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Sønderho Gl. Fuglekøje: A Glimpse into Fanø’s Waterfowl-Hunting Heritage

Step into Fanø’s bygone era of waterfowl trapping at Sønderho Gl. Fuglekøje, an atmospheric woodland museum blending local heritage and nature on Denmark’s west coast.

4.3

Sønderho Gl. Fuglekøje immerses visitors in the traditional world of Danish eider duck decoy trapping on Fanø. This atmospheric, open-air museum preserves rare engineering and natural woodland, revealing how islanders once ingeniously lured wildfowl—a tradition unique to coastal Wadden Sea communities. Interpretive walks and exhibits bring the marshland history and conservation legacy to life.

A brief summary to Sønderho Gl. Fuglekøje

  • 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

  • Wear sturdy shoes—the approach includes soft woodland trails, especially after rain.
  • Visit during spring or fall migration for extraordinary birdwatching opportunities around the reserve.
  • Bring binoculars; the site is adjacent to meadows frequented by migratory geese and waders.
  • The site has basic facilities only (no café or shop); bring water and snacks if you plan to linger.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the historic center of Sønderho, it’s a scenic 15–25 minute walk southward along forest-edged trails. You’ll pass grassy meadows often grazed by sheep and bordered by whispering pines, with clear signs indicating entrance to the duck decoy site. Terrain is generally flat, but can be soft and muddy following rainfall. Entry is typically free, though donations are welcome.

  • Bicycle

    Cycling is a popular and speedy way to access Sønderho Gl. Fuglekøje from anywhere in Sønderho or the main road toward the ferry. A designated bike path runs through woodland and open field, passing wind-tilted trees and glimpses of coastal dunes. Bike parking is available at the edge of the reserve, with no fee required.

  • Taxi

    Taxis or local minivans from Nordby or the main ferry dock reach Sønderho Gl. Fuglekøje in about 15 minutes, usually costing 140–180 DKK one way. Ask to be dropped near the Sønderho decoy entrance. Vehicle access is along rural lanes and may be restricted in peak summer or during rare special events.

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Discover more about Sønderho Gl. Fuglekøje

Hidden in the tranquil coastal woodlands just outside Sønderho lies Sønderho Gl. Fuglekøje, a living remnant of Fanø’s centuries-old tradition of waterfowl trapping. The term 'fuglekøje' refers to an ingenious manmade decoy pond system, with radiating channels bordered by reeds and netting, historically used to lure and humanely capture wild ducks. Established in the early 19th century, this fuglekøje is one of the oldest in Denmark and offers a rare hands-on window into islander ingenuity. As you wander beneath wind-shaped pines and rustling birch, you’ll notice the pond’s star-like arrangement, designed for both efficiency and discretion. Informative signage—accompanied by evocative reconstructions—walks you through traditionally camouflaged shelters, original ‘catching’ arms, and the daily routines of the trappers, or 'fanger'. Interpretive panels and occasional folk demonstrations reveal how the technique protected local food security during harsh winters and shaped the cultural identity of Fanø’s southern communities. The broader setting forms part of an enduring nature reserve, rich with birdlife and seasonal flora. From late spring to early autumn, migratory birds fill the air and forest trails are alive with the sounds of nesting eiders and warblers. Today, hunting is long forbidden, and Sønderho Gl. Fuglekøje stands as both a conservation site and a place for quiet reflection on the bond between humans and the Wadden Sea’s wild landscapes. The atmosphere is peaceful, the woodland path soft underfoot, and the stories—told with understated Danish pride—linger in the rustle of sedge and call of distant geese. Plan to linger and absorb the sense of time slowing, as this unique site bridges natural and human history in a way you’ll find nowhere else on Fanø.

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