Centre-Nature BirdLife de La Sauge
Nature centre on Lake Neuchâtel with a changing exhibition, a 500 m nature trail and four observation huts between the Fanel and Cudrefin reserves.
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About the museum
The La Sauge nature centre lies at the north-eastern end of Lake Neuchâtel between Ins in the Canton of Bern and Cudrefin in the Canton of Vaud. It is located on the edge of the two nature reserves of Fanel and Cudrefin, which are considered significant at both national and international level.
The centre opened in June 2001 and is run by BirdLife Switzerland; the grounds belong to the Ella & J. Paul Schnorf Foundation. According to the operator, more than 285,000 people and over 3,000 groups have visited the centre since then. In 2026 it celebrates its 25th anniversary.
A visit includes an exhibition that changes every few seasons and a 500-metre nature trail with four observation huts built so as not to disturb the animals. In addition there are guided tours for adults, families, school classes and children's birthday parties, a bird bath for observing and photographing, and discovery bags. The nearby Domaine de la Sauge offers dining, hotel rooms and seminar rooms.
Highlights
- Nature trail (500 m) with four observation huts
- Changing exhibition on the region's wildlife
- Guided tours and excursions into the Fanel and Cudrefin reserves
- Bird bath for observing and photographing
- “Insect Action” discovery bag for families
- Founded
- 2001
- Operated by
- BirdLife Schweiz
Admission & discounts
| Adults | CHF 8 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | CHF 7Senior (AHV) and disability (IV) pensioners, students (with ID) |
| Children & teens | CHF 5Children aged 6 to 16. |
| Seniors | CHF 7AHV (old-age pension), with ID. |
| Visitors with disabilities | CHF 7companion free · People with disabilities; one accompanying person free. |
| Students & apprentices | CHF 7With ID. |
| Groups (10+ people) | CHF 7 per personAdult groups of 10 or more; youth groups up to 16 years 4; AHV/IV/students 6. |
| Annual pass adult | CHF 50 |
| Annual pass child | CHF 25 |
| “Insect Action” discovery bag (short version, approx. 1 hr) | CHF 10Long version (approx. 1.5 hrs) CHF 15. |
BirdLife members pay CHF 5 on presentation of ID. Dogs are not allowed in the nature centre.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The centre, the nature trail and the observation huts are wheelchair accessible.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
- Kids’ birthday parties
Some guided tours are suitable for children from 5 years, children's birthday parties with a guided tour can be booked; the “Insect Action” discovery bag is intended for families and costs CHF 10 to 15.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Cudrefin, La Sauge
By boat from Neuchâtel, Murten or Biel to the La Sauge boat stop (50 m from the centre). Or from Ins or Avenches by PostBus to the Cudrefin, La Sauge stop.
On foot 6.4 km from Ins (approx. 1.5 hrs), by bike 8.5 km from Ins through the largest vegetable garden in Switzerland (approx. 50 min.); bikes can be taken on the boats free of charge (except from Biel).
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Restaurant
Dining, hotel rooms and seminar rooms at the nearby Domaine de la Sauge (Auberge de la Sauge).
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Guided tours by registration (1, 1.5, 2.5 hours or full day): adults and families max. 20 people, school classes max. 24 children, children's birthday parties max. 15 children. Admission to the centre and the exhibition is included in the guided tour. There is also a biodiversity theme box for school classes. |
