Bright night at Stratenec lookut tower

Bright night at Stratenec lookut tower, Slovakia

Many people know the phenomenon of bright summer nights from northern countries, where the Sun stays above the horizon well past midnight. However, a similar – though milder – effect can be experienced here in Slovakia as well.

During this period, astronomical night no longer occurs in Slovakia from approximately 48.5° north latitude and higher – which includes northern regions like the Javorníky Mountains, Orava, the High and Low Tatras.

The Sun does set, but it doesn’t descend far enough below the horizon for complete darkness to occur. Even in the middle of the night, the sky remains faintly blue, and the fading sunset is still visible in the north.

This photo was taken at the Stratenec lookout tower in the Javorníky Mountains – capturing the Milky Way against the glow of a sky that never turns fully dark.

Photographer: Ondrej Králik

To see more of my photos, visit www.kralikondrej.com

Photographed on June 28, 2025, Stratenec Lookout Tower, Javorníky Mountains, Slovakia
Canon 6D + Sigma 24mm, f/1.4 @ f/2.8, ISO 6400, 15 seconds, panorama

Canon 6D + Sigma 24mm, f/1.4 @ f/2.8, ISO 6400, 15 seconds, panorama

Stitched in Ptgui and edited in Photoshop