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Locality
Amager Fælled
(Denmark)
55.650108 12.575500
283
Description:
A fill-up locality. In older days used as a garbage dump for the larger part of Copenhagen. However, the eastern part of the area has always remained natural habitat, Strandengen, consisting of coastal meadows. Today the entire area has status as an urban park and is under pressure from an increasing recreational demands, as well as urban claims, especially in the southern part where a new housing project (Fælledby) is being build (2024-26).
The habitat is mostly a mix of open grassland and hawthorn thickets. In the north there is a more forest-like grove, Lunden, and along the eastern border a larger reed-surrounded lake, Grønjordssøen, that some years dries out. In the center of the area larger hills, Højene, have been created serving as lookouts. Strandengen west of Hovedstien is a habitat mainly consisting of tall grasses, hawthorn and various waterholes. This is where you find most dragonflies. Apart from the area being maintained mechanically the vegetation at Strandengen is also controlled by grassing cattle (Scottish Longhorn) and horses. Strandengen-syd east of Hovedstien has a denser grass vegetation with scattered bushes but no waterholes, and it is rare to find dragonflies here. The second largest lake in the area, Vagthussøen, is found on the plateau near the open grassland area in the south. A newly constructed canal, Den landskabelige kanal, is winding its way through the northeastern part of the area, continuing into the neighboring part of the city. Together with Strandengen-syd this is the best locality for dragonflies.
Most waterholes normally dry out during the summer months, depending on the amount of rain we get (less than average from 2020 forward).
INTERESTS:
BIRDS:
Most interesting as a spring locality where migrants tend to be 'funneled' here and being trapped as they meet the urban wall on their way north. Especially Phylloscopus warblers can be found in large numbers on passage. Thrush Nightingale used to have a breeding stronghold here, and is still present, but with the brutal maintenance of the area where live stock is introduced and understory in general being removed, they have a hard time. Marsh Warblers can also still be found, as well as a few Icterine Warblers and Common Grasshopper Warbler. Greater Whitethroat is very common. Grønjordssøen holds several breeding duck species (Garganey, Tufted Duck, Common Pochard, Mallard, Graylag Goose and more) and both Red-necked and Little Grebe. In 2024 two Horned Grebes were tempted by the locality and stayed for several weeks before heading north. Bearded Reedlings, Sedge and Reed Warblers too can be found in the reedbeds. In 2025 a Red-necked Phalarope stayed for several days. In older days, 50 years ago, both Short-eared Owl and Rough-legged Hawk were common winter visitors, when the area was more open and less visited. Both species are now rare; at the locality and in Denmark in general. Kanalstien running along the western edge of Strandengen can be very good for spring passerines, mainly local.
DRAGONFLIES:
The best places to find dragonflies in general is along Strandengen at the various waterholes there, and the newly-build canal in the north, Den Landskabelige Kanal. Vagthussøen on the plateau is also housing a few species.
DLK-nord:
splendens, puella, pulchelum, cyathigerum, najas, viridulum, elegans, mixta, imperator, parthenope, isoceles, aenea, quadrimaculata, cancellatum, sanguineum, striolatum, vulgatum (17) -- Including both sides of Hovedkanalen at the north end of the canal. The western part is far the best. In general one of the most attractive places to look for dragonflies on the island. Early in the season you look for damselflies in the adjacent grassy parts along the canal, especially on the north side of the western part. Particularly good for najas, being the best locality on the island. Splendens has been seen once, in 2025, and a single observation of parthenope in 2023 is the only second observation on the island.
DLK-syd:
splendens, sponsa, puella, pulchelum, cyathigerum, najas, viridulum, elegans, cyanea, grandis, mixta, imperator, pratense, aenea, erythraea, rubicunda, quadrimaculata, cancellatum, sanguineum, striolatum (20) -- Mainly referring to the bend near Hovedstien and the south-going part leading toward Ørestad Boulevard. Splendens has been found twice, in 2015 and 2025, and with the observation at DLK-nord in 2025 the canal in general is the absolutely best place to look for the species on the island. Large numbers of blue damselflies can be found here, on the water and in the adjacent grass. Also the only site where rubicunda has been found, latest in 2025. It has been seen here twice, and with only one more observation on the island, this makes dlk-syd thee best place to look for this species (unknown why this is). And being one of only two observations on the island, this was where a male erythraea was found in 2020.
Grønjordssøen:
mixta, cancellatum (2) -- The largest lake in the area. Open water in the north, and constantly reed-filled in the south. Some years the water dries out completely, which might be caused by climate changes, but perhaps also new maintenance procedures, with a more rigid control of the water flows in the general area, both supplying Den Landskabelig Kanal, and perhaps to protect the coming Fælledby. In 2023 the authorities decided to fill up the basin after the lake had dried out completely; I think, the fluctuating conditions are too stressful for the eco-system in general, though some dragonflies might find it favorable. The alarmingly short species list, is probably so because of lack of proper studies. Personally, I rarely take the time to check the lake, and this mainly because there normally is nothing to see..! Re-enforcing effect, I know. However, the grassy patches in-between the hawthorn thicket on the western side, I include in Strandengen-midt, which probably steals a few damselflies away from the list. There are trails or roads allowing you to walk the complete perimeter of the lake.
Kanalstien:
puella, elegans, quadrimaculata (3) -- I mainly visit when looking for birds too, but two early quadrimaculata on April 30 in 2025 probably is an indication of more to be found. The damselflies might be visitors from the waterholes at Strandengen or locals from the canal. I'm not sure.
Strandengen-midt:
dryas, sponsa, puella, pulchellum, cyathigerum, elegans, cyanea, mixta, imperator, pratense, aenea, depressa, quadrimaculata, cancellatum, fonscolombii, sanguineum, striolatum (17) -- Depressa has a stronghold here at the waterhole in the southeast corner of this area, and it was also here the only fonscolombii, a female, was found here in 2024.
Strandengen-nord:
sponsa, puella, pulchellum, cyathigerum, elegans, mixta, imperator, depressa, quadrimaculata, cancellatum, flaveolum, sanguineum, striolatum, vulgatum (14) -- A single flaveolum male, was found here in the tall grass in 2025.
Strandengen-syd (west of Hovedstien):
dryas, sponsa, puella, pulchelum, cyathigerum, elegans, pumilio, affinis, mixta, imperator, depressa, quadrimaculata, flaveolum, sanguineum, striolatum (15) -- The wet meadow north of the dirt road curving through the area holds a good population of dryas. The water holes on the south side had several affinis in 2024 including a young female, and in 2025 both male and female flaveolum showed up in good numbers, including egg-laying.
Vagthussøen:
puella, cyathigerum, viridulum, elegans, cyanea, mixta, imperator, aenea, quadrimaculata, cancellatum, sanguineum (11) -- Good for viridulum. A few of the plant, Water-soldier [Krebseklo], was found in 2025, and being the vital host plant for viridis-larvae, hope is that they keep spreading and the dragonfly one day establishes itself on the island.
ACCESS (free 24/7):
On bike or on foot.
Limited by Artillerivej to the west, Vejlands Alle to the south and Ørestads Boulevard to the east. You can access the area from all sides where paths reach the perimeter, see map. If you arrive in car you can park at the parking lot, free of charge, at the northwest corner of the Plateau, entering from Artillerivej.
There are trails and roads practically everywhere, and no restrictions where to move about. If the cattle is out, on Strandengen, don't approach them. They are normally harmless, but their long horns could easily cause damage in a moment of eagerness or panic.
The habitat is mostly a mix of open grassland and hawthorn thickets. In the north there is a more forest-like grove, Lunden, and along the eastern border a larger reed-surrounded lake, Grønjordssøen, that some years dries out. In the center of the area larger hills, Højene, have been created serving as lookouts. Strandengen west of Hovedstien is a habitat mainly consisting of tall grasses, hawthorn and various waterholes. This is where you find most dragonflies. Apart from the area being maintained mechanically the vegetation at Strandengen is also controlled by grassing cattle (Scottish Longhorn) and horses. Strandengen-syd east of Hovedstien has a denser grass vegetation with scattered bushes but no waterholes, and it is rare to find dragonflies here. The second largest lake in the area, Vagthussøen, is found on the plateau near the open grassland area in the south. A newly constructed canal, Den landskabelige kanal, is winding its way through the northeastern part of the area, continuing into the neighboring part of the city. Together with Strandengen-syd this is the best locality for dragonflies.
Most waterholes normally dry out during the summer months, depending on the amount of rain we get (less than average from 2020 forward).
INTERESTS:
BIRDS:
Most interesting as a spring locality where migrants tend to be 'funneled' here and being trapped as they meet the urban wall on their way north. Especially Phylloscopus warblers can be found in large numbers on passage. Thrush Nightingale used to have a breeding stronghold here, and is still present, but with the brutal maintenance of the area where live stock is introduced and understory in general being removed, they have a hard time. Marsh Warblers can also still be found, as well as a few Icterine Warblers and Common Grasshopper Warbler. Greater Whitethroat is very common. Grønjordssøen holds several breeding duck species (Garganey, Tufted Duck, Common Pochard, Mallard, Graylag Goose and more) and both Red-necked and Little Grebe. In 2024 two Horned Grebes were tempted by the locality and stayed for several weeks before heading north. Bearded Reedlings, Sedge and Reed Warblers too can be found in the reedbeds. In 2025 a Red-necked Phalarope stayed for several days. In older days, 50 years ago, both Short-eared Owl and Rough-legged Hawk were common winter visitors, when the area was more open and less visited. Both species are now rare; at the locality and in Denmark in general. Kanalstien running along the western edge of Strandengen can be very good for spring passerines, mainly local.
DRAGONFLIES:
The best places to find dragonflies in general is along Strandengen at the various waterholes there, and the newly-build canal in the north, Den Landskabelige Kanal. Vagthussøen on the plateau is also housing a few species.
DLK-nord:
splendens, puella, pulchelum, cyathigerum, najas, viridulum, elegans, mixta, imperator, parthenope, isoceles, aenea, quadrimaculata, cancellatum, sanguineum, striolatum, vulgatum (17) -- Including both sides of Hovedkanalen at the north end of the canal. The western part is far the best. In general one of the most attractive places to look for dragonflies on the island. Early in the season you look for damselflies in the adjacent grassy parts along the canal, especially on the north side of the western part. Particularly good for najas, being the best locality on the island. Splendens has been seen once, in 2025, and a single observation of parthenope in 2023 is the only second observation on the island.
DLK-syd:
splendens, sponsa, puella, pulchelum, cyathigerum, najas, viridulum, elegans, cyanea, grandis, mixta, imperator, pratense, aenea, erythraea, rubicunda, quadrimaculata, cancellatum, sanguineum, striolatum (20) -- Mainly referring to the bend near Hovedstien and the south-going part leading toward Ørestad Boulevard. Splendens has been found twice, in 2015 and 2025, and with the observation at DLK-nord in 2025 the canal in general is the absolutely best place to look for the species on the island. Large numbers of blue damselflies can be found here, on the water and in the adjacent grass. Also the only site where rubicunda has been found, latest in 2025. It has been seen here twice, and with only one more observation on the island, this makes dlk-syd thee best place to look for this species (unknown why this is). And being one of only two observations on the island, this was where a male erythraea was found in 2020.
Grønjordssøen:
mixta, cancellatum (2) -- The largest lake in the area. Open water in the north, and constantly reed-filled in the south. Some years the water dries out completely, which might be caused by climate changes, but perhaps also new maintenance procedures, with a more rigid control of the water flows in the general area, both supplying Den Landskabelig Kanal, and perhaps to protect the coming Fælledby. In 2023 the authorities decided to fill up the basin after the lake had dried out completely; I think, the fluctuating conditions are too stressful for the eco-system in general, though some dragonflies might find it favorable. The alarmingly short species list, is probably so because of lack of proper studies. Personally, I rarely take the time to check the lake, and this mainly because there normally is nothing to see..! Re-enforcing effect, I know. However, the grassy patches in-between the hawthorn thicket on the western side, I include in Strandengen-midt, which probably steals a few damselflies away from the list. There are trails or roads allowing you to walk the complete perimeter of the lake.
Kanalstien:
puella, elegans, quadrimaculata (3) -- I mainly visit when looking for birds too, but two early quadrimaculata on April 30 in 2025 probably is an indication of more to be found. The damselflies might be visitors from the waterholes at Strandengen or locals from the canal. I'm not sure.
Strandengen-midt:
dryas, sponsa, puella, pulchellum, cyathigerum, elegans, cyanea, mixta, imperator, pratense, aenea, depressa, quadrimaculata, cancellatum, fonscolombii, sanguineum, striolatum (17) -- Depressa has a stronghold here at the waterhole in the southeast corner of this area, and it was also here the only fonscolombii, a female, was found here in 2024.
Strandengen-nord:
sponsa, puella, pulchellum, cyathigerum, elegans, mixta, imperator, depressa, quadrimaculata, cancellatum, flaveolum, sanguineum, striolatum, vulgatum (14) -- A single flaveolum male, was found here in the tall grass in 2025.
Strandengen-syd (west of Hovedstien):
dryas, sponsa, puella, pulchelum, cyathigerum, elegans, pumilio, affinis, mixta, imperator, depressa, quadrimaculata, flaveolum, sanguineum, striolatum (15) -- The wet meadow north of the dirt road curving through the area holds a good population of dryas. The water holes on the south side had several affinis in 2024 including a young female, and in 2025 both male and female flaveolum showed up in good numbers, including egg-laying.
Vagthussøen:
puella, cyathigerum, viridulum, elegans, cyanea, mixta, imperator, aenea, quadrimaculata, cancellatum, sanguineum (11) -- Good for viridulum. A few of the plant, Water-soldier [Krebseklo], was found in 2025, and being the vital host plant for viridis-larvae, hope is that they keep spreading and the dragonfly one day establishes itself on the island.
ACCESS (free 24/7):
On bike or on foot.
Limited by Artillerivej to the west, Vejlands Alle to the south and Ørestads Boulevard to the east. You can access the area from all sides where paths reach the perimeter, see map. If you arrive in car you can park at the parking lot, free of charge, at the northwest corner of the Plateau, entering from Artillerivej.
There are trails and roads practically everywhere, and no restrictions where to move about. If the cattle is out, on Strandengen, don't approach them. They are normally harmless, but their long horns could easily cause damage in a moment of eagerness or panic.
Vagthussøen
Den landskabelige kanal - nord (DLK-nord)
Strandengen-nord
Strandengen-midt
Strandengen-syd
Kanalstien
