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Falkonergården Falconry, Fredensborg

Intimate falconry shows in rural North Zealand, where eagles, hawks and falcons soar within arm’s reach and centuries of raptor lore come vividly to life.

4.6

Falkonergården is a small, specialist falconry just outside Fredensborg, dedicated to birds of prey and the ancient art of falconry. Set in rural surroundings at Davidsvænge 11, it offers about an hour of indoor and outdoor demonstrations with falcons, hawks and eagles gliding just above the audience. Shows combine close-up encounters, engaging storytelling and solid background knowledge about raptors and hunting traditions, making this an intimate, educational experience for all ages.

A brief summary to Falkonergården

  • Davidsvænge 11, Fredensborg, 3480, DK
  • +4521268863
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1 to 2.5 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Mixed
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Local tips

  • Arrive at least 20 minutes before showtime; performances start precisely and latecomers may miss key indoor introductions.
  • Bring layered clothing and possibly a light blanket; much of the show is outdoors and it can feel cool even in summer.
  • If you do not speak Danish, sit near the front and focus on the demonstrations; even without full translation the visual experience is strong.
  • Remind children to sit still and keep hands low during flights, as some birds pass very close to the audience.
  • Check seasonal opening months in advance; shows run mainly from June to October with specific days and times.
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Getting There

  • Regional train and local bus from Copenhagen

    From central Copenhagen, take an Øresund or regional train toward Helsingør and get off at Kokkedal or Humlebæk; the ride usually takes 30–40 minutes and standard adult tickets are around 80–120 DKK one way in standard class. From either station, continue by local bus toward Fredensborg and Davidsvænge, allowing 15–25 minutes depending on route and waiting time. Services run fairly frequently during the day, but check timetables in advance, especially on weekends and public holidays.

  • Car from Copenhagen and North Zealand

    Driving from central Copenhagen to Falkonergården typically takes 35–50 minutes depending on traffic, following main routes north toward Fredensborg and continuing to Davidsvænge 11. Fuel and road costs for a return trip are roughly equivalent to 60–120 DKK in total for an average car. The approach uses regular paved roads and does not require a 4x4. Parking is generally available near the falconry, but spaces can feel limited just before showtime, so plan to arrive early to park without stress.

  • Cycling from Fredensborg town

    From Fredensborg town and the palace area, reaching Davidsvænge 11 by bicycle typically takes 15–25 minutes at a relaxed pace, using local country roads and lanes. The route is gently undulating rather than steep, but riders should be comfortable sharing sections of the road with local traffic. There are no dedicated bike lockers at the falconry, so bring a lock to secure your bicycle to a suitable fixed object during the show and be prepared for basic, unprotected outdoor parking.

Falkonergården location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Clear Skies
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures
  • Weather icon Any Weather

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Country Falconry Hidden in North Zealand

Falkonergården sits in gently rolling countryside near Fredensborg, surrounded by fields, trees and the soft sounds of rural North Zealand. From the outside it looks more like a traditional smallholding than a big zoo: low farm buildings, paddocks, mews and simple seating areas rather than grand stands. That modest scale is part of the appeal. You are visiting a working falconry, not a theme park, and the focus is entirely on the birds. As you walk in, you pass enclosures and perches where falcons, hawks and eagles rest before the show. Their sharp eyes follow every movement, feathers ruffling in the breeze. The setting feels close and personal; there is very little distance between you and the birds, both physically and emotionally. It quickly becomes clear that this is a place built around passion for raptors rather than spectacle alone.

From Barn Intro to Open-Sky Displays

A visit typically centers on a structured show of about an hour, split between an indoor introduction and an outdoor flight demonstration. It usually begins in a converted barn, where dimmer light and a quieter atmosphere allow you to focus on a single bird at a time. Here the falconer explains how different species hunt, how their eyesight and flight are adapted to their prey, and how falconry has been practiced over centuries. During this first part, one of the smaller birds may skim low across the room or hop to a gloved hand just a few meters from you. The presentation is primarily in Danish, though the fascination of the birds themselves transcends language. You learn how equipment like hoods, jesses and lures are used, and how trust is built between falconer and bird through careful training and routine.

Eagles and Falcons at Arm’s Length

Outside, the tone changes as the big birds take to the air. On the flying field, with open sky overhead, larger falcons and eagles perform sweeping arcs, fast dives and remarkably low passes that sometimes skim just over visitors’ heads. Feeling the wind from an eagle’s wings as it glides close by is a thrill you remember long after the show ends. From the viewing area you can clearly see how different species move: the direct, arrow-like flight of a falcon versus the broad, powerful wingbeats of an eagle or buzzard. The falconer narrates the action, calling birds in, sending them out again and explaining what each maneuver would mean on a real hunt. It is a rare chance to see such birds working at their natural speeds without the distance of a large stadium.

Knowledge, Care and Respect for Raptors

Beyond the drama of flying demonstrations, Falkonergården functions as a place of learning and advocacy for birds of prey. Presentations delve into conservation issues, the role of raptors in ecosystems, and how species that were once persecuted are now better protected. The emphasis is on sober, science-based knowledge delivered with clear affection for the animals. You notice the relationship between falconer and bird in small gestures: a gentle touch when swapping equipment, the calm tone of voice, the way each bird is rewarded and then allowed to rest. This is not a petting zoo. The birds remain very much wild at heart, and that wildness is acknowledged and respected. Any contact is carefully controlled, always on the birds’ terms.

Planning a Visit with Family in Mind

Falkonergården is especially appealing for families and small groups who enjoy focused experiences rather than full-day attractions. Children who can sit through an hour-long show will find plenty to captivate them, from the indoor close-ups to the outdoor surprise of a bird whooshing past at eye level. Seating is simple and mostly outdoors, so weather-appropriate clothing is essential. Most visitors combine the falconry visit with other sights in the Fredensborg area, such as the royal palace or nearby nature areas, making this a rewarding part of a wider day out in North Zealand. The atmosphere stays informal and friendly: you are free to look around the small grounds, ask questions after the show and linger a little, but the core of your time here is that concentrated hour of being eye to eye with some of Europe’s most impressive birds of prey.

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