Murten/Morat
Intro
The little mediaeval town of Murten on the south-eastern shore of the lake of the same name has preserved its original appearance, with the picturesque lanes and alleys of the Old Town and the pleasant shady arcades. The town bordering German and French-speaking Switzerland also boasts a lovely lakeside promenade with a wide range of water sports and plenty of culture to discover, excursions and outings.
Thanks to its beautiful location on a small hillside overlooking Lake Murten, the 800-year-old Zähringer town Murten in the canton of Fribourg has become a popular destination. In the evenings, watching the sun on the magnificent view across Lake Murten towards Mont Vully and Jura is not to be missed.
A city wall protects the small town. Originally designed to keep out trespassers, the nearly intact, only accessible ring wall in Switzerland grants visitors captivating views across the Old Town rooftops and the nearby lake. Those interested in history will find a rich collection of the 6,000-year history of the town and region at the Museum Murten (open March to December). Particularly worthy of note in Murten’s history is the Battle of Murten on 22 June 1476. The victory of the Confederates over the Burgundian army led by Duke Charles the Bold is still celebrated today.
After a city tour, it’s well worth setting sail – if possible with girl power at the helm. During a round trip, beginning and ending in Murten and lasting around one hour, guests will get the best possible insight into the holiday region. Two or three-lake trips are also possible thanks to the canals running between Lake Neuchâtel and Lake Biel.
Anyone exploring the holiday region on wheels or rollers is guaranteed their money’s worth. 170km of bicycle trails and 90km of runs for inline skaters cater to every wish. A particularly popular and family-friendly cycling tour leads from medieval Murten into 2,000-year-old Avenches and back. Another tour circles Lake Murten in a little over two hours, with the added possibility of adventures up on Mont Vully.
Lake Murten is popular for swimming, boasting warm water temperatures from the early summer months. In the summer months, the lake is also very well suited to sailing, windsurfing, water skiing, wakeboarding, surf biking, rowing, pedalo rides, canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding and sport fishing. The possibilities here are virtually endless.
The Mont Vully hills provide amazing panoramic views of Jura and the Alps. The slopes of the Vully are home to refreshing wines, which pair beautifully with fish from the lake. Vully wines can be sampled in the wine cellars and tasting centres.
A trip to Papiliorama and Nocturama nearby is highly recommended. The gardens are home to tropical plants and animals, allowing guests to delve into another world.
Light plays a key role in Murten. The Murten Light Festival takes place in January each year, for almost two weeks. Come and marvel at the different sites – called arteplages – during this time, offering shows and decorative installations. The Secret Circuit is another illuminating highlight: Discover the hidden mysteries of Murten during a secret journey through interactive rooms. Le Petit Chef offers an unforgettable culinary experience! The smallest chef in the world plates up refined 3D-cinema combined with excellent gastronomy. The Murten Licht LAB sums up all of the projects around the theme of light.
