IMG
© Manuel Schweizer

Fanel & Chablais de Cudrefin

46.97901 , 7.04233

Switzerland

The Fanel and Chablais de Cudrefin is perhaps the best bird watching area in Switzerland. Is an Important Bird Area (IBA) and part of the Ramsar Wetlands Convention. More than 300 different species have been observed here, including notable breeding birds like Little Bittern, Savi's Warbler or Bearded Reedling, but also numerous migrants and vagrants.

Located at the northern end of Lake Neuchâtel, Fanel and Chablais de Cudrefin are part of the Grand Cariçaie, the largest contiguous wetland in Switzerland. The dominant habitats are reedbeds and alluvial forests, there are also various flat ponds and two large artificial breeding islands. At the entrance of the area is the BirdLife Nature Centre La Sauge, which offers an exhibition about the area and some ponds and observation hides, where waterbirds can be observed and photographed at close range.

Delete exact location

The introductory text should contain general information about the site, which may include for instance:
• geographic/ biogeographic location
• habitat and vegetation
• typical bird species/bird communities
• protection status
• land use and history
• importance for birdwatching

Coordinates were set by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) : 46.9790/7.0423 (2020-11-06 19:30:47 )

Site name was set by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) as "Fanel & Chablais De Cudrefin" (2020-11-06 19:30:47 )

Edited by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) on 2021-04-24 08:02:04
The Fanel and Chablais de Cudrefin is perhaps the best bird watching area in Switzerland. Is an Important Bird Area (IBA) and part of the Ramsar Wetlands Convention. More than 300 different species have been observed here, including notable breeding birds like Little Bittern, Savi's Warbler or Bearded Reedling, but also numerous migrants and vagrants. Located at the northern end of Lake Neuchâtel, the Fanel and Chablais de Cudrefin is are part of the Grand Cariçaie, the largest contiguous wetland in Switzerland. The dominant habitats are reedbeds and alluvial forests, there are also various flat ponds and two large artificial breeding islands. At the entrance of the area is the BirdLife Nature Centre La Sauge, which offers an exhibition about the area and some ponds and observation hides, where waterbirds can be observed and photographed at close range.
Edited by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) on 2021-04-23 09:10:06
The Fanel and Chablais de Cudrefin is perhaps the best bird watching area in Switzerland. Is an Important Bird Area (IBA) and part of the Ramsar Wetlands Convention. More than 300 different species have been observed here, including notable breeding birds like Little Bittern, Savi's Warbler or Bearded Reedling, but also numerous migrants and vagrants. Located at the northern end of Lake Neuchâtel, the Fanel and Chablais de Cudrefin is part of the Grand Cariçaie, the largest contiguous wetland in Switzerland. The dominant habitats are reedbeds and alluvial forests, there are also various flat ponds and two large artificial breeding islands. At the entrance of the area is the BirdLife Nature Centre La Sauge, which offers an exhibition about the area and some ponds and observation hides, where waterbirds can be observed and photographed at close range.

  • Top species

List up to ca. 25 species that:
• have a limited distribution range and/or are rare on a global level
• are most sought-after by birdwatchers at this site
• and are relatively easy to see at this site (year-round or seasonally)

Greater White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons)
Tundra Bean-Goose (Anser serrirostris)
Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus)
Ferruginous Duck (Aythya nyroca)
Smew (Mergellus albellus)
European Turtle-Dove (Streptopelia turtur)
Great Bittern (Botaurus stellaris)
Little Bittern (Ixobrychus minutus)
Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax)
Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea)
Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (Dryobates minor)
Great Gray Shrike (Lanius excubitor)
Willow Tit (Poecile montanus)
Eurasian Penduline-Tit (Remiz pendulinus)
Bearded Reedling (Panurus biarmicus)
Great Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus arundinaceus)
Savi's Warbler (Locustella luscinioides)
Bluethroat (Luscinia svecica)

Whiskered Tern (Chlidonias hybrida) was deleted by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2021-05-30 11:56:05)

Whiskered Tern (Chlidonias hybrida) was added by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2021-05-30 11:40:51)

Red-breasted Merganser (Mergus serrator) was deleted by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2021-04-23 14:23:25)

Willow Tit (Poecile montanus) was added by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2021-04-23 13:32:51)

Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (Dryobates minor) was added by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2021-04-23 11:04:23)

Great Bittern (Botaurus stellaris) was added by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2021-04-23 09:42:00)

European Stonechat (Saxicola rubicola) was deleted by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2021-04-23 09:28:41)

European Stonechat (Saxicola rubicola) was added by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2021-04-23 09:27:05)

Red-breasted Merganser (Mergus serrator) was added by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2021-04-23 09:25:44)

Ferruginous Duck (Aythya nyroca) was added by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2021-04-23 09:25:16)

Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) was added by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2021-04-23 09:24:31)

Greater White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons) was added by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2021-04-23 09:24:12)

Tundra Bean-Goose (Anser serrirostris) was added by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2021-04-23 09:23:52)

Great Gray Shrike (Lanius excubitor) was added by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2021-04-23 09:22:30)

Eurasian Penduline-Tit (Remiz pendulinus) was added by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2021-04-23 09:22:02)

Bearded Reedling (Panurus biarmicus) was added by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2021-04-23 09:21:47)

Great Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus arundinaceus) was added by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2021-04-23 09:21:31)

Savi's Warbler (Locustella luscinioides) was added by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2021-04-23 09:21:24)

Bluethroat (Luscinia svecica) was added by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2021-04-23 09:21:12)

European Turtle-Dove (Streptopelia turtur) was added by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2021-04-23 09:20:34)

Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea) was added by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2021-04-23 09:19:52)

Little Bittern (Ixobrychus minutus) was added by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2021-04-23 09:19:37)

Smew (Mergellus albellus) was added by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2021-04-23 09:19:19)

Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus) was added by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2021-04-23 09:18:53)

  • Timing and strategy

The Fanel and Chablais de Cudrefin is attractive for birdwatchers all year round. April through June is the best time to spot the local breeding birds. Spring (April and May) and autumn (August to October) are particularly productive for migrants like shorebirds, terns or various passerines. November through March is the time when numerous winter guests like geese and ducks are around. Surprises are possible at any time.

Early morning is often the best time, especially for the local breeders. Because the area is quite large, it is worth spending a whole day here. The best way to get around the area is on foot. Bicycling is prohibited on many trails.

A visit to the BirdLife Nature Centre La Sauge is especially worthwhile to learn more about the area and to get close views at some of the typical local bird species, including Common Kingfisher.

Guided walks can be booked at the BirdLife Nature Centre (see here for details). 

Give recommendations for making your visit as productive as possible.
This may include for instance:
• best season
• best time of the day
• how much time to spend at the site
• best means of locomotion within the site
• recommended routes / areas within the site
• guiding

Edited by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) on 2021-04-23 11:05
The Fanel and Chablais de Cudrefin is attractive for birdwatchers all year round. April through June is the best time to spot the local breeding birds. Spring (April and May) and autumn (August to October) are particularly productive for migrants like shorebirds, terns or various passerines. November through March is the time when numerous winter guests like geese and ducks are around. Surprises are possible at any time. Early morning is often the best time, especially for the local breeders. Because the area is quite large, it is worth spending a whole day here. The best way to get around the area is on foot. Bicycling is prohibited on many trails. A visit to the BirdLife Nature Centre La Sauge is especially worthwhile to learn more about the area and to get close views at some of the typical local bird species, including Common Kingfisher. Guided walks can be booked at the BirdLife Nature Centre La Sauge (see here for details). 
Edited by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) on 2021-04-23 11:03
The Fanel and Chablais de Cudrefin is attractive for birdwatchers all year round. April through June is the best time to spot the local breeding birds. Spring (April and May) and autumn (August to October) are particularly productive for migrants like shorebirds, terns or various passerines. November through March is the time when numerous winter guests like geese and ducks are around. Surprises are possible at any time. Early morning is often the best time, especially for the local breeders. Because the area is quite large, it is worth spending a whole day here. The best way to get around the area is on foot. Bicycling is prohibited on many trails. A visit to the BirdLife Nature Centre is especially worthwhile to learn more about the area and to get close views at some of the typical local bird species, including Common Kingfisher. Guided walks can be booked at the BirdLife Nature Centre La Sauge (see here for details). 
  • How to get there

The easiest way to get to the site is by car. However, it is advisable to reach the Fanel and Chablais de Cudrefin by bike from Ins. On the way you drive through the agricultural areas of Witzwil, where birding can be very rewarding. The direct bike ride from Ins takes around 20 minutes. Bicycles can be rented at the train station in Ins.

Alternatively, you can take the bus to "Cudrefin, La Sauge" from Ins or Avenches, but there are not that many connections (see timetable). La Sauge can also be reached by scheduled boat from Neuchâtel, Murten or Biel/Bienne (timetable).

Explain from where and how to get to this site with private and public transport.

Edited by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) on 2021-04-23 12:32
The easiest way to get to the site is by car. However, it is advisable to reach the Fanel and Chablais de Cudrefin by bike from Ins. On the way you drive through the agricultural areas of Witzwil, where birding can be very rewarding. The direct bike ride from Ins takes around 20 minutes. Bicycles can be rented at the train station in Ins. Alternatively, you can take the bus to "Cudrefin, La Sauge" from Ins or Avenches, but there are not that many connections (see timetable). La Sauge can also be reached by scheduled boat from Neuchâtel, Murten or Biel/Bienne (timetable).

The starting point for exploring Fanel and Chablais de Cudrefin is La Sauge. The area is accessible all year round and around the clock. However, the two observation towers are only accessible to members and a key must be reserved in advance (see map for details). The BirdLife Nature Centre is only accessible during opening hours and for an entrance fee (see here for details).

The area is protected, please do not leave the path under any circumstances.

Provide information on how to enter this site, which may include:
• entry points
• entry permits / entry tickets and fees
• opening hours / opening season
• other restrictions

Note that this section should only contain information on how to ACCESS (= enter) a site. Info on how to REACH a site should be added to "How to get there" section.

Edited by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) on 2021-04-23 20:37
The starting point for exploring Fanel and Chablais de Cudrefin is La Sauge. The area is accessible all year round and around the clock. However, the two observation towers are only accessible to members and a key must be reserved in advance to access the observation towers (see map for details). The BirdLife Nature Centre is only accessible during opening hours and for an entrance fee (see here for details). The area is protected, please do not leave the path under any circumstances.
Edited by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) on 2021-04-23 13:31
The starting point for exploring Fanel and Chablais de Cudrefin is La Sauge. The area is accessible all year round and around the clock. However, a key must be reserved in advance to access the observation towers (see map for details). The BirdLife Nature Centre is only accessible during opening hours and for an entrance fee (see here for details). The area is protected, please do not leave the path under any circumstances.
  • Other attractions

Various interesting mammal species are found in the area. Beavers can occasionally be seen in the Broye Canal. Nowhere in Switzerland are wild boars so easy to observe as here, they often show up along the reed banks. The wildcat is also found in the area, but it takes a lot of luck encounter one.

Add information about other attractions at this site, including
• wildlife (apart from birds)
• sights (natural, cultural, archaeological, etc.)
• activities (e.g. for non-birding companions)

Edited by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) on 2021-04-23 13:39
Various interesting mammal species are found in the area. Beavers can occasionally be seen in the Broye Canal. Nowhere in Switzerland are wild boars so easy to observe as here, they often show up along the reed banks. The wildcat is also found in the area, but it takes a lot of luck encounter one.

To obtain more information about the area, visit the BirdLife Nature Centre at La Sauge. The Auberge de La Sauge offers accommodation. The Auberge also has a restaurant. There are simple overnight accommodations in the "Fanelhaus" and in the Neuchâtel Tower in the middle of the area, but reservations must be made in advance (see map for details). There is a camping at Cudrefin not far from the area.

To visit the two observation towers in Fanel, the "Tour de Neuchâtel" and the "Berner Turm", you need to apply for the keys in advance. For the Neuchâtel tower, contact Christophe Sahli from Nos Oiseaux (you need to be a member). The keys for the Bernese tower can be picket up at the counter in Ins train station, but you need to be a member of the BirdLife Bern or Ala Schweiz.

Provide information about what type of facilities are available at
or near this site, including:
• information centers / information points
• catering
• accommodation
• hides and watchtowers
• restrooms / toilets

Edited by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) on 2024-04-05 15:46
To obtain more information about the area, visit the BirdLife Nature Centre at La Sauge. The Auberge de La Sauge offers accommodation. The Auberge also has a restaurant. There are simple overnight accommodations in the "Fanelhaus" and in the Neuchâtel Tower in the middle of the area, but reservations must be made in advance (see map for details). There is a camping at Cudrefin not far from the area. To visit the two observation towers in Fanel, the "Tour de Neuchâtel" and the "Berner Turm", you need to apply for the keys in advance. For the Neuchâtel tower, contact Christophe Sahli from Nos Oiseaux (you need to be a member). The keys for the Bernese tower can be picket up at the counter in Ins train station, but you need to be a member of the Berner Ala BirdLife Bern or Ala Schweiz.
Edited by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) on 2021-05-31 11:33
To obtain more information about the area, visit the BirdLife Nature Centre at La Sauge. The Auberge de La Sauge offers accommodation. The Auberge also has a restaurant. There are simple overnight accommodations in the "Fanelhaus" and in the Neuchâtel Tower in the middle of the area, but reservations must be made in advance (see map for details). There is a camping at Cudrefin not far from the area. To visit the two observation towers in Fanel, the "Tour de Neuchâtel" and the "Berner Turm", you need to apply for the keys in advance. For the Neuchâtel tower, contact Christophe Sahli from Nos Oiseaux (you need to be a member). The keys for the Bernese tower can be picket up at the counter in Ins train station, but you need to be a member of the Berner Ala or Ala Schweiz. Let's add more content!Schweiz.
Edited by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) on 2021-05-30 12:03
To obtain more information about the area, visit the BirdLife Nature Centre at La Sauge. The Auberge de La Sauge offers accommodation. The Auberge also has a restaurant. There are simple overnight accommodations in the "Fanelhaus" and in the Neuchâtel Tower in the middle of the area, but reservations must be made in advance (see map for details). There is a camping at Cudrefin not far from the area. To visit the two observation towers in Fanel, the "Tour de Neuchâtel" and the "Berner Turm", you need to apply for the keys in advance. For the Neuchâtel tower, contact Christophe Sahli from Nos Oiseaux (you need to be a member). The keys for the Bernese tower can be picket up at the counter in Ins train station, but you need to be a member of the Berner Ala or Ala Schweiz.Schweiz. Let's add more content!
Edited by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) on 2021-05-30 12:03
To obtain more information about the area, visit the BirdLife Nature Centre at La Sauge. The Auberge de La Sauge offers accommodation. The Auberge also has a restaurant. There are simple overnight accommodations in the "Fanelhaus" and in the Neuchâtel Tower in the middle of the area, but reservations must be made in advance (see map for details). There is a camping at Cudrefin not far from the area. Let's add some more content! area. To visit the two observation towers in Fanel, the "Tour de Neuchâtel" and the "Berner Turm", you need to apply for the keys in advance. For the Neuchâtel tower, contact Christophe Sahli from Nos Oiseaux (you need to be a member). The keys for the Bernese tower can be picket up at the counter in Ins train station, but you need to be a member of the Berner Ala or Ala Schweiz.
Edited by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) on 2021-05-30 11:37
To obtain more information about the area, visit the BirdLife Nature Centre at La Sauge. The Auberge de La Sauge offers accommodation. The Auberge also has a restaurant. There are simple overnight accommodations in the "Fanelhaus" and in the Neuchâtel Tower in the middle of the area, but reservations must be made in advance (see map for details). There is a camping at Cudrefin not far from the area. area. Let's add some more content! To visit the two observation towers in Fanel, the "Tour de Neuchâtel" and the "Berner Turm", you need to apply for the keys in advance. For the Neuchâtel tower, contact Christophe Sahli from Nos Oiseaux (you need to be a member). The keys for the Bernese tower can be picket up at the counter in Ins train station, but you need to be a member of the Berner Ala or Ala Schweiz.
Edited by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) on 2021-05-30 09:18
To obtain more information about the area, visit the BirdLife Nature Centre at La Sauge. The Auberge de La Sauge offers accommodation. The Auberge also has a restaurant. There are simple overnight accommodations in the "Fanelhaus" and in the Neuchâtel Tower in the middle of the area, but reservations must be made in advance (see map for details). There is a camping at Cudrefin not far from the area. Let's add some more content! area. To visit the two observation towers in Fanel, the "Tour de Neuchâtel" and the "Berner Turm", you need to apply for the keys in advance. For the Neuchâtel tower, contact Christophe Sahli from Nos Oiseaux (you need to be a member). The keys for the Bernese tower can be picket up at the counter in Ins train station, but you need to be a member of the Berner Ala or Ala Schweiz. Let's add some more content.Schweiz.
Edited by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) on 2021-05-30 09:00
To obtain more information about the area, visit the BirdLife Nature Centre at La Sauge. The Auberge de La Sauge offers accommodation. The Auberge also has a restaurant. There are simple overnight accommodations in the "Fanelhaus" and in the Neuchâtel Tower in the middle of the area, but reservations must be made in advance (see map for details). There is a camping at Cudrefin not far from the area. area. Let's add some more content! To visit the two observation towers in Fanel, the "Tour de Neuchâtel" and the "Berner Turm", you need to apply for the keys in advance. For the Neuchâtel tower, contact Christophe Sahli from Nos Oiseaux (you need to be a member). The keys for the Bernese tower can be picket up at the counter in Ins train station, but you need to be a member of the Berner Ala or Ala Schweiz. Let's add some more content.
Edited by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) on 2021-05-30 08:53
To obtain more information about the area, visit the BirdLife Nature Centre at La Sauge. The Auberge de La Sauge offers accommodation. The Auberge also has a restaurant. There are simple overnight accommodations in the "Fanelhaus" and in the Neuchâtel Tower in the middle of the area, but reservations must be made in advance (see map for details). There is a camping at Cudrefin not far from the area. To visit the two observation towers in Fanel, the "Tour de Neuchâtel" and the "Berner Turm", you need to apply for the keys in advance. For the Neuchâtel tower, contact Christophe Sahli from Nos Oiseaux (you need to be a member). The keys for the Bernese tower can be picket up at the counter in Ins train station, but you need to be a member of the Berner Ala or Ala Schweiz.Schweiz. Let's add some more content.
Edited by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) on 2021-04-23 17:47
To obtain more information about the area, visit the BirdLife Nature Centre at La Sauge. The Auberge de La Sauge offers accommodation. The Auberge also has a restaurant. There are simple overnight accommodations in the "Fanelhaus" and in the Neuchâtel Tower in the middle of the area, but reservations must be made in advance (see map for details). There is a camping at Cudrefin not far from the area. To visit the two observation towers in Fanel, the "Tour de Neuchâtel" and the "Berner Turm", you need to apply for the keys in advance. For the Neuchâtel tower, contact Christope Christophe Sahli from Nos Oiseaux (you need to be a member). The keys for the Bernese tower can be picket up at the counter in Ins train station, but you need to be a member of the Berner Ala or Ala Schweiz.
Edited by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) on 2021-04-23 17:08
To obtain more information about the area, visit the BirdLife Nature Centre at La Sauge. The Auberge de La Sauge offers accommodation. The Auberge also has a restaurant. There are simple overnight accommodations in the "Fanelhaus" and in the Neuchâtel Tower in the middle of the area, but reservations must be made in advance (see map for details). There is a camping at Cudrefin not far from the area. To visit the two observation towers in Fanel, the "Tour de Neuchâtel" and the "Berner Turm", you need to apply for the keys in advance. For the Neuchâtel tower, contact xxx.Christope Sahli from Nos Oiseaux (you need to be a member). The keys for the Bernese tower can be picket up at the counter in Ins train station, but you need to be a member of the Berner Ala or Ala Schweiz.
Edited by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) on 2021-04-23 14:37
To obtain more information about the area, visit the BirdLife Nature Centre at La Sauge. The Auberge de La Sauge offers accommodation. The Auberge also has a restaurant. There are simple overnight accommodations in the "Fanelhaus" and in the Neuchâtel Tower in the middle of the area, but reservations must be made in advance (see map for details). There is a camping at Cudrefin not far from the area.area. To visit the two observation towers in Fanel, the "Tour de Neuchâtel" and the "Berner Turm", you need to apply for the keys in advance. For the Neuchâtel tower, contact xxx. The keys for the Bernese tower can be picket up at the counter in Ins train station, but you need to be a member of the Berner Ala or Ala Schweiz.
Edited by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) on 2021-04-23 14:34
To obtain more information about the area, visit the BirdLife Nature Centre at La Sauge. The Auberge de La Sauge offers accommodation. The Auberge also has a restaurant. There are simple overnight accommodations in the "Fanelhaus" and in the Neuchâtel Tower in the middle of the area, but reservations must be made in advance (see map for details). There is a camping at Cudrefin not far from the area.

No security issues.

Are there any security issues or other annoyances at this site? For
instance, these may include:
• offenses like robbery or theft
• natural hazards
• dangerous or annoying animals or plants (mosquitoes, leaches, thorn bushes, etc.)
• noise pollution

Edited by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) on 2021-04-23 13:48
No security issues.
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Gallery

Reports

Season:
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Species:
2022-05-13 Chablais de Cudrefin May 2022 Marco Zahnd
Fanel & Chablais de Cudrefin - Orniverse