Sønderho Gl. Fuglekøje: A Glimpse into Fanø’s Unique Waterfowl Heritage
Step into the historic world of duck decoy trapping at Sønderho Gl. Fuglekøje, where Fanø’s coastal landscape and folk ingenuity come vividly to life.
Sønderho Gl. Fuglekøje is a historic duck decoy pond on Fanø, where visitors discover the traditional Danish practice of wild duck trapping—a once-central livelihood on the island. This open-air museum preserves an atmospheric 19th-century landscape, complete with winding canals, lures, and informative exhibits, immersing guests in a curious chapter of coastal heritage.
A brief summary to Fanø Vesterland Festival
- Storetoft 11, Fanø, 6720, DK
- Visit website
Local tips
- Bring binoculars: the area is excellent for birdwatching, especially during spring and autumn migrations.
- Wear sturdy shoes, as paths may be sandy, uneven, or muddy, particularly after rain.
- Check for guided tours or demonstrations—these often enhance the visit and may be available in Danish and sometimes English.
- Pack insect repellent during summer; the surrounding woodland and wetlands attract midges and mosquitoes.
Getting There
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Walking or Cycling
From Sønderho’s center, a leisurely 10–20 minute walk or brief cycle ride leads through rural Fanø, passing marsh meadows and tranquil woodland edges. The route is flat and scenic, with the site clearly marked as you near the traditional duck decoy area. No admission for the approach; bike parking is available at the entrance.
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Taxi or Car
A taxi or car ride from central Nordby or Sønderho takes under 10 minutes through open countryside. There is a small parking area near the site, free of charge, though spaces can fill quickly during weekends and holidays. The final path to the attraction is unpaved but accessible on foot from the parking.
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Public Transport
Local bus routes connect Nordby and Sønderho year-round, with stops within a 15–20 minute walk of the Fuglekøje. Tickets are typically 24–28 DKK for a single ride. Service is more frequent in summer; check schedules before visiting.
Discover more about Fanø Vesterland Festival
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Fano Bed and Boats
1.8 km
Charming seaside bed & breakfast and boat rental in Nordby, Fanø—offering cozy rooms and authentic maritime experiences on Denmark’s storied North Sea island.
Fanø Krogaard
2.0 km
Experience the timeless charm of Fanø Krogaard, a historic inn blending Nordic cuisine, island tradition, and warm hospitality in the heart of Nordby harbour.
Fanø Tourist Office
2.1 km
Centrally located on Fanø, the Tourist Office is the ideal starting point for discovering authentic island charm, local culture, and practical travel advice.
FanøFærgen, Esbjerg
4.5 km
Compact harbor terminal in Esbjerg serving the fast 12‑minute Fanø ferry, linking mainland bustle with island calm in the Wadden Sea UNESCO landscape.
Esbjerg Water Tower
5.2 km
Historic red-brick water tower on a Bronze Age mound overlooking Esbjerg’s harbour, blending medieval-inspired architecture with the story of a young, ambitious port city.
Dronning Louise
5.4 km
Urban beachfront serenity meets Danish royal heritage at Marselisborg Strand, Aarhus’ favorite local escape for swimming, sunbathing, and seaside strolls year-round.
Denmark
5.5 km
Marselisborg Strand is Aarhus’s urban beach escape, offering sandy shores, a classic pier, family-friendly facilities, and beautiful views right at the city’s edge.
Namaste Esbjerg
5.5 km
Marselisborg Strand is Aarhus’ vibrant urban beach, blending sandy coastline, tranquil bay views, and easy access to city highlights and lush forest parks.
Vadehavskysten
5.8 km
An iconic copper bridge tower turned cultural gem, offering harbor panoramas, intimate events, and a taste of Copenhagen’s creative spirit on Knippelsbro.
Begravet bunker
7.8 km
A preserved German WWII bunker revealing the hidden lives of occupation soldiers beneath Danish soil.
Hjerting Badehotel
10.4 km
Picturesque sandy beach blending serene sea views, lush forests, and family-friendly facilities just minutes from Aarhus city center.
Sønderho Church
10.4 km
An 18th‑century island church filled with Denmark’s largest flotilla of votive ships, anchoring Sønderho’s seafaring history in a tranquil Wadden Sea village.
Æ Kåver
10.7 km
Reborn wooden seamark on Fanø’s southern edge, Æ Kåver recalls 17th‑century seafaring in a wild Wadden Sea landscape of wind, sand and wide horizons.
Kammerslusen Ribe
20.9 km
Discover Copenhagen's Black Diamond: A fusion of modern architecture and cultural heritage on the waterfront.
Queen Dagmar of Bohemia
25.7 km
A contemplative statue on Ribe’s former castle hill, honouring the gentle 13th‑century Queen Dagmar where her life and legend became entwined with Denmark’s history.
Unmissable attractions to see
Skovhaven Torp Plantage
0.6 km
A sheltered woodland garden with fairy-tale sculptures, forest lake, and picnic areas perfect for families.
Hotel Fanø Bad
0.7 km
Unpretentious beachside base on Fanø’s dune fringe, where simple rooms, sea air and vast North Sea sands set the tone for slow, outdoorsy island days.
Gedenkstein
0.7 km
Experience Fanø's historic waterfowl trapping site amidst serene heathland, offering deep insights into Danish hunting heritage and the ecology of the Wadden Sea.
Fanø Bryghus
0.8 km
Denmark's westernmost craft brewery, where sea-inspired beers and vibrant community meet.
Club Fanø
1.1 km
Island adventure hub offering seal safaris, beach sports, and coastal experiences on Denmark's famous Fanø.
Club Fanø Rindby
1.1 km
Fanø's premier hub for kite sports, beach adventures, and Nordic coastal experiences with expert instruction and welcoming spirit.
Mindesten for Det Økumeniske Kirkemøde 1934
1.6 km
Set off across wild tidal flats from Fanø’s tranquil south end to witness unforgettable seal colonies and the windswept beauty of the Wadden Sea coastline.
Danland Fanø
1.6 km
Unfussy seaside holiday apartments with pools and dunes-on-the-doorstep access to Fanø’s wide North Sea beach and Wadden Sea landscapes.
The Beach on Fanø
1.6 km
A vast, wind‑shaped ribbon of sand where you can drive on the shore, chase kites across tidal flats, and feel the full, wide‑open spirit of Denmark’s North Sea coast.
Fanø Museum
1.7 km
Step into an 18th-century skipper’s home in Nordby and discover how Fanø’s seafaring families lived, worked and kept island traditions alive by the North Sea.
Fanø Lokalhistorisk Forening
1.8 km
Small but rich local archive where Fanø’s seafaring past, village life and family stories are preserved in photos, papers and quiet, absorbing detail.
Rindby beach
1.8 km
Vast North Sea sands, drive-on beach freedom, and kite-filled skies make Rindby Beach Fanø’s classic, family-friendly shoreline on Denmark’s wild west coast.
Fanø Skibsfarts- & Dragtsamling
1.9 km
Maritime museum preserving Fanø's golden age of sailing ships and island traditions.
Rindby Strand
2.0 km
Wide, drive-on sands, kite-filled skies and classic Danish dune scenery make Rindby Strand Fanø’s easygoing North Sea playground for long, windblown beach days.
Galleri Kirsten Rudiengaard
2.0 km
Intimate island gallery in Nordby showcasing the atmospheric coastal paintings and personal studio world of Danish artist Kirsten Rudiengaard.
Essential places to dine
Axel's Kitchen
0.6 km
Authentic Italian pizzeria with indoor playground, celebrating local Fanø ingredients and family moments.
Restaurant Dino
0.8 km
Casual island restaurant in Fanø Bad serving pizzas, Bosnian specialities and Danish comfort food just steps from the North Sea dunes.
VadeMad
0.8 km
Casual food‑truck dining paired with island‑brewed craft beer, set in the laid‑back courtyard of Fanø Bryghus just a short stroll from the Wadden Sea.
LIGHTHOUSE BURGERS
1.2 km
Gourmet-minded burger bar on Fanø, serving organic local beef, house-made buns and sauces, and a relaxed island atmosphere just a stroll from Nordby’s heart.
Rudbecks Fanø
1.4 km
Cosy family-run café, deli and wine bar on Fanø’s main street, celebrating local organic produce, Fanø salmon and cheeses in a warm, relaxed village setting.
Kellers Badehotel
1.4 km
Historic beachfront hotel on Fanø combining coastal Danish charm, gourmet dining, and immersive island hospitality with sweeping North Sea views and a storied heritage.
Tacobørsen
1.5 km
Colorful Mexican-inspired street food on Fanø’s main street, perfect for easy takeout, casual meals and beach picnics between dunes, harbor walks and village strolls.
Stoppestedet I/S
1.5 km
Casual, family-friendly fast food on holiday island Fanø, serving hearty portions of fish, chips and burgers a short hop from the wide North Sea beach.
Restaurant Aroma - Fanø øko Øl
1.5 km
Cosy island restaurant and organic microbrewery in a historic skipper’s villa at the heart of Nordby, pairing house‑brewed Fanø beers with relaxed European plates.
Pelargoniehuset
1.5 km
Relaxed seaside restaurant on Fanø’s west coast, serving simple Danish comfort food and cakes just steps from dunes, golf course and the island’s broad North Sea beach.
Fanø Pizza
1.6 km
Straightforward Danish-style pizza and takeaway favorites in Nordby, offering an easy, kid-friendly dinner option after a day exploring windswept Fanø.
Haven Fanø
1.6 km
Cosy 1849 island house turned boutique hotel, café and garden retreat, serving organic breakfasts and Fanø’s own flavours in the heart of Nordby.
Pandekagehuset Fanø
1.6 km
Cosy island creperie in Nordby serving generous sweet and savoury pancakes with a hygge-filled courtyard and relaxed Fanø village atmosphere.
Den Lille Cafe
1.8 km
A snug, inexpensive cafe on Fanø’s main street where simple Danish cooking, warm lighting and local conversation create an easygoing island living-room feel.
Konsulen nordby
1.9 km
Intimate, candlelit dining on Nordby’s historic main street, where simple Scandinavian comfort meets the relaxed rhythm of island life on Fanø.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
SPAR
0.7 km
Fanø's reliable supermarket steps from the beach, serving locals and visitors daily.
Mission Afrika Genbrug
0.8 km
Cosy Nordby thrift shop where island finds, friendly volunteers and second-hand treasures help fund Mission Afrika’s community projects far beyond Fanø.
Fanø Lægeurtehave
0.9 km
Traditional herb shop preserving natural wellness practices on Denmark's peaceful Fanø Island.
Rindby Supermarked A/S
1.2 km
Spacious island supermarket in Rindby, combining early-morning bakery aromas, full-range groceries and relaxed holiday extras near Fanø’s west coast dunes.
SuperBrugsen
1.3 km
Fanø’s central supermarket hub, blending everyday Danish island life with convenient shopping for self-catering holidays and beachbound visitors in Nordby.
Fanø Brugsforening
1.3 km
Fanø’s friendly SuperBrugsen co-op in Nordby, keeping islanders and visitors stocked with fresh food, Danish staples and everyday essentials near the harbour.
Kunstladen
1.4 km
A colourful Fanø island boutique where Scandinavian design, clothing, gifts and craft supplies fill a bright, welcoming space just behind the dunes of Rindby.
Fanø Angus & Merino
1.4 km
Small Fanø farm shop turning island pastures into premium Angus beef and soft Merino yarn, offering an authentic taste – and texture – of Wadden Sea life.
Kulturfabrikken, frkToft
1.4 km
Playful island ceramics with vintage prints, crooked edges and plenty of humor, crafted and displayed in a characterful studio-shop on Fanø’s main street.
Westwind
1.5 km
Coastal clothing hub on Nordby’s main street, equipping you with practical sports and leisure wear for Fanø’s ever‑changing North Sea weather.
Christel Seyfarth Butik
1.5 km
A vivid studio-store on Fanø where bold fair-isle inspired knitwear, quality yarns and island traditions come together in a richly coloured creative universe.
SALT
1.5 km
A small-but-stylish fashion and lifestyle shop in Nordby’s former bank building, SALT blends island charm with Scandinavian design on Fanø’s main street.
Victoria's Palace
1.6 km
A cosy Nordic-style interiors and gift shop in the heart of Fanø Bad, where coastal charm and Scandinavian design meet just moments from the wide North Sea beach.
Fanø Lys
1.6 km
Candlelit hygge, local delicacies and island design come together at this cozy Fanø shop just behind the dunes of the North Sea.
Rikke Sandford
1.7 km
Intimate Fanø boutique for Scandinavian children’s clothing, offering carefully curated outfits, shoes and accessories for girls in a cosy, owner-run setting.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Kabyssen
1.1 km
Fanø's cherished community bar serving authentic Danish island hospitality with live music and genuine warmth.
Hjørnekroen
2.1 km
Cosy corner bar in Nordby where Fanø’s island life, live music nights and classic Danish bodega charm come together over draught beer and easy conversation.
Dokken City Beach
4.7 km
A pocket of sand, deckchairs and drinks on Esbjerg Harbour, Dokken City Beach turns the working waterfront into a relaxed urban seaside escape.
Havkatten
5.2 km
Old-school Esbjerg harbour bar with 80s tunes, pool, darts and everyday prices, offering a relaxed window into the city’s down-to-earth nightlife.
Horns Rev Bodega & Bar
5.4 km
A no-frills Danish bodega in central Esbjerg, where wood-panelled warmth, affordable drinks, and local camaraderie capture the city’s everyday pub culture.
SoHo - Bar & Cocktails
5.4 km
Adults-focused cocktail bar tucked inside Esbjerg Street Food’s old theatre hall, pairing crafted drinks, modern design and a lively, central city atmosphere.
Pioner Bar Esbjerg
5.4 km
Late-night Esbjerg bar on Torvet with cheap cold beer, classic party hits from the ’80s to today, and a lively dance floor packed with locals and visitors.
HomeRun Esbjerg
5.4 km
Lively gastro sports bar above Esbjerg’s main square, with wall-to-wall screens, bar games, casual bites and late-night energy on weekends.
Dowdi Pub Bar
5.5 km
Old-school brown pub in central Esbjerg with inexpensive beers, wood‑panelled charm and a relaxed, local crowd from daytime regulars to late‑night lingerers.
Pappi's pub
5.5 km
Unpretentious, drinks-first bar on Kongensgade offering a simple Danish pub vibe, easy prices and a central stop-off point in the heart of Esbjerg.
James Bond Esbjerg
5.5 km
Late-opening dance bar on Skolegade in Esbjerg, where a mature crowd sings along to classic hits and keeps the party going until early morning.
Kasket Karl
5.5 km
Legendary Esbjerg pub on Skolegade, pouring beer and hosting darts, dice and laid‑back evenings since 1975 in a warmly lit, unpretentious setting.
Industrien
5.5 km
Historic Danish bar where 130+ years of tradition meets contemporary hospitality on Esbjerg's vibrant Skolegade.
King George
5.5 km
Esbjerg's beloved beer hall where Danish tradition, lively atmosphere, and authentic hospitality converge on Skolegade.
Rustik - Bar & Natklub
5.5 km
High‑energy bar and nightclub on Esbjerg’s Skolegade, mixing industrial style, cocktails and a tightly packed dance floor late into the night.