Where to Watch the 2025 Leonids Meteor Shower in Europe: Dark-Sky Valleys and Cozy Mountain Stays
It’s mid-November. That strange in-between season when most people aren’t really going anywhere. Summer’s long gone, Christmas markets haven’t started yet, and most of Europe feels like it’s on pause. But if you like things quiet (fewer people, darker skies, colder air), this is one of the best times to travel.
Especially if you're into stargazing. Or even just the idea of looking up at night and seeing more than the usual handful of stars.
Right around this time every year, the Leonids meteor shower appears in the night sky. It’s one of the better-known meteor showers - but in Europe, it’s often overlooked because it shows up just as the weather turns colder. There’s no buzz around it, no big events. But if you happen to be in the right spot (somewhere quiet and dark, where the sky still feels like sky) the Leonids can be really special.
You don’t need any gear. You don’t need to be in a certified dark sky reserve. You just need to be away from streetlights, somewhere that still has a horizon. That might be a remote valley, a mountain hut, or even the garden of a guesthouse in the countryside. What matters most is the lack of light, and the fact that you’re not rushing anywhere and enjoy looking up at the sky.
This isn’t a guide to the most “epic” stargazing spots in Europe. There are plenty of those online already, and most of them aren’t places you’d actually want to go in November. Instead, this is a list of quiet, comfortable, easy-to-reach places that are naturally well suited for watching the Leonids. You can stay overnight, sleep in a proper bed, have a decent meal, and walk outside when the sky gets dark. No need to drive for hours, hike up anything, or stand on a frozen hilltop.
Each place in this post has been chosen because:
It stays dark enough at night to make the meteor shower worth watching
It has good accommodation options that are open in mid-November
It’s the kind of destination that still feels enjoyable even if the skies stay cloudy
So if you’re looking for somewhere in Europe to watch the Leonids meteor shower, without turning it into a big trip or trying too hard to “chase the stars,” here are a few ideas. Nothing remote or difficult. Just low-light valleys, calm mountain regions, and well-designed guesthouses where the sky is still part of the experience.
Val d’Hérens, Switzerland
Best stargazing spot in the Swiss Alps for the 2025 Leonids meteor shower
If you’re looking for a peaceful place in Switzerland to watch the Leonids meteor shower (without needing to go completely off-grid) Val d’Hérens is one of the best options. It’s in the French-speaking part of the Valais region, just south of Sion. Most travellers skip it on the way to bigger-name ski resorts, which is exactly what makes it work.
The valley stretches out through a handful of small alpine villages such as Evolène, Les Haudères, La Sage - surrounded by forested slopes and high peaks that stay snow-dusted into spring. It’s a beautiful place to visit at any time of year, but in mid-November, it’s especially quiet. No ski crowds yet, no hikers, no real tourist season to speak of. The villages are still ticking along, just at their own pace.
And when the sun goes down, it gets properly dark.
There’s very little light pollution here, especially once you’re outside the village centres. You don’t need to drive or hike anywhere special - just walk a few minutes past the last houses and you’ve got sky. If the conditions are clear during the Leonids peak (November 17–18), you’ll have a solid chance of seeing 10–15 meteors an hour. Sometimes more. The valley runs north–south, which gives you a good view of the eastern sky, where the Leonids tend to show up.
But even if you get clouds, Val d’Hérens is worth a few slow days. You can walk easy trails between the villages (there’s one that connects Evolène to Les Haudères through larch forest and meadows), warm up in one of the local cafés, or take the postbus up to Arolla, one of the highest-altitude villages in Switzerland with road access. There’s a cheese co-op in Evolène, a handful of low-key bakeries, and the kind of general stillness that’s hard to explain but easy to enjoy.
Where to stay in Val d’Hérens
Hôtel du Val d’Hérens, Evolène
A simple but well-run mountain hotel right in the village centre. The rooms aren’t fancy, but they’re warm, quiet, and most have balconies with mountain views. You can step outside after dinner and walk straight toward the edge of the village for stargazing. There’s a solid restaurant on-site, and it stays open year-round - which isn’t a given in November.
Maya Boutique Hôtel, Nax
This one’s higher up, on the opposite side of the Rhône Valley, technically just outside Val d’Hérens - but it’s worth including. Maya has a more modern, sustainable feel: local timber, clean lines, big windows, and wide views. The skies are just as dark here, and you can stargaze straight from the property. If you’d rather stay somewhere with a bit more design and stillness, this is a great pick.
Good to know
Nights get cold here in November, even if the days are still sunny. You’ll want proper layers (coat, gloves, something windproof) especially if you’re planning to stand outside for a while. If you’re staying in Evolène or Les Haudères, you won’t need to walk far to find open sky, but it helps to step just beyond the village to avoid stray lights. If it’s foggy in the valley, try heading uphill toward La Sage or Arolla - you’ll often get above the cloud layer without needing to hike. And if you’re stargazing at altitude, bring a thermos. A warm drink goes a long way.
Getting to Val d’Hérens
Take the train to Sion. It’s well connected from Geneva, Lausanne, and Brig. From Sion, catch the PostBus to Evolène (or Les Haudères, La Sage, Arolla depending on where you’re staying). Buses run regularly, even in the off-season, and the ride into the valley is stunning with winding roads, steep cliffs, and views that just keep opening up.
Lake Bohinj, Slovenia
Where to see the Leonids meteor shower in Slovenia: Lake Bohinj’s dark skies and peaceful pace
Most people who visit Slovenia head straight for Lake Bled. And it’s fine - if you’re into paddleboards and wedding photos. But if you want somewhere quieter, bigger, and far more natural, Lake Bohinj is where you go. Especially in November, when it’s mostly just locals, hikers, and the occasional traveler who’s happy being somewhere that doesn’t revolve around “things to do.”
Bohinj sits inside Triglav National Park, in the Julian Alps. It’s surrounded by steep ridges and thick forest, which already makes it feel remote. And because there’s no major town nearby and very little light pollution, it’s actually a great place to see the Leonids meteor shower without needing to camp or go fully off-grid.
In mid-November, the area is properly quiet. Some restaurants close early or don’t open every day, but the lake path is still walkable, the cafés in Stara Fužina and Ribčev Laz are open, and you can still take the cable car up Vogel if the weather’s decent. You don’t have to do much, though. A short walk, a warm lunch, a book by the fire… that’s the kind of trip this is.
At night, if it’s clear, you can just step outside. The villages are small and spaced out, and it doesn’t take much to find a stretch of shoreline or a field with nothing but sky. The eastern sky (where the Leonids come from) is wide open in most places around the lake. No car needed. No equipment.
Where to stay in Lake Bohinj
Hotel Majer’ca – Stara Fužina
A small, locally run hotel a short walk from the lake. It’s simple but well-designed with wooden interiors, handmade ceramics, warm lighting, nothing fancy. If you want to stay somewhere that feels calm but cared for, this is it. You can watch the stars from the balcony or walk five minutes and be somewhere completely dark.
Chalet Hike&Bike – Bohinjska Bistrica
This one’s more casual. It’s not right on the lake but still close (a short bus ride or drive), and run by people who actually know the area. They’ll tell you where to go for a clear view and what trails are still doable in November. Rooms are clean, beds are warm, and there’s a kitchen if you want to self-cater.
Good to know
This time of year, it’s cold as soon as the sun goes down, so don’t underestimate how quickly the temperature drops… especially if you’re standing still. You’ll want gloves, a beanie, and something windproof. If the lake is foggy or the clouds roll in, try going up toward Vogar or Uskovnica - both spots sometimes sit just above the mist, and you can usually get there by foot or taxi. Bring a blanket or something to sit on if you’re staying out longer, and a red-light headlamp if you have one - it makes it easier to see without blinding yourself every few minutes.
How to get to Lake Bohinj
Take the train from Ljubljana to Bohinjska Bistrica - direct, or with a short change at Jesenice. From there, local buses run to Ribčev Laz, Stara Fužina, and other villages around the lake. Everything is close. Once you’re in Bohinj, you won’t need a car.
La Palma, Canary Islands
Dark-sky travel to La Palma: Best place in Europe for clear views of the 2025 Leonids meteor shower
If you want to actually see meteors this November (not just maybe catch one or two if the weather cooperates) La Palma is one of the most reliable places in Europe to be. It’s known for its clear skies and low light pollution, and it has a solid reputation with astronomers for a reason. But unlike a lot of dark-sky destinations, it’s also somewhere you can slow down and have an actual trip, not just a viewing session.
La Palma is part of the Canary Islands, but it’s not like Tenerife or Gran Canaria. There are no mega-resorts, no packed beaches. It’s quiet, rural, and steep - with small towns, banana farms, and winding roads that lead you up through pine forest and volcanic rock to some of the clearest skies in Europe.
The island has been a Starlight Reserve since 2007, and you’ll see why as soon as the sun goes down. If you’re staying anywhere inland or up in the hills (Puntagorda, Tijarafe, or near El Paso) the sky feels huge and uninterrupted. During the Leonids peak (November 17–18), you’ll have minimal moonlight, mild weather, and a high chance of clear conditions. You don’t need to head to an observatory. Just find a spot outside your guesthouse and sit still.
What makes La Palma good for a longer stay
Aside from the stargazing, it’s just a great place to unwind. November is off-season, so flights are cheaper, the trails are quieter, and the weather is still warm enough during the day to sit outside with a coffee. You can hike short sections of the GR-131 (the ridge trail that cuts across the island), visit volcanic landscapes like Cumbre Vieja, or just stay near your village and read.
It’s also small enough that you can drive across it in under two hours, but big enough that you can find space to yourself. The terrain changes fast (dry forest on one side, green and misty on the other) so if the weather isn’t working for you in one spot, you can usually find better conditions a short drive away.
Where to stay in La Palma for stargazing
Casa Rural Los Boleros – Puntagorda
A quiet, whitewashed house on the western side of the island. The area is known for dark skies, and you’re surrounded by farmland and pine forest. The house has a small terrace and garden, and you can stargaze right from the property. It’s simple, peaceful, and feels properly rural without being hard to reach.
Casa Nirvana – near El Paso
Set on the hillside with views down toward the ocean. Interiors are clean and minimal (think wood, stone, white walls) and there’s a wraparound terrace where you can watch the night sky. There’s nothing fancy about it, but it’s well cared for, and quiet at night.
Good to know
Nights are cooler at higher elevations, even if the coast still feels warm. If you’re staying anywhere above 800–1000m (which you probably will be if you’re here for stargazing), bring a fleece or jacket for evenings. The island has strict light pollution laws, which helps a lot, but it’s still best to walk a few minutes away from houses and street lamps. You don’t need any gear to see the Leonids here - just give your eyes 20 minutes to adjust and stay put. For open views, even a roadside pull-off above Puntagorda or around Garafía will do the job.
How to get to La Palma without flying through a resort hub
Fly directly to Santa Cruz de La Palma (SPC) - there are connections from Madrid, Barcelona, and several European cities.
You can also take a ferry from Tenerife if you're already in the Canary Islands.
Once on the island, renting a car is easiest (buses do run but are slow). Most guesthouses provide parking and basic kitchen facilities, so you can stay in for the night if you want to keep things simple.
Cévennes, France
Where to watch the Leonids in France: Cévennes National Park’s dark skies and peaceful setting
If you’re looking for a place in France where you can actually see the night sky (and not just read about it in stargazing guides) the Cévennes are a solid choice. This national park in the Occitanie region is one of the only places in mainland France with an official International Dark Sky Reserve designation. But even if you’ve never heard of that, what matters is this: it gets properly dark here, and there’s not much to distract you once the sun goes down.
The Cévennes are often overlooked in favour of the Alps or Provence, which is good news in November. This is a quieter part of the country (rolling valleys, hilltop villages, small local markets) and it still feels real. No alpine showiness, no polished wine tours. Just nature, simple guesthouses, and a few good bakeries.
It’s also one of the best places in Europe to watch the Leonids meteor shower this year, especially on November 17–18, when the skies will be dark and the moon nearly gone. If it’s clear, you can expect wide visibility and very little interference from light pollution - even near some of the villages.
What makes the Cévennes worth spending a few days in
The park is big (around 900,000+ hectares) and the villages are well spread out. You can stay near Florac, Barre-des-Cévennes, or higher up around Mont Aigoual, and you’ll get that same stillness wherever you are. Most guesthouses are set just outside the villages, and many have direct access to forest trails or open fields where you can just walk out at night and look up.
During the day, there’s plenty to do without needing to plan much. Slow walks through chestnut groves, stops at local farms or village markets, a drive up to the Corniche des Cévennes for mountain views. There’s also a regional food culture here (very local, very seasonal) and November is a great time for mushrooms, goat cheese, lentils, and warm stews made with local sausage or duck confit.
Even if the Leonids don’t show up, it’s the kind of place where you’d still be glad you came.
Where to stay in the Cévennes for dark sky and comfort
La Ferme des Cévennes – near Florac
A former farm turned eco-guesthouse, with simple rooms and honest food made from their own garden and animals. There’s no big branding, just a warm dining room, clean beds, and lots of space around the property. At night, it’s quiet enough to hear owls - and dark enough to see a proper sky. A great base if you want to walk during the day and stargaze at night without ever needing to drive.
L’Oustal – Barre-des-Cévennes
This guesthouse is in the heart of one of the Cévennes’ most typical villages, with stone houses and steep cobbled lanes. Rooms are small but thoughtfully designed, and the hosts are genuinely welcoming. It’s the kind of place where you’ll get local tips about which paths are still good in November, and you can just wander into the surrounding hills when the sky clears.
Good to know
Weather here in November can go either way (sunny and crisp, or damp and foggy) sometimes all in the same day. Nights are definitely cold, so if you’re heading out to stargaze, bring proper layers: gloves, something windproof, and ideally a scarf or buff for when the wind picks up. Most villages in the park have very little light pollution already, but for really wide skies, it’s worth walking a bit uphill from wherever you’re staying - even 10 minutes makes a difference. Some restaurants shut after autumn holidays, so staying somewhere with a kitchen or dinner included can make things easier, especially if you don’t want to drive after dark.
How to get to the Cévennes without a car
Take the train to Alès or Mende, then use regional buses (or arrange a local taxi) to reach smaller villages like Florac or Barre-des-Cévennes. Public transport here is limited, so if you’re not renting a car, it’s best to stay somewhere that includes meals and walking access to trails and stargazing spots.
Cairngorms National Park, Scotland
Best place in the UK to see the 2025 Leonids meteor shower: Scotland’s Cairngorms National Park
If you're based in the UK or looking for somewhere you can reach without flying too far, Cairngorms National Park in the Scottish Highlands is one of the best places to catch the Leonids meteor shower this November. The park is known for its wild moorlands, quiet glens, and huge skies - and in the darker months, it’s one of the few places in Britain where the night still feels untouched.
The Leonids will peak on November 17–18, and this year, the timing lines up well: minimal moonlight, long nights, and a higher chance of clear skies if you're inland. It’s still Scotland in late autumn, so yes (the weather might be mixed) but if you pick the right spot, you could get an incredibly dark sky, especially after 9pm.
Why visit Cairngorms in November
Unlike the coast or the islands, the Cairngorms stay relatively dry in November, and there are still plenty of guesthouses, cafés, and local shops open - just without the summer crowds. You can base yourself near Grantown-on-Spey, Braemar, or Tomintoul, all of which have walking access to open countryside and, importantly, minimal light pollution.
Even if you don’t get clear skies every night, this is still a great region for a few days away. During the day, you can walk quiet forest trails, visit whisky distilleries (there are plenty), or just take it slow - find a bookshop, grab soup somewhere warm, and enjoy the low-season pace of a national park that usually sees more action in summer.
Where to stay in the Cairngorms for stargazing
The Dell of Abernethy – near Nethy Bridge
A set of warm, well-designed cottages tucked into the woods near Abernethy Forest. There’s a calm, self-catering feel here - fireplaces, wool blankets, windows that frame the pine trees. You don’t need to go anywhere for stargazing! Just step outside your door. The surrounding area is one of the darkest in the UK.
Braemar Lodge – Braemar
A comfortable, well-kept lodge in a town that still feels like a town - but just barely. Good food, proper beds, and wide open moorland all around. You can be out of Braemar in five minutes and under a wide, dark sky: ideal if you want easy access but still like a warm base to return to.
Good to know
If you’re going to watch the Leonids here, just be realistic about the weather as it gets cold quickly after dark, and even a short walk out to a field can feel like a full-on hike if you’re not dressed for it. Waterproof boots, a proper coat, scarf, gloves, hat - all of it. And if you’ve got a headlamp with a red-light mode, bring that too. It helps you see without ruining your night vision. Try to keep your phone in your pocket for a bit as your eyes need a good 15–20 minutes to really adjust to the dark. If you want an even more remote feel, head out toward Glenlivet, Corgarff, or Glen Feshie - the skies in those areas are some of the clearest and darkest you’ll find in the park.
Getting there without a car
Take the train to Aviemore, which has regular service from Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Inverness. From there, you can connect by local bus to Nethy Bridge, Grantown-on-Spey, or Kingussie, depending on where you're staying. Public transport is manageable in this part of the Highlands, especially if you plan ahead and keep things simple.
Slow travel guides you might also like
If this guide helped you plan for the Leonids, you might enjoy these other slow, sky-facing, or off-season ideas from Trippers Terminal:
Scotland in Winter: Where to See Stars, Stay Warm, and Avoid the Crowds
A deeper look at Scotland’s dark-sky places — and how to enjoy them in colder months without roughing it.Solo Travel in Ayr, Scotland: A Slow Guide to Sea Air, Culture, and Quiet Days
For those thinking of extending a UK trip with something coastal, calm, and low-key.Surprisingly Affordable Castle Stays in the UK You Won’t Want to Miss
If the night sky gets you dreaming about timeless places to stay, this one’s for you.The Ultimate Guide to Switzerland’s New Scenic Grand Train Routes
Pair your stargazing with one of Europe’s most breathtaking slow train journeys — perfect if you’re heading to or from Val d’Hérens.Slow Wellness Escape in the Swiss Jura: Finding Peace in Remote Mountain Retreats
For a different kind of quiet — one rooted in movement, nature, and actual rest.
FAQ: Watching the Leonids Meteor Shower in Europe in 2025
When is the 2025 Leonids meteor shower?
The Leonids will peak on the night of November 17 to the early hours of November 18, 2025. That’s the best time to watch — especially after midnight and before dawn. The full shower runs from roughly November 6 to 30, but the most visible activity is during the peak window.
What’s the moon phase during the 2025 Leonids?
This year is a good one. The moon will be a waning crescent, just 7% full, which means minimal moonlight in the sky — ideal for meteor viewing. You’ll get much darker skies than in years with a full or bright moon.
How many meteors can I expect to see?
If the skies are clear and you’re in a low-light area, you might see 10 to 15 meteors per hour at peak. The Leonids can sometimes be surprising — they’re known for fast, bright meteors that can leave glowing trails. But like all meteor showers, it depends on the conditions.
Do I need to camp or hike to see the Leonids?
Not at all. Every destination in this post was picked because you can stargaze without needing gear or a car. Many guesthouses are within walking distance of open fields or viewpoints, and some have terraces or balconies with sky views. You won’t need to hike into the wilderness to get a good view.
What should I pack for stargazing in November?
Even if you’re not planning to hike, you’ll be standing still outside at night — and it gets cold. Here’s what helps:
A warm, windproof jacket
Gloves, scarf, and hat
Waterproof boots or sturdy shoes
A blanket or mat for sitting
A headlamp or flashlight, ideally with a red-light mode
A thermos for tea, mulled wine, or whatever keeps you warm
What are the best countries in Europe for stargazing in November?
For this particular shower, we’ve focused on places that combine dark skies, quiet settings, and reasonable November weather. Some of the best spots in Europe this year include:
Val d’Hérens, Switzerland
Lake Bohinj, Slovenia
Cévennes National Park, France
La Palma, Canary Islands (Spain)
Cairngorms National Park, Scotland
Each one offers good visibility and the kind of slow travel experience that works well in shoulder season.
Can I reach these places without a car?
Yes, most of them. We’ve included public transport options in each section — whether that’s by train, bus, or a short local taxi. Some destinations (like parts of La Palma or rural France) are easier with a rental car, but you can still manage without one if you stay central and plan ahead.
What kind of places are these to stay?
We’ve picked places that feel simple but thoughtful — no five-star hotels, but also nothing too bare-bones. These are guesthouses, alpine inns, and small hotels with good beds, quiet locations, and design that feels rooted in the place. Some have kitchens or offer dinner, which is helpful in November when opening hours are limited.
What if the sky is cloudy?
It’s always a risk. If possible, stay for two or three nights, which gives you a better chance of catching a clear sky. In many of the places we’ve listed, you can also change elevation quickly — meaning if there’s fog or low cloud where you’re staying, a short drive or uphill walk might take you above it.
