مورتين

May to September is the best time for the old town wall, the lake and boats. Summer is warm. Spring and autumn are mild. In winter the old town is quiet, and some boats do not run. A light festival lights the town in January.

• The old town wall is a complete medieval wall that you can walk along for views of the lake and the roofs.
• Schloss Murten is a castle on the edge of the old town.
• Lac de Morat / Murtensee is a lake with beaches, boats and vineyards.
• Schlacht von Murten is the field where the Swiss defeated Charles the Bold in 1476.
• Schloss Münchenwiler is a castle near the lake.
• Château de Greng is a country manor near Murten.

• Walk the old town wall.
• Swim or paddle in the lake in summer.
• Cycle around the lake.
• Take a boat to Vully and taste local wine.
• Visit the weekly market.

• Fribourg is a medieval town on a river gorge, about 30 minutes away by train.
• Bern is about 30 minutes away by train.
• Avenches has a Roman amphitheatre and is close to Murten.
• Lake boats connect Murten with the Vully vineyards and with Neuchâtel.

• Fribourg is the nearest town in the same canton.

• By air: Zurich, Geneva and Bern are the nearest airports.
• By train: Murten is on a regional line between Bern and Fribourg. Check times on SBB.
• The station is a 10-minute walk from the old town.

• The old town is small and easy to walk.
• Local buses link the station with the old town and nearby villages.
• Lake boats run in the warm months.
• A bike path circles the lake.

• A car is not needed in the old town.
• Park near the lake or the station and walk in.
• Parking is limited in summer.

Try Murten's sweet pastry, Nidletäfeli, which is a cream candy. Lake fish and cheese dishes are common. Vully wine is a local white wine.

People speak German and French. English is widely understood.

• Murten is very safe.
• Lake water is cold in spring. Swim in marked areas.
• Tap water is safe to drink.
• The wall walk has steep steps and gaps. Take care with children.

The town was founded in the 12th century by the Duke of Zähringen. In 1476, the Swiss defeated the army of Duke Charles the Bold near the town, which made the Swiss famous across Europe.

The old town wall has survived almost whole. It is one of the best preserved in Switzerland.

Quick practical facts for Switzerland at a glance: