Located near Avenches and south of Lake Murten, the Swiss National Stud is a federal centre of competence for the management and breeding of horses. The stud welcomes members of the public for guided tours, horse-drawn carriage rides and regular events.

Founded in 1899, the Swiss National Stud originally covered 150 hectares. In 1997, part of the land was transferred to the National Equestrian Centre (IENA). The stud has three roles: Training (of veterinary surgeons, agronomists, riding instructors, farriers, etc.), research and development in the field of horse breeding, as well as the promotion and support of the Freiberger horse, the only horse breed still in existence that originates in Switzerland.

The Swiss National Stud is open daily and, during the week, offers guided tours for groups, lasting about 90 minutes. If you’d like to discover the Avenches region in an unusual way, you could take a ride organised by the stud in a horse-drawn carriage pulled by Freibergers. The National Stud regularly organises competitions and other events for professionals and horse enthusiasts.

Storks 
The roofs of the hundred-year-old buildings also play host to a guest who is quite unique in Western Switzerland: the white stork, which can be spotted from mid-February to mid-August. After a one-month incubation period, the chicks hatch at the end of April and take their first flight two months later.