Murten, or Morat in french, is not just one of Switzerland’s best-preserved medieval towns. Located on the shores of Lake Murten in the bilingual canton of Fribourg (just 25 minutes by train from Fribourg and 45 minutes from Bern), it combines historic architecture, free lake activities and authentic Swiss culture in a compact and easily explorable centre.

Murten is not Lugano or Interlaken. It doesn’t try to dazzle you with luxury hotels, but instead offers the luxury of atmosphere: authenticity, tranquillity and breathtaking views that don’t cost a penny.

If you only have one day, it will be enough to fall in love.

(There is my personal life story connected with Murten, which is one of my favourites. If you have a couple of minutes of time and some inspiration, enjoy the text!)

What makes Murten the perfect place for ‘Budget Luxury’

Murten feels like a secret treasure that you have discovered yourself. It offers:

• Free panoramic views (0 CHF) from ancient fortress walls, ideal for photography.
• A beautifully preserved medieval Old Town with arcades where you can stroll for hours looking for unique photo opportunities.
• The stunning Lake Murten with free beaches and places to relax.
• Authentic Swiss culture without the overwhelming crowds.
• An easy budget day trip from Bern (45 minutes) or Fribourg (30 minutes).

Murten’s top attractions, or How to get the most for the least

1. Walk along the medieval walls: Absolutely free panoramic view

Murten’s 800-year-old city walls remain among the most intact in Switzerland. Unlike many historical sites, you can actually walk along them, offering you the best free panorama of the city.

Life hack for photographers (0 CHF): Walking along the walls gives you two completely different but equally luxurious perspectives:

Inside view: Get up close to the tiled roofs of the Old Town, bright facades and courtyards. This is the perfect angle for a ‘European vintage’ shot.

Outside view: Focus on the endless expanse of Lake Murten. It is especially beautiful when the sun sets behind the mountains.

The Old Town itself is a treasure trove of medieval architecture: cobbled streets, historic stone arcades with boutiques and cafés, colourful facades and the impressive Bern Gate.

Tip: In summer, the arcades are decorated with flowers, creating the perfect backdrop for photo shoots against the ancient stone.

2. Murten Police Station: A fairytale-like, free photo spot

Yes, this spot deserves special attention! The Murten police station is probably one of the cutest public buildings in Switzerland: a fairytale house that looks like it came straight out of the pages of a children’s book. Its bright, unique façade is an unexpected and free photo opportunity that will lift your spirits. It’s hard not to smile when you walk by. As a consequence (or at least I prefer to think so) the crime rate in Murten is close to zero.

3. Lake promenades and the ‘golden hour’

Head down to the lake. The Murten promenade invites you to take leisurely strolls, enjoy ice cream (bought at the supermarket to save money!) or simply relax on the grass or on a bench with a book.

Budget Swiss holidays: In the warm season, you can swim for free right from the shore. The water is clean and the atmosphere is as relaxing as possible — it’s a luxury of tranquillity that money can’t buy.

Photo Life Hack: Stay until the ‘golden hour’ — the light over the water in Murten at this time is simply stunning. If you are an avid traveller, take a ride on the white steamboat that crosses the lake in summer — it’s not free, but it’s worth slowing down and feeling like you’re in an old movie.

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.

4. Holidays and events: Accessible culture

Despite its small size, Murten hosts several world-class events that often have relatively low admission fees or are free to watch:

• Festival of Light (January): Transforms the city into an open-air gallery with installations projected onto historic buildings. (Viewing the installations on the street is free).
• SlowUp Lake Murten (April/May): A car-free day when the entire route around the lake is open exclusively to non-motorised transport — the perfect day for a free walk or bike ride.

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

5. Budget Gourmet: In Search of Culinary Luxury

The culinary scene in Murten, located on the French-German language border, is a unique fusion. For an authentic experience without breaking the bank:

• Nidelkuchen and local bakeries: Be sure to try Nidelkuchen (a local cream cake). Buy a slice at a local bakery under the arcades — it’s an affordable and authentic treat that goes perfectly with a takeaway coffee.
• DIY fondue: Instead of paying high prices at lakeside restaurants, head to Coop or Migros. Buy local cheeses (Vacherin Fribourgeois and Gruyère) and make your own budget fondue picnic or simply enjoy the cheeses and fresh bread by the lake.

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. Museums and cultural attractions (Low cost)

If you want to learn more about the cobbled streets, visit one of Murten’s small museums. This is a great way to spend some time indoors inexpensively:

• Murten Museum: Located in a former mill, it details the history of the town, including the famous Battle of Murten in 1476, which helped establish Switzerland’s independence.
• Tip: Small regional museums are often significantly cheaper than large national galleries, but give you a deeper understanding of the local heritage.

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.

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

Logistics: How to get to Murten on a budget

Murten is incredibly easy to reach thanks to the Swiss transport system, which is the epitome of reliable luxury.

By train: The fastest and cheapest way to get there: direct connections from Fribourg (only 25 minutes) and Bern (45 minutes).

Travel tip: If you are planning other trips around Switzerland, purchasing a Swiss Half Fare Card will save you 50% on tickets for this and other routes.

Murten is not just a place to visit. It is proof that budget luxury exists in Switzerland. Add it to your itinerary, grab your camera, and enjoy not having to sacrifice quality for savings.