[Countrywide] Dark-sky spots for stargazing & astrophotography: where do you get the least light pollution with simple access?

[EIA_Ask_NO]

This thread is for stargazing and astro photos — places where city glow is minimal and you can set up without complicated hiking or unsafe roadside conditions.

If you’ve shot stars here, please share:

• Where you went (region is fine) and what the sky looked like
• Access notes: parking, walking distance, flat setup area
• Night safety realities (cold, wind, ice, wildlife, phone coverage)
• Practical tips: tripod essentials, lens choice, settings that worked for you

Where did you get your best night sky — and what single upgrade (gear or technique) improved your results most?

 

[ViolettaPetrovna]

For dark-sky spots that don’t require a headlamp and a death wish, Hardangervidda has given me my cleanest stargazing so far, with basically zero light pollution once you’re a short drive off the main routes. From what I’ve seen, access is straightforward by car, there are flat areas to set up without scrambling around in the dark, and the sky actually looks deep instead of that washed-out gray city people call “stars.” Cold and wind are the real enemies, not logistics, and honestly the single best upgrade I made was warmer gloves so I could actually operate the camera. Has anyone found an even easier-access dark-sky spot that beats Hardangervidda, or is this just the price of real darkness in Norway?

 

[Alex Turner]

One of my best night skies was out on the Lofoten coast, a bit away from the main villages where the light just drops off fast. I parked near a quiet beach, walked maybe two minutes, and had flat ground, open horizon, and zero hassle. On a clear night the stars felt insanely close, and when the aurora showed up it was just a bonus. Cold and wind are the real enemies, not darkness, so layers and patience matter more than fancy gear. A sturdy tripod and a fast wide lens helped a lot, but honestly the biggest upgrade was just waiting longer for my eyes to adjust. After packing up, I warmed up with a hot coffee or a local beer back at a quiet rorbuer spot nearby — perfect end to a long night.