respect nature and rules: Stay on paths, observe protected areas, leave no litter, respect parking bans.
• Weather check: Check short-term forecasts and cloud cover; in case of fog, try for better visibility at higher points.

Sources and Further Links

1. timeanddate.com — Meteor Shower Calendar 2025 — Overview of meteor showers (accessed 2025-11-21)
2. timeanddate.com — Meteor Shower Calendar 2026 — Overview of meteor showers (accessed 2025-11-21)
3. NASA — Future Eclipses — Overview of upcoming solar eclipses, incl. 08/12/2026 (accessed 2025-11-21)
4. timeanddate.com — Partial Solar Eclipse in Amberg on 08/12/2026 — Local visibility info (accessed 2025-11-21)
5. timeanddate.com — Time Change in Germany — Dates for 2026 (accessed 2025-11-21)
6. Deutscher Wetterdienst (DWD) — UV Index — Safety information for sunny days (accessed 2025-11-21)