The fine art of falconry at the adventure castle

Experience birds of prey in free flight & learn about the history of falconry

What you should definitely not miss during your visit to Fortress Hohenwerfen is the birds of prey flight demonstration. The falconers and their majestic birds of prey demonstrate their impressive skills several times a day. If you would like to learn more about the fine art of falconry, you should definitely visit the falconry museum, which is also located in the castle.

Experience majestic eagles, falcons & vultures at the bird of prey flight demonstration

Included in the castle entrance fee!

Experience the flying skills of falcons, vultures, eagles and other native birds of prey up close during the daily flight demonstrations in the lower castle courtyard. Feel the power of the wings of these majestic animals. Marvel at the elegant flight maneuvers of the swift-as-an-arrow hunters. The falconers of Fortress Hohenwerfen, who wear historical robes during the demonstrations, provide exciting insights into the centuries-old art of falconry, which is cultivated in the historic Landesfalkenhof.

Falconry has been an intangible UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2012.

Flight demonstrations 2025

April to July 13: 11:15am and 3:15pm
14. July to August 15: 11:15, 14:15 and 16:30
16. August through November 2: 11:15am and 3:15pm

No flying display from October 10 to 12, 2025
Monday closed in April, October and November. Excluding public holidays.

Location: Lindenwiese in the lower castle courtyard
Duration: approx. 25 min (depending on the weather)
Price: included in admission
Accessibility: As the path leads over 100 steps and a steeper descent, the site is not suitable for wheelchairs or baby carriages.
Age: suitable for all ages

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Falconer: more than a profession - a vocation for life

The falconers who work at Fortress Hohenwerfen do this full-time and have passed the hunter and falconer examinations. Some have also completed training at a forestry school or veterinary training. The falconers' homes are located in the Lindenhaus, the heart of the Landesfalkenhof. This guarantees the best possible care for the birds. After all, keeping birds of prey and the art of falconry not only requires extensive knowledge of the animals' biology and behavior as well as time-consuming all-round care, but above all a great deal of empathy and sensitivity as well as love and passion. Being a falconer is not a "normal" profession, not an in-between hobby, but rather a vocation and a life's work.

What to do if you encounter a trained bird of prey in the wild

You can recognize EVERY trained bird of prey by the leather straps and the small bell on its legs.
If a trained bird of prey is sitting on the ground in front of you, keep your distance and DO NOT try to lure or touch it!
Birds of prey are shy animals - enjoy watching and observing them!
Do not throw objects such as stones at the bird of prey!
Avoid using a selfie stick! Birds of prey mistake these for perching opportunities and/or can seriously injure themselves if they collide with them!

What else there is to experience at Fortress Hohenwerfen:

Gastronomy
Gastronomy at Fortress Hohenwerfen Castle
Exhibitions
Offers for school classes
Offers for children & families