Cudrefin on Lake Neuchâtel

Cudrefin lies in the Swiss Plateau near the southeastern shore of Lake Neuchâtel, opposite the city of Neuchâtel. The Grande Cariçaie wetlands stretch from Yverdon-les-Bains to Cudrefin. This internationally important protected area comprises eight nature reserves. Nature, lakeside scenery and the history of the village offer different ways to spend your time here.

Lakeside scenery and the Grande Cariçaie

Cudrefin’s landscape extends beyond the lakeshore: to the south, the municipality reaches the ridge of Mont Vully. Small valleys, hilltops and woodland shape this part of the area; above Lake Neuchâtel, there is also a partly rocky escarpment that rises up to 70 metres. The landscape can therefore be viewed both from the wetlands by the lake and from the higher, wooded areas. Significant archaeological remains from settlements dating back to the Stone and Bronze Ages have also been preserved along the shores. For those interested in early settlement history, this offers another perspective on Cudrefin alongside its natural environment.

Wildlife watching at La Sauge

The Centre-Nature BirdLife de La Sauge is located on the shore of Lake Neuchâtel, in the heart of the Grande Cariçaie nature reserve. Nature trails from the centre lead to several observation points, where you can watch birds, amphibians and other wildlife in their natural habitat. Interactive exhibitions at the Centre-Nature explore the region’s natural wealth. This gives you several ways to discover the area: outdoors at the observation points or through the topics covered in the exhibitions.

The location of the La Sauge landing stage is also specific: it is 50 metres from the Centre-Nature. Services run from Neuchâtel, Murten and Biel. If you are considering one of the boat services as part of your plans, check the timetable in advance. The Cudrefin–La Sauge circular route is another way to explore the area: it is 11 kilometres long, takes three hours and climbs around 100 metres. Its duration makes it easy to plan the hike as a separate activity.

Church and local history

The Eglise Saint-Théodule is a Gothic building with a large vaulted choir, various coats of arms, a chapel, a bell tower, and decorative and figurative wall paintings. The church stands on a hill and offers wide views over Cudrefin and Lake Neuchâtel. It was built during the time of Count Humbert of Savoy, who died in 1374. Its architectural details and documented period of construction offer a different focus from the nature trails: here, the emphasis is on architectural history, paintings and views of the village and lake.

A leisure activity in the village

The Mini-golf des Pommiers is in the village of Cudrefin, 800 metres from Lake Neuchâtel. You can play in any weather; headlamps and fluorescent balls also make it possible to play at night. This option adds a specific village leisure activity to wildlife watching and local history. If you are looking for a hotel in Cudrefin, you can consider when planning your trip whether the Grande Cariçaie, the hike, the cultural heritage or a visit to the Mini-golf is the deciding factor for you.

Discover more destinations: Chevroux, Dompierre VD, Mur VD, Vully-Les-Lacs, Vers-Chez-Perrin, Payerne, Cremin, Faoug.

For the broader travel overview: Broye-Vully.