Falconry at the Obernberg Eagle Sanctuary

A special kind of excursion - an unusual insight into the impressive world of birds of prey 🦅

Eagles that plummet from the sky in spectacular swoops, falcons that hunt for dummy prey at lightning speed and with agile manoeuvres, mighty vultures with impressive wingspans of up to three metres:

You don't need to lie in wait in the wild to see these fantastic birds up close. A visit to the falconry centre at Obernberg Castle is enough. Guided by a young team of qualified falconers, the animals provide an insight into the wonderful world of birds of prey. Along the way, you will learn interesting facts about falconry, which has been declared a UNESCO cultural heritage, hunting methods, habits and characteristics of the birds. And it's fun too!

Spectacular swoops by various species of eagles and falcons, which vehemently hunt from dummy prey spun in the air with enormous speed and astonishing skill, are just as much a part of the demonstrations as the vultures, which are admirable due to their body size (approx. 15 kg) and wingspan (up to almost 3 metres) and soar over the audience at close quarters.

Of course, during the free-flight demonstration, the birds of prey and falconry shown are reported on in detail in the form of a presentation, including hunting methods, habits, as well as precise data on size, speed, strength and eyesight, and situations in which the birds cause the falconers distress and the spectators laughter.