Sønderho Gl. Fuglekøje: A Glimpse into Fanø’s Traditional Duck Decoy

Tucked away in Fanø’s peaceful southern stretches, Sønderho Gl. Fuglekøje is a rare find: part museum, part living landscape, it is one of only a handful of remaining duck decoys in Denmark. Built in the late 19th century, this ingeniously designed site was once central to the island’s way of life. Generations of locals mastered the art of luring wild ducks along sinuous water channels—reed-edged tunnels curving through open heath—to capture birds for food and trade. Today, the restored ‘fuglekøje’ stands as a fascinating window into the region’s maritime traditions and rural ingenuity. Visitors follow a path through quiet dunes and wind-bent pines to reach the main clearing, where a rustic information hut and historical displays explain the hunt’s techniques and sustainability. Outside, the main pond and its gently arched reed tunnels capture the imagination, hinting at the patience and skill required by former decoymen. Interpretive signs reveal how the system was managed to channel birds into the narrowing passageways. The site is especially atmospheric in spring and autumn, when flocks of migratory birds fill the skies overhead, and the wind carries only the sound of reeds and distant surf—no cars, no city noise, just the ancient rhythm of nature and history entwined. Open to all during daylight hours, Sønderho Gl. Fuglekøje invites a slow wander, picnic, or moment of waterside contemplation. It also celebrates the island’s commitment to wildlife conservation, showing how old traditions can coexist with present-day appreciation for Fanø’s rich biodiversity. While the site itself is small, the experience promises contemplative insight, fresh sea air, and a sense of connection to Fanø’s unique island heritage.