As the only nesting site in French-speaking Switzerland, Avenches welcomes approximately 30 pairs of storks each year, who come to raise their young near Lake Murten.
Ideally located on the migratory route of these majestic waders, Avenches and the site of the Swiss National Stud see their stork population increase each year, resonating with the distinctive clattering of their beaks. In 2017, the National Stud had 28 nests, whether on specially arranged platforms, on roofs, or in trees, and the town of Avenches had one nest.
After a month of incubation, the chicks hatch from the end of April and take their first flight two months later. Easily observable at the Stud, it is not uncommon to encounter these elegant waders in groups, searching for food in the surrounding fields.
Important Information: From March to June 2024, the central courtyard of the Swiss National Stud will be undergoing renovations. The construction work could be noisy and impact the quality of both self-guided and guided tours.
Visible from mid-February to mid-August approximately
Office du Tourisme d'Avenches
Place de l'Eglise 3
1580 Avenches
+41 26 675 33 93