Darmstadt participates in an action against light pollution on September 11 – Earth Night coincides with the commemoration of the night of the fire
For Earth Night on Friday, September 11, 2026, the Wedding Tower on the Mathildenhöhe will remain unlit. Darmstadt is thus once again participating in the nationwide campaign against light pollution. Citizens, businesses, clubs, and institutions are also encouraged to refrain from using unnecessary lighting after nightfall.
This year, Earth Night in Darmstadt coincides with the commemoration of the firestorm of September 11-12, 1944. During that night, an Allied air raid and the subsequent firestorm destroyed large parts of Darmstadt, and more than 11,000 people lost their lives.
According to the city, foregoing unnecessary lighting this year takes on an additional symbolic meaning. In particular, the unlit Wedding Tower is intended to draw attention to both Earth Night and the commemoration of the destruction of Darmstadt.
Less artificial light at night
The aim of Earth Night is to raise awareness of the consequences of artificial lighting at night. Unnecessary light should be reduced in order to limit light emissions and their effects on people, animals, and the environment.
In this context, Darmstadt refers to its lighting guidelines and the associated lighting manual. Both are to be taken into account when planning new lighting concepts. The city cites the Ludwigshöhe district as an example, where public lighting has been planned to be needs-based and energy-efficient. Light is to be directed precisely to the required areas, and unnecessary light pollution into the surrounding area is to be avoided.
"Light pollution is an often underestimated environmental problem," explains environmental officer Michael Kolmer. With Earth Night, as well as lighting guidelines and a lighting policy, the city aims to raise awareness for a more conscious use of artificial light.
Turn off the lights no later than 10 pm
Private individuals, businesses, companies, institutions, and associations can participate in the campaign. After nightfall, and no later than 10 p.m., all unnecessary outdoor and indoor lighting should be switched off for one night.
According to the organizers, the campaign is also intended to encourage people to examine, independently of Earth Night, what level of nighttime lighting is actually necessary.
Information about the event can be found at Earth Night. Questions about Darmstadt's lighting guidelines and the lighting manual can be directed to the Environmental Office at umweltamt@darmstadt.de.
(DARMSTADT – RED/PSD/stip)
