Located between Bern and Lausanne, Murten is the capital of the Lake District of the canton of Friborg. This medieval town is located in the "Central Region" of Switzerland on the edge of the Great Marsh, on a gentle hill (450 meters above sea level), the shore of the lake is named after the town. Many important sites from the past are well preserved here, such as the castle, ring wall, streetscapes and arcades. Lake Murten is a small lake between Lake Biel and Lake Neuchâtel.
Located on the western side of New Zealand's largest plain, Mount Valley is like a jewel, lying gently between the three lakes of Murten, Neuchâtel and Biel. Long ago, the Celts and Helvetia tribes appreciated the region's mild climate and the special charm of the local countryside. Today, Vully Vineyards occupy most of the area south of Vully. More than 100 hectares of vineyards overlook Lake Murten, ensuring a mild regional climate.
Murten is also well known for the Swiss beating the daring Charles. This former fortified town retains most of its walls and towers and is very picturesque.
Attractions and Activities
discover murten
The charming, well-preserved town of Murten invites you to discover its past through its monuments. Murten's beautiful surroundings, lined with vineyards and three lakes, are great for water sports and other leisure activities.
Excursions near Murten
from Vully
Located on the western side of New Zealand's largest plain, Mount Valley is like a jewel, lying gently between the three lakes of Murten, Neuchâtel and Biel. Today, Vully Vineyards occupy most of the area south of Vully. More than 100 hectares of vineyards overlook Lake Murten, ensuring a mild regional climate. There are 14 winemakers in charge of the winemaking process. Vegetable fields grow on the other side of Mount Vully. The protected nature reserve along the Broye and the shores of Lake Neuchâtel offer walkers and nature lovers moments of peace and quiet.
From the south side of the highest point of Mount Vully, spectacular aerial views await visitors.
The beautiful Murten Lake, the Murten region and the plateau come into view, and the pre-Alps rise slowly and meet the majestic Alps, forming a breathtaking picture. Walk to the north of Vully and observe the lakes of Neuchâtel and Biel and the Jura mountains on the horizon.
Avenches
National Historic Site near Murten: Early in our era, Avenches, the capital of the Roman Helvetia, had about 20,000 inhabitants. Today, the city's Roman remains offer visitors many fascinating glimpses into the city once known as Aventicum: the Roman amphitheater, a wonderful venue for many breath-taking performances, the theater, the "Cigognier" column, the East Gate and Tornallaz - Tower. Housed in a medieval tower built on the grounds of the amphitheatre, the Roman Museum houses valuable Gallo-Roman artifacts, including the famous bust of Emperor Marcus Aurelius.
Plenty of cultural events: The impressive backdrop of the Roman amphitheater is the stage for some highly regarded cultural events. A country where horses are king: in 1999, a unique equestrian sports center was created in Avenches. The center covers an area of ​​142 hectares and features a running track (gallop and trot) and a first-class infrastructure for equestrian activities: jumping, dressage, drives and three-day events. Countless bets and races take place every week, making Avenches the undisputed horse racing capital of Switzerland.
Kerses
The Kerzers area is located on the southern edge of the Everglades. In Roman times, Zealand was a dry land. Roman military roads intersect the area eastward. Zealand became a swamp in the 16th century and has since been known as the Everglades. Anthropogenic corrections of Jurassic waterways enabled inhabitants to till land once infested by mosquitoes and moisture (see chronology). Thanks to these corrections, many archaeological discoveries date back to the Iron Age, Celtic and Roman times.
The region's famous "black soil" produces a wide variety of vegetables for the Swiss table. Vegetable farming is the backbone of the local economy.
Swallowtail Tropical Garden, Kezes
Discover hundreds of colorful tropical butterflies flying freely around you in a special garden. Meet hummingbirds, water lilies, fish and many other fascinating species. Or explore the fascinating world of nocturnal animals in the tropical forests of the Americas. Observe mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates by moonlight.
Murten city tour
Bern - the charming Swiss capital
Beautiful Bern is only half an hour away by train from Murten! Bern is another city full of medieval charm and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Attractions include the famous Clock Tower, the Bear Pit - home to Bern's heraldic animals - and great shopping.
Lausanne
Lausanne, one of Switzerland's secret destinations, is just a 30-minute drive from Montreux. The city is known for its elegant, historic cathedral and Olympic Committee headquarters.
Neuchâtel
Neuchâtel is a pleasant, smiling city in the middle of vineyards. The pale ocher house made Alexandre Dumas say it had been cut from a stick of butter. Silhouettes of the collegiate church and castle dominate the scene. Lake Neuchâtel is the largest lake in Switzerland, approximately 24 miles long and 8 miles wide. There are fish everywhere. The canal used by cruise ships connects Lake Biel and Lake Murten.
Train tours in Murten
Montreux – on the shores of Lake Geneva
Day trip by train. This attractive excursion straddles the "border" between German-speaking and French-speaking Switzerland. Can be combined with wine tasting in Switzerland's largest wine region.
murten summer sports
hiking
Murten and the surrounding area are great for relaxing walks. The greater area has miles of summer hiking trails.
abuse
The whole of Switzerland and the Murten region is a great place for cycling and mountain biking. The accessibility of bicycles has made travel on two wheels more possible. You can hire a 7 speed country bike or a premium 21 speed mountain bike from usrent a bike, at 200 SBB-CFF-FFS train stations nationwide.
swim
Lakes Murten, Neuchâtel and Biel are clean and invite you to take a dip. In summer, several public swimming areas are open.
Shopping in Murten
main street
The main street was originally called Reichengasse. Shopping is mediocre, but arcades dot the streets, and the streets lined with baroque houses are beautiful.
Events in Murten
Murten Classical Music Festival
August September. The classical music festival is mainly open-air concerts in the courtyard of Murten Castle, in beautiful spots on the lake and in various churches.
opera festival, Amphitheater Avenches
Started in 1995, the Opera Festival has grown into a prestigious venue, attracting 50,000 enthusiastic spectators each year, who enjoy the excellent production quality and unique Swiss charm.
Rock Ozzy Arenas, Awangji
The smallest of the great rock festivals takes place every year in the magical place of the amphitheater in Avenches, and selects different outstanding pop musicians.
Museums in Murten
Murten Museum
Murten Mill was built in 1524 just below Murten Castle. The Mill houses Murten's historical collections and special exhibitions.
Roman Museum Avenches
The Roman capital is now one of the most important archaeological sites in Switzerland. Visit the museum and its fine collection of Gallo-Roman artifacts, including a bust of Marcus Aurelius.
Old Farm Museum Jerisberghof
The 300-year-old Farm Museum is the oldest building in the area. You can see both ancient farm tools and homemade handicrafts. The farm is accessible via Kerzers.
location and map
Murten is located in western Switzerland, 27 kilometers (16 miles) from Bern. The nearest international airport is Geneva, 128 km (80 miles) from Murten. From Geneva, it's 90 minutes by car and about the same by train. Murten is 117 kilometers (72 miles) from Lucerne and 149 kilometers (93 miles) from Zurich.
By train: Take an international train to Bern and change trains in Bern.