At the end of the Hagenbach Gorge, Europe's largest bird of prey sanctuary is hidden very inconspicuously. A total of over 300 falcons, buzzards, hawks, eagles and owls are raised here.

From the beginning of April to November you can admire the proud birds here on weekends and public holidays and get to know them better at shows.

You can find more information at greifvogelzuchtstation.at.

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Michael (Wasi)

July 21, 2025

The Hagenbachklamm Bird of Prey Breeding Station is one of the largest private facilities in Europe. It is idyllically located at the end of the Hagenbachklamm Gorge in the Eichenhain Nature Park and is home to over 30 species of birds of prey. It is open on weekends and public holidays, and guided tours are available by appointment—ideally combined with a hike or picnic in the surrounding area.

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Intertrain

September 15, 2022

In 1976, the station was built by Mr. Gerhard Kropf and some friends, in their free time and with countless hours of work, completely free of charge. But the station was not built in a day; it all started with a construction hut on a field.

The reason for this was that the birds of prey were no longer to be taken from the wild for falconry, but to be bred. The private station was immediately open to the public in 1977.

In 1978, the first lugger falcon from the station's own breeding was born. His mother Tina lived to be 38 years old. In 1983, the current station manager, Mr. Erwin Größinger, joined the team. Thanks to his efforts, further offspring followed: Lanner falcon, Peregrine falcon, Saker falcon and Kestrel. The following buzzards: Augur buzzard, Long-tailed buzzard, Jackal buzzard, Desert buzzard and Royal Rough-legged buzzard. Also the Red Kite. The following eagles: golden eagle, steppe eagle, lesser spotted eagle, imperial eagle, wedge-tailed eagle, bald eagle and African fish eagle. There are also griffon vultures, snow vultures and the Andean condor. There are also the following nocturnal birds of prey: snowy owl, Asian and European eagle owl, Virginia eagle owl, spotted eagle owl and great grey owl.

In order to maintain or increase biodiversity, individuals are exchanged with other institutions worldwide. The station has also had repeated breeding successes. Since 2007, for example, the Australian wedge-tailed eagle has been successfully bred. To successfully breed eagles, a preparation period of 10 years or more is required.

However, the initial releases were soon stopped for financial reasons and the purpose of the facility was changed.
The purpose of this facility today is to breed the animals, not only to preserve the species (releases), but also to show visitors the bird of prey up close and to explain its needs and way of life.

Source: greifvogelzuchtstation.at/geschichtliches.html

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Elevation 350 m

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Location: St. Andrä-Wördern, Bezirk Tulln, Mostviertel, Lower Austria, Austria

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