The facility is one of the oldest and largest raptor research and flight demonstration stations in Europe.
The park features a specialized program for the rehabilitation of injured birds of prey and owls found in the wild.
The flight demonstrations are conducted in a massive outdoor arena specifically designed to utilize the natural wind conditions of the Eifel hills.
The wildlife enclosure allows several species to roam in large, semi-natural habitat areas rather than traditional small cages.
The park's location in the Eifel National Park buffer zone supports regional biodiversity and local ecology programs.
Greifvogelstation & Wildfreigehege Hellenthal is a long-standing wildlife sanctuary in the Eifel region known for its extensive flight demonstrations featuring raptors like eagles, falcons, and owls. The park operates a large-scale open-air wildlife enclosure that houses indigenous species such as red deer, fallow deer, and wild boar. Visitors can walk through a circular trail that spans several kilometers across hilly forest terrain. The facility includes a dedicated bird station that serves as a research and rehabilitation center for injured raptors. Interactive feeding demonstrations occur daily, allowing close-up observation of both predators and ungulates. The layout combines managed wildlife zones with natural woodland environments, necessitating significant walking. Educational boards throughout the park explain the biology and conservation status of the resident species.
The flight arena during the raptor demonstration provides the best opportunity for action shots of birds in flight.
Wear sturdy, non-slip footwear as the terrain is hilly and can be muddy.
Bring binoculars to get a better view of the raptors during the free-flight demonstrations.
Arrive early to secure a seat in the flight arena, as it fills quickly during peak weekends.
Avoid rushing through the park; the animal encounters and flight demonstrations require patience and fixed observation times.
Open daily, but bird flight demonstrations may be cancelled or reduced during extreme weather conditions such as high winds or heavy storms.
Do not feed the animals outside of designated areas, keep noise levels low near nesting enclosures, and remain on marked forest paths.
