You’ll sit beneath soaring eagles and hawks at Falconeria Locarno, feeling their power up close during a live show with local trainers. Watch owls sweep over your head, learn about ancient falconry traditions, and explore peaceful park paths after the show. The memory of those silent wings will stick with you long after you leave.
I didn’t expect to flinch when the eagle swooped so low — but honestly, you could feel the wind from its wings. The Falconeria in Locarno isn’t like any zoo or animal park I’ve visited before. We got there just before the 11am show (skipped the ticket queue, which was a relief because I’m not a morning person), and you could already hear this low hum from all the families and kids piling onto the benches. I remember this older guy next to us — probably a regular — nodding knowingly as if he knew what was coming. I kind of envied that.
The trainers, all locals as far as I could tell, really seemed to know each bird by heart. One of them — Marco? Mario? (I missed his name) — grinned when a marabou stork strutted right past his boots like it owned the place. He explained bits in Italian first, then switched to English for us stragglers. The way he talked about falconry’s roots in Persia and Arabia made me realize how old this whole tradition is. You could smell damp grass underfoot and something earthy from the birds’ feathers — not unpleasant, just real.
I tried to snap a photo of an owl mid-flight but fumbled with my phone; ended up just watching instead. There’s this moment when everything goes quiet except for the wings beating overhead, and even the kids stopped fidgeting for once. It’s hard to describe — you’re sitting in these big covered stands (which is good because Locarno weather can flip fast), but somehow you feel part of it all. Afterward we wandered through the park for a bit, still talking about which bird was our favorite. I keep thinking about that sudden hush when the hawk landed right in front of us — felt oddly personal, you know?
Shows are held daily at 11am and 3pm during summer months.
Yes, the park is wheelchair accessible throughout.
Yes, infants and small children can attend; those under 3 enter free.
The tribune has seating for up to 600 guests per show.
Yes, seating is sheltered for both sunny and rainy days.
Yes, public transportation options are available nearby.
Yes, service animals are permitted on site.
Your day includes entry tickets to Falconeria Locarno with access to both the live birds of prey show (choose between 11am or 3pm) and time to explore the park itself at your own pace—plus sheltered seating so weather won’t spoil your visit.
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