Murten (Morat) is Switzerland’s best-preserved medieval town, offering visitors a perfect day trip from Bern or Fribourg. Located on the shores of Lake Murten in the bilingual canton of Fribourg, this Swiss gem combines historic architecture, lakeside activities, and authentic Swiss cuisine within a compact, walkable centre.

What Makes Murten Worth Visiting?

Murten feels like a secret treasure in Switzerland’s tourism landscape. While not as famous as Lucerne or Interlaken, this medieval lakeside town delivers:

• Walkable ancient town walls with panoramic views
• Perfectly preserved medieval Old Town with arcaded shopping
• Stunning Lake Murten with beaches and water activities
• Authentic Swiss culture without overwhelming crowds
• Easy day trip access from Bern (30 minutes) and Fribourg (20 minutes)

If you have just one day, that’s enough to fall in love.

Best Things to Do in Murten, Switzerland

1. Walk the Medieval Town Walls and Explore the Old Town

Murten’s 800-year-old town walls remain among the best-preserved in Switzerland. Unlike many historic sites, visitors can actually walk along portions of these ancient ramparts, offering spectacular views of the Old Town’s tiled roofs and Lake Murten beyond.

The Old Town itself is a treasure trove of medieval architecture featuring:

• Cobblestone streets perfect for strolling
• Historic stone arcades housing boutiques and cafés
• Colourful building facades with traditional Swiss details
• Hidden courtyards and decorative fountains
• Historic city gates including the impressive Berntor

Visitor Tip: In summer, the arcades bloom with vibrant flower displays, creating picture-perfect photo opportunities against the stone backgrounds.

☀️ In summer, the arcades bloom with flowers. It’s almost theatrical.

2. Police Station Goals

Yes, this deserves its own section. The Murten police station is probably one of the cutest public buildings in Switzerland – a fairytale house that looks like it belongs in a children’s book. It’s hard not to smile when you pass by. As a consequence (or at least I prefer to think so) the crime rate in Murten is close to zero.

3. Lakeside Walks & Sunset Vibes

Down by the lake, the promenade invites slow strolls, paddle boat rides, and lazy ice cream moments. You can swim in the warmer months or just stretch out on the grass with a book.

If you’re into summer water sports, you can also hire a catamaran or a surfing board right by the shore. And if you’re more into slow travel than sporty vibes – take a ride on the white steamship that crosses the lake in summer. It’s one of those peaceful things that make the day feel longer, in a good way.

🌅 Tip: stay until golden hour – the light over the water is worth it.

4. Experience Murten’s Seasonal Festivals and Events

Despite its small size, Murten hosts several world-class events throughout the year:

• Murten Light Festival (January): An innovative light art exhibition transforming the town into an open-air gallery with installations projected onto historic buildings.
• SlowUp Lake Murten (April/May): A car-free day where the entire lake route is open exclusively to non-motorized transportation – perfect for cycling, skating, and walking.
• Murten Classics (August): A renowned classical music festival featuring performances in historic venues with exceptional acoustics.

[The pics are coming soon]

🎉 These festivals are intimate, joyful, and make the town feel twice as alive. Check the schedule of events here

5. Sample Local Swiss Cuisine and Specialties

Murten offers excellent opportunities to taste authentic regional Swiss specialties:

• Nidelkuchen: The local cream cake specialty – rich, indulgent, and perfect with coffee
• Traditional Fondue: Experience Fribourg-style cheese fondue made with local Gruyère and Vacherin Fribourgeois cheeses
• Lakeside Dining: Several restaurants offer terraces with spectacular lake views
• Artisanal Bakeries: Find them nestled under the historic arcades, offering fresh bread and pastries

Local Food Tip: Murten sits on Switzerland’s French-German language border, giving its culinary scene a unique fusion of influences from both cultural traditions.

6. Swans, Sails & Quiet Mornings

Murten’s lakefront isn’t just pretty – it’s alive with soft details: white swans gliding past reeds, wooden sailboats bobbing gently near the yacht club, locals greeting each other on the promenade.

🌊 Whether you’re into sailing or not, the Yacht Club Murten adds a touch of maritime elegance to the town’s relaxed rhythm.

☕ Grab a coffee, sit by the water, and just watch the day unfold.

7. Visit Murten’s Museums and Cultural Attractions

If you have a little more time (or just want to cool off inside), head to one of Murten’s small but thoughtful museums:

• Murten Museum: Housed in a former mill, this museum details the town’s history, including exhibits about the famous 1476 Battle of Murten that helped establish Swiss independence.
• Museum in der Grenette: A contemporary exhibition space featuring changing displays of regional art and cultural significance.

🖼️ These spots give context to the cobblestones – and make the past feel personal.

8. A Town that Works – Quietly

The architecture of the Old Town may look almost identical to Bern’s – arcades, stone facades, painted windows – but the rhythm is completely different. Bern is busy. Murten is calm. It’s strange and wonderful to realise that people actually live and work here.

Learn about the canton’s capital, Fribourg

I used to work in Murten, and I still remember the locals bringing their kids to school, rushing to Kita, chatting in the Coop queue. Behind the postcard stillness, real life flows gently but steadily.

9. If You Stay Overnight

If you choose to stay overnight in Murten, you’ll see a different side of the town – quieter, more atmospheric, more yours. The streets empty out, the arcades glow softly, and the lake becomes a mirror for the stars.

It’s the perfect chance to fall into the town’s rhythm: watch the swans in the morning mist, grab an early croissant before the cafés fill up (which they do – there are quite a few tourists in Murten, but it’s never truly crowded. Even at its busiest, the town feels spacious and calm), or spend a lazy afternoon at the beach doing absolutely nothing.

Accommodation Options: Murten offers several boutique hotels within the Old Town and comfortable options near the lakefront to suit various budgets.

Best Time to Visit Murten

Murten is a year-round destination with distinct seasonal advantages:

• Summer (June-August): Ideal for lake activities, outdoor dining, and maximum daylight for exploration
• Spring (April-May): Beautiful floral displays, fewer crowds, pleasant temperatures for walking
• Fall (September-October): Rich autumn colors, harvest season specialties, peaceful atmosphere
• Winter (December-February): Christmas decorations, cozy fondue restaurants, and the spectacular Light Festival

How to Get to Murten

Murten is easily accessible by Switzerland’s excellent public transportation system:

• By Train: Direct connections from Bern (30 minutes) and Fribourg (20 minutes)
• By Car: Well-marked routes and parking available outside the Old Town
• By Boat: Seasonal lake cruises connect Murten to Neuchâtel during summer months
• By Bicycle: Connect to regional cycling routes including Lake Murten’s dedicated bike path

🧳 Final Thoughts: Why Murten Deserves Your Visit

Murten is a town you can “do” in a few hours – but somehow, you’ll want to stay longer.
It’s neat, sunny, surprisingly cultural, and full of moments that make you pause. Or maybe it’s a kind of Ommm town? Visit and come here to have your say.

🔹 Add it to your Switzerland itinerary – and bring your camera.