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Sønderho Old Duck Decoy: Echoes of Fanø's Wild Past

Experience Fanø’s living duck decoy of Sønderho—an immersive blend of maritime nature, authentic Danish history, and peaceful woodland trails bordering the Wadden Sea.

4.8

Nestled among Fanø’s southern wetlands, Sønderho Gl. Fuglekøje is a rare glimpse into Denmark’s duck hunting heritage. Once vital for food and trade, the historic decoy now offers a unique outdoors museum experience. Visitors roam shaded trails, discovering ingeniously restored waterways, authentic trapping architecture, and captivating interpretive displays set within serene maritime woods. A living testament to centuries-old craftsmanship, it merges natural beauty and history for an atmospheric, engaging exploration.

A brief summary to Skovlegeplads

  • 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 binoculars to spot waterfowl—spring and autumn are especially rewarding for birdwatching.
  • Wear sturdy shoes, as trails may be muddy after rain, and some paths have uneven natural surfaces.
  • Interpretive content is mainly in Danish; consider downloading a translation app for deeper context.
  • The area is mostly outdoors with minimal shelter; dress appropriately for wind and changing weather.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Fanø’s central harbor area or village hub, it’s a leisurely stroll or cycle south across peaceful woodland and meadow edges. The route leads you toward the fringes of Sønderho’s tranquil outskirts, following gentle terrain surrounded by heath and sea breezes. Allow 30–40 minutes on foot, or less than 15 minutes by bike. There are no significant slopes, but some sections can be muddy after rain.

  • Cycling

    Cycling from the island’s main settlements follows well-marked, mostly flat bike paths heading toward the southern natural reserves. The journey typically takes about 15 minutes from the village center, leading directly to the woodland margins where the duck decoy nestles. Bike rentals are available in both Nordby and Sønderho, averaging 75–120 DKK per day.

  • Taxi

    Local taxis can drop visitors at the decoy entrance; the drive from the main village or harbor area usually takes under 10 minutes, costing from 80–120 DKK depending on time of day and season. Taxi availability may be limited and pre-booking is recommended during busy summer weekends.

  • Driving

    Driving is possible, with a small parking area close to the woodland edge. Parking is generally free but limited, especially during weekends and holidays when the site attracts more visitors. The final approach leads through quiet rural lanes, bordered by open marsh and forest.

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Discover more about Skovlegeplads

Hidden within the undisturbed landscapes of southern Fanø, Sønderho Gl. Fuglekøje is a fascinating relic that preserves the island’s deep connection to the Wadden Sea’s migratory birdlife. Established in 1866, this traditional duck decoy—or 'fuglekøje'—offered a sustainable method for capturing wild ducks using canals, nets, and strategically planted reeds. Here, Fanø’s rural communities secured crucial food and income, with a practice carefully balanced alongside conservation, reflecting early Danish approaches to harmonious living with nature. Today, Sønderho Gl. Fuglekøje functions as a living museum and a window to a past shaped by ingenuity and respect for the environment. As you enter the site, you’re greeted by a canopy of wind-bent trees and the sound of rustling reeds. Carefully maintained waterways reveal subtle engineering solutions, while preserved netting structures evoke a time when families depended on cunning rather than force for their harvest. Interpretive signs and interactive exhibits, some housed in historic sheds, guide visitors through every stage of the decoy’s operation—from the luring of wild ducks to the gentle trapping process. Bird-watchers can observe native and migratory waterfowl drawn to these rich wetlands, and history enthusiasts can appreciate the meticulous restoration of the site. The tranquil atmosphere, punctuated only by birdsong, creates a meditative space ideal for slow walks and reflection. While the focus is on the decoy and its story, the surrounding woodland is rich in biodiversity, making the location especially rewarding in spring and autumn when migratory birds frequent Fanø. The fuglekøje immerses you in a Denmark where human ingenuity and environmental stewardship went hand in hand, offering a memorable heritage excursion—whether you’re a nature lover, a family, or a curious explorer.

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