Silkeborg Rovfugleshow & Eagle Reserve

Birds of prey in the heart of Jutland’s lake country

Silkeborg Rovfugleshow sits in gently rolling countryside just outside Them, surrounded by woodland and fields that echo the wild habitats of its resident raptors. The site is part eagle reserve, part outdoor arena, and part working farm, creating an unusual blend of wildlife park and rural homestead. Wooden buildings, open paddocks and a simple show ground keep the focus firmly on the animals and the landscape rather than on overt attractions. The core experience is the daily bird-of-prey show, usually lasting about an hour. You take your place on tiered benches facing a grass arena, while falconers introduce one bird after another: golden eagles, vultures, falcons, hawks and owls from Europe and beyond. The setting feels intimate and uncluttered, with the sky above and trees forming a natural backdrop as the birds rise and circle.

Close encounters with wings and talons

Once the show begins, the quiet rural atmosphere is broken by the whoosh of wings overhead. Birds skim low across the audience, sometimes so close that you can feel the air move as they pass. Falcons stoop at remarkable speeds, hawks respond instantly to subtle hand signals, and huge eagles glide in with an almost effortless authority that underlines their status at the top of the food chain. The presentation is deliberately informal and humorous, but also rich in facts about hunting techniques, eyesight, flight adaptations and the threats these species face in the wild. On many days guests are invited to come forward and hold a bird or an owl on a gloved hand, creating a brief but memorable one-to-one encounter. For those wanting to go further, special “falconer for a day” or “walk with a hawk” sessions allow you to work directly with a free-flying bird under expert supervision.

The mysterious Owl Forest and animal neighbours

Entry to the Owl Forest is included with show or bison safari tickets, and it offers a very different kind of experience. Here shaded paths twist through a patch of woodland dotted with aviaries that house some of the world’s largest owl species. A simple quiz-style trail encourages children and adults alike to test their knowledge as they try not to lose their way in the maze of tracks. Between the trees you may glimpse fallow deer moving quietly or encounter domestic ferrets in their enclosures, adding to the sense of a small, mixed animal reserve. Picnic zones, some under cover, are scattered around the area so you can pause with a snack while keeping an eye on the wildlife. The overall feel is hands-on and exploratory rather than heavily curated, inviting you to wander at your own pace.

Bison on the prairie and tastes of the farm

Beyond the raptor arena lies the bison farm, where a herd of American bison graze in spacious paddocks. On public show days, tractor-drawn wagons take small groups out on guided safaris into the fields. Along the way you hear how the herd was established, how the animals are managed, and how bison history spans from Indigenous cultures to near-extinction and modern conservation. Seeing the powerful animals up close, framed by Danish fields and forest, is a striking contrast to the birds overhead. Back near the main buildings, the theme continues at the small café and grill, where bison burgers often feature on the menu. Eating outdoors with views towards the paddocks and deer completes the sense of being on a working, nature-oriented farm rather than in a conventional theme park.

A relaxed, educational family day out

Everything at Silkeborg Rovfugleshow is outdoors or semi-outdoors, so the mood changes with the weather and the season. On bright summer afternoons the arena feels festive and lively; on cooler, overcast days the setting can feel more dramatic as birds cut through low clouds and the surrounding woodland darkens. Practical touches such as benches, covered picnic areas and simple facilities make it easy to linger. Shows are run in Danish, but written information and scripts in English mean international visitors can follow along, and staff are used to answering questions in more than one language. With a typical visit lasting between two and four hours, many people combine the main show, a stroll through the Owl Forest and, when available, a bison safari. The result is a day that mixes entertainment, tangible wildlife encounters and a strong thread of education about predators, prey and the landscapes that support them.