Oude Kooi - Nature

The Oude Kooi is a special cultural-historical monument on Vlieland. This duck decoy tells the story of a centuries-old method of hunting and nature management.

What can you expect at the Oude Kooi on Vlieland?

• Historic heritage: The Oude Kooi was created in 1898 as a duck decoy. Using a pond and four catching pipes, wild ducks were once caught here for consumption.
  However, the enterprise was not a success, and in 1911 the agreement was terminated. Since then, the decoy has no longer been used for hunting, but instead serves as an educational decoy.
• Naming: The decoy was given the name Oude Kooi after a second decoy, the Nieuwe Kooi, was later created.
• Restoration and preservation: In 1980, the decoyman’s house was restored by Staatsbosbeheer. The house is now used as an official residence for the forest ranger.
  In 2008, the duck decoy itself was restored and one catching pipe was returned to its original state. This allows you to clearly see how ducks used to be driven into the decoy.
• Educational function: Today, it is no longer a catching place, but a unique location where the history of duck decoys is told and where visitors can learn more about nature management, traditional catching techniques and the life of the decoymen.

Walking route

• Walking route through the Oude Kooi: Staatsbosbeheer has set out a walking route of 1.3 kilometres. This walk takes about 45 minutes and starts at number 2 on the Postweg. Follow the blue marker posts and discover along the way:
  • The decoyman’s house and the surrounding grasslands
  • The decoy wood with its characteristic trees
  • Beautiful ferns and oak trees along narrow paths
  • The restored catching pipe where you can see the catching mechanism
• Walking time: The route is approximately 1.3 km long and takes about 45 minutes.

Practical information

• Location: The Oude Kooi is located roughly in the middle of the island, on the Wadden Sea side. The distance from Oost-Vlieland is about five kilometres, ideal for a cycle ride or walk there.
• Accessibility: Please note that there are narrow paths and that ferns sometimes grow over the path. Good footwear is recommended.

Visit the Oude Kooi and discover a unique piece of cultural history and nature experience on Vlieland!

Furthermore Oude Kooi is near the following sights: Pad van Twintig (±800 m), Dodemansbol (±950 m), Birdwatching Hide Dodemansbol (±950 m), Nieuwe Kooi (±1,2 km) & Viewpoint Bomenland (±1,4 km).

For information

Postweg 2, Vlieland