Sønderho Old Duck Decoy: A Glimpse into Fanø’s Unique Hunting Heritage
Step into Fanø’s past at Sønderho Gl. Fuglekøje—a rare Danish duck decoy, where ingenious waterfowl trapping meets serene island tradition and nature.
The Sønderho Gl. Fuglekøje is a remarkable historic duck decoy on Fanø, Denmark, blending natural beauty with cultural heritage. Once a vital hunting installation, today it offers insight into centuries-old waterfowl trapping methods. Visitors walk among peaceful reed beds and wooden channels, discovering how Fanø’s islanders sustainably managed their resources. Interactive displays and beautiful, atmospheric surroundings make for a memorable immersion in island life and tradition.
A brief summary to Fanoe Bad Beach
- Fanø, 6720, DK
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Bring waterproof footwear—paths can be damp, especially after rain or during autumn migration.
- Look out for information boards in both Danish and English, which explain the unique mechanics of the decoy.
- Visit early in the day to enjoy quiet birdwatching when local wildlife is most active.
- Combine your trip with a stroll through Sønderho’s charming nearby village, full of thatched cottages and maritime history.
- If you’re traveling with kids, let them explore the woods near the decoy—there’s plenty of space for discovery.
Getting There
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Walking
From the heart of Sønderho village, the duck decoy is set at the edge of wooded wetlands on the island’s southern side. Walking from the central square, expect an easy and scenic 15–25 minute stroll along quiet paths and past open meadows. The final section passes through peaceful countryside with the decoy’s reed beds appearing as you near the boundary of the woodland. There’s no admission fee, and the path is generally accessible, though it can be muddy after rain.
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Cycling
Cycling from Sønderho’s main cluster of traditional houses, the route to the old duck decoy follows gentle island roads skirting woodlands and farmland. Expect a relaxed 6–10 minute ride; bikes can be parked near the forest entrance. No parking fees apply. The approach is well-suited for families or casual cyclists.
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Car
Reaching the decoy by car is straightforward from anywhere on Fanø. Parking is available along the edge of the woods near the entrance; it’s free but limited, so arrive early in peak seasons. The final steps are on foot along natural paths.
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Taxi
Taxis from Nordby take roughly 25 minutes to reach Sønderho Old Duck Decoy, crossing the picturesque length of the island. Fares within Fanø typically range from 160 to 210 DKK one way. Confirm price on booking, especially in high season.
Discover more about Fanoe Bad Beach
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
The Beach on Fanø
0.5 km
Vast, iconic North Sea beach spanning Fanø’s coastline, famed for its wild dunes, kite festivals, wide sands, and unique Danish maritime character.
Danland Fanø
0.5 km
Family-friendly seaside holiday resort nestled among Fanø's dunes, offering direct access to wide beaches, indoor pools, wellness options, and the spirit of Danish island living.
Bunkers on Fanø
1.5 km
Explore Fanø’s atmospheric WWII bunkers—historic fortifications nestled in windswept dunes, offering a unique blend of war history and stunning North Sea scenery.
Rindby Strand
2.0 km
Wild, sandy expanse on Fanø’s west coast renowned for kite flying, gentle tides, unique drive-on access, and the elemental beauty of North Sea sunsets.
Fanø Lokalhistorisk Forening
3.2 km
Explore Fanø's maritime heritage in an authentic 17th-century setting.
Fano Bed and Boats
3.3 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
3.5 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
3.7 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
6.2 km
Essential ferry link connecting Esbjerg and Fanø, ushering travelers from Denmark’s mainland to the UNESCO World Heritage landscapes of the Wadden Sea.
Skallingen Ende
6.5 km
Experience the untamed beauty of Skallingen Ende, where the Wadden Sea's raw coastal landscape meets dramatic dunes and rich birdlife, offering a unique escape into nature's embrace.
Gangbroen over Toldbodvej, Esbjerg Havn
6.7 km
A converted harbor tower blending industrial heritage with contemporary art, panoramic views, and creative events on Copenhagen’s iconic Knippels Bridge.
Landgangen
6.8 km
Step inside a piece of Copenhagen’s iconic bridge architecture, now transformed into a creative hub for art, music, café culture, and panoramic city views.
Esbjerg Water Tower
6.9 km
Historic bridge control tower reborn as Copenhagen’s most intimate cultural venue—offering unique exhibitions, harbor panoramas, café delights, and local arts.
Men by the Sea
7.1 km
World-renowned for its stunning architecture and exceptional acoustics, DR Koncerthuset is Copenhagen’s iconic home of live orchestral and contemporary music performances.
Dronning Louise
7.1 km
Urban beachfront serenity meets Danish royal heritage at Marselisborg Strand, Aarhus’ favorite local escape for swimming, sunbathing, and seaside strolls year-round.
Unmissable attractions to see
Mindesten for Det Økumeniske Kirkemøde 1934
0.6 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.
Gedenkstein
1.3 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.
Skovhaven Torp Plantage
1.4 km
Step into Fanø’s rare duck decoy—a historic open-air museum revealing Denmark’s sustainable bird catching past amid tranquil forests and dunes near Sønderho.
Strandgut - Strandfischerei Monument
1.5 km
Explore Denmark's most picturesque village street, Slotsgaden in Møgeltønder, featuring historic 18th-century houses, cobblestone paths, and Schackenborg Castle.
Rindby beach
1.8 km
Step into a living fragment of Danish heritage at Sønderho Gl. Fuglekøje, Fanø’s fascinating 19th-century duck decoy site, preserved amid tranquil coastal woodland.
Fanø Vesterland Festival
2.0 km
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.
Kikkebjerget
3.2 km
Slotsgaden in Møgeltønder: A fairytale street of thatched cottages, noble vistas, and rural calm leading to the historic Schackenborg Castle in southern Denmark.
Fanø Museum
3.3 km
Immerse yourself in Denmark’s most beautiful street, where thatched cottages and blooming gardens lead to the historic gates of Schackenborg Castle in peaceful Møgeltønder.
Fanø Skibsfarts- & Dragtsamling
3.5 km
Stroll along Denmark’s most charming village street, flanked by grand thatched homes and linden trees, on the path to enchanting Schackenborg Castle in Møgeltønder.
Nördlich Odden (Let flakbatteri)
4.4 km
Step into Fanø’s wildfowling history at Sønderho Gl. Fuglekøje, an atmospheric 19th-century duck decoy nestled in tranquil woodlands by the North Sea.
Pælebjerg - Det højeste punkt på Fanø
5.9 km
Discover Sønderho Gl. Fuglekøje, a rare historic duck decoy nestled in Fanø’s serene woods, revealing Denmark’s unique wildlife traditions and rural heritage.
Esbjerg Havn
6.0 km
Discover Esbjerg's 27-meter mosaic celebrating the Wadden Sea's biodiversity, crafted by artist Lotte Lambæk and local community members.
Fish Auction for tourists
6.2 km
Discover the tranquil beauty of Esbjerg's 'Spectacle Lakes,' a haven for nature lovers and families alike.
Museumsfyrskibet Horns Rev
6.6 km
Step into Esbjerg's rich maritime past and local life at this engaging city-center museum, featuring immersive street reconstructions, wartime exhibits, and Viking treasures.
Albue Fuglekøje
6.7 km
Discover the serene grandeur of Schackenborg Castle—where Danish nobility, elegant baroque architecture, and lush gardens make for a memorable southern Jutland highlight.
Essential places to dine
Pelargoniehuset
0.6 km
Discover Pelargoniehuset: A unique dining experience surrounded by beautiful gardens and local flavors on Fanø Island.
Kellers Badehotel
0.7 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.
Stoppestedet I/S
1.7 km
Family-friendly fast food with a beachy vibe, Stoppestedet I/S serves classic burgers and comfort fare just steps from Fanø’s iconic dunes and coastline.
LIGHTHOUSE BURGERS
1.9 km
Savor gourmet burgers made from local ingredients at Lighthouse Burgers on the beautiful island of Fanø.
Axel's Kitchen
2.1 km
Axel's Kitchen on Fanø blends home-cooked Danish cuisine, friendly hospitality, and local ingredients in a relaxed, beach-close setting perfect for families and travelers.
Hotel Fanø Bad
2.4 km
Classic seaside retreat on Fanø's wild west coast, offering warm Nordic hospitality, dune views, and direct access to Denmark’s legendary island beaches.
Restaurant Dino
2.5 km
A coastal favorite on Fanø Island, Restaurant Dino pairs creative, Nordic-inspired cuisine with panoramic North Sea views and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
Fanø Bryghus
2.5 km
Fanø Bryghus is the island’s thriving craft brewery, known for creative beers, community spirit, and authentic experiences inspired by Denmark’s windswept west coast.
Fanø Angus & Merino
2.9 km
Experience the best of local meats at Fanø Angus & Merino - where tradition meets quality in every bite.
Rudbecks Fanø
3.0 km
Experience Fanø’s authentic flavors and warm hospitality at Rudbecks—a beloved café, deli, and wine bar nestled in the heart of the island's vibrant main village.
Tacobørsen
3.1 km
A vibrant, Mexican-inspired takeout restaurant bringing fresh, flavorful street food and friendly service to Fanø’s main town, perfect for quick bites or casual beach picnics.
Restaurant Aroma - Fanø øko Øl
3.1 km
Restaurant Aroma on Fanø combines organic craft beers brewed in-house with creative Danish cuisine, set amidst the island's charming, laidback coastal atmosphere.
Fanø Pizza
3.2 km
Experience authentic pizza delights at Fanø Pizza - where local flavors meet Italian tradition on the enchanting island of Fanø.
Pandekagehuset Fanø
3.2 km
Enjoy authentic Danish pancakes and island hospitality at Pandekagehuset Fanø, a cozy lunch spot in Nordby that’s beloved by locals and travelers alike.
Haven Fanø
3.2 km
Chic Nordic inn on Fanø island offering serene stays, personalized hospitality, and an authentic coastal retreat amid Denmark’s natural beauty.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Fanø Lys
0.5 km
Discover authentic Danish candle artistry at Fanø Lys, a warm and inviting candle workshop and boutique known for its handcrafted gifts and local delicacies.
Kunstladen
2.8 km
Kunstladen is Fanø’s vibrant hub for Danish crafts, unique gifts, and local design—an inviting island shop perfect for souvenirs, style, and artistic inspiration.
Christel Seyfarth Butik
3.1 km
Discover vibrant Nordic knitwear, hand-dyed yarn, and island artistry in Christel Seyfarth Butik—Fanø’s legendary knit shop blending tradition and contemporary design.
Arbuckle Design
4.1 km
Discover unique fashion accessories that capture the essence of Danish design at Arbuckle Design in Fanø.
BROEN Shopping
7.3 km
Southern Jutland’s vibrant retail destination, BROEN Shopping, combines Scandinavian style, international brands, and inviting dining in the dynamic heart of Esbjerg.
Victoria N Friends
8.7 km
Discover unique Danish fashion at Victoria N Friends, Esbjerg's premier boutique for contemporary apparel and accessories.
Sønderho Gårdbutik
10.5 km
Discover authentic Fanø farmhouse flavors and island produce at Sønderho Gårdbutik—a rustic farm shop brimming with local treats, homemade goods, and rural Danish charm.
WestLys
19.8 km
Discover handcrafted Danish candles, amber jewelry, and unique souvenirs at Westlys in Blåvand.
Det Gamle Apothek
28.0 km
Experience the nostalgia of Ribe’s 17th-century apothecary, now a magical boutique packed with traditional Danish sweets, handmade crafts, and festive Nordic décor.
Den Lille Ravbutik
28.0 km
Discover the magic of Danish amber at Den Lille Ravbutik, Ribe’s boutique jewelry destination for handcrafted keepsakes and authentic Baltic treasures.
Metropolis Drachen
32.9 km
Discover Rømø’s legendary kite shop, Metropolis Drachen, where wind, colour, and creativity unite on Denmark’s breezy North Sea coast.
Ib's Gavecenter v/Mona Pedersen Ib
32.9 km
Discover a delightful array of Danish souvenirs, coastal crafts, and heartfelt gifts at Ib’s Gavecenter, set in the bustling Lakolk Butikscenter on scenic Rømø.
Butik Rømø
32.9 km
Charming toy, airsoft, and kite shop in Rømø’s Lakolk Butikscenter, popular for hands-on displays, family fun, and gear inspired by the island’s beaches and breezes.
Rømø Bolsjeri og Ishus
32.9 km
Watch traditional Danish candies being crafted by hand and enjoy creamy ice cream at Rømø Bolsjeri og Ishus in Lakolk, steps from the island's wildly popular beach.
Rømø Lys
32.9 km
Creative candle making and Danish souvenirs in a welcoming Lakolk store, blending hands-on tradition and local charm on the scenic island of Rømø.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Kabyssen
1.9 km
Kabyssen is Fanø’s cherished gathering spot, blending maritime nostalgia, friendly locals, and affordable drinks in a cozy setting at the heart of Nordby.
VadeMad
2.5 km
VadeMad is a lively Nordby eatery blending Fanø’s maritime heritage with seasonal Nordic cuisine beside the island’s iconic brewery.
Hjørnekroen
3.6 km
Quintessential Danish inn experience in the heart of Nordby on Fanø, offering warm hospitality, hearty local fare, and a rich sense of island tradition.
Dokken City Beach
6.4 km
Experience Esbjerg's harbor transformed into a vibrant beach retreat with cocktails, games, and cultural events.
SoHo - Bar & Cocktails
7.1 km
Stylish cocktails, welcoming atmosphere, and a touch of urban buzz await in Esbjerg’s lively center at SoHo Bar & Cocktails, a top choice for classic and creative drinks.
Vinbaren
7.2 km
Crafted for wine enthusiasts, Vinbaren in Esbjerg offers curated global wines, small plates, and a welcoming local spirit within a stylish Scandinavian setting.
Kasket Karl
7.2 km
Experience Esbjerg's vibrant nightlife at Kasket Karl, where local charm meets contemporary flair in a lively bar setting.
King George
7.2 km
Experience Esbjerg’s welcoming beer hall tradition at King George—an atmospheric bodega where locals and travelers mingle over affordable drinks and lively conversation.
Bjælkehytten - En Vestjysk BierBar
7.2 km
Bjælkehytten in Esbjerg offers classic West Jutland hospitality, a rustic log cabin atmosphere, and a diverse selection of beers in the city’s vibrant nightlife district.
Cafe Nanas Stue
11.7 km
Charming, historic café in the heart of Fanø, serving regional Danish dishes, homemade cakes, and signature hygge in a classic thatched-roof setting.
Klubben 1811
28.0 km
Experience true Danish hospitality and community spirit at Klubben 1811, Ribe’s lively and historic local bar in the heart of Denmark’s oldest town.
Stenbohus
28.0 km
Experience the historic charm and vibrant atmosphere of Stenbohus, Ribe's beloved tavern offering live music and local brews.
Strygejernet
28.1 km
Experience the authentic pulse of Ribe at Strygejernet, a cherished local bar in Denmark’s oldest town, offering lively nights, live music, and friendly faces.
Cafeteria Lakolk
32.9 km
Cafeteria Lakolk offers hearty Danish classics and seaside hospitality at the gateway to Rømø’s windswept Lakolk Beach, blending nostalgia with local flavor.
Marskdestilleriet
34.2 km
Experience handcrafted Danish spirits at Marskdestilleriet in Rømø, where tradition meets innovation in distillation.
