From the LSW webpage: The observatory at Königstuhl was inaugurated on 20th June 1898 by the grand duke Friedrich I. of Baden. Since January 1, 2005, the Landessternwarte Königstuhl (LSW) - together with the Astronomisches Rechen-Institut (ARI) and the Institut für Theoretische Astrophysik (ITA) - is part of the Zentrum für Astronomie (ZAH) of Heidelberg University. The contemporary Landessternwarte Königstuhl (LSW) is active in the fields of stellar and extragalactic astrophysics. It is involved in the development and building of the Lucifer-spectrograph for the near infrared at the Large Binocular Telescope. In the domain of high-energy astrophysics the LSW participates in the H.E.S.S.-telescope in Namibia. Special emphasis is taken on active galaxies and quasars also supported by optical observations and theoretical work. Another working group on stellar physics is engaged in hot stars and compact objects. The technique of interferometry is developed for ESO telescopes (VLTI) and used especially for the search of extra-solar planets.