Murten Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Murten with this ultimate guide, featuring the best places to visit, food and drink scene, where to stay, and tips for a safe and enjoyable trip.


Introduction to Murten

Located in Western Switzerland, Murten is a picturesque medieval town situated on the shores of Lake Murten. This town has a rich history, which can be traced back to the Roman Empire. Murten is famous for its well-preserved town walls and towers, stunning views of the lake, and historical attractions. The town itself is small, making it easy to explore on foot, bicycle, or car.

List of Places to Visit in Murten

There are plenty of things to do and see in Murten, from exploring historical sites to enjoying outdoor activities.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

One cannot visit Murten without exploring its rich history and culture. Some of the must-visit attractions include:

  • Murten Museum: Discover the history of Murten and the region through engaging and interactive exhibits.
  • Ringmauer: Walk the well-preserved city walls and enjoy stunning views of the town and the lake from the towers.
  • Murten Castle: This iconic castle was built in the 13th century and offers guided tours of the castle and its surroundings.

Natural Attractions of Murten: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Murten’s landscape is filled with rolling hills, vineyards, and lakes, making it an ideal destination for outdoor lovers. Some of the top natural attractions in Murten include:

  • Lake Murten: Enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the calm waters, or rent a stand-up paddleboard and explore the lake on your own.
  • Vully vineyards: Take a stroll through the vineyards while enjoying the magnificent views of the lake.
  • Mont Vully: Hike to the top of Mont Vully for some breathtaking views of the entire region.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Murten

Murten offers some fantastic hiking and biking trails for visitors to explore. Some of the most popular routes include:

  • Murten-Neuchâtel Route: This 65 km bicycle route connects the two towns by following the lakeshore. It offers stunning views of the surrounding areas.
  • Sentier des Toblerones: This hiking trail follows a series of concrete defensive walls built during World War II. It offers a unique and historical perspective on the area.
  • Mont Vully Vineyard Trail: This moderate hike leads through the vineyards and forests of Mont Vully and offers beautiful views of the lake and the Alps.

Best Things to Do in Murten: Activities and Tours

Apart from exploring the historical sites and natural wonders, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy in Murten, such as:

  • Segway Tours: Take a Segway tour of the town and its surroundings and enjoy a fun and unique way of sightseeing.
  • Medieval Festival: The annual Medieval Festival takes place in Murten every August and is a must-see for visitors.
  • Tasting local wines: Sample local wines at one of the many vineyards in the region.

Week-Long Itinerary for Murten

If you have a week to spare, here’s how you can plan your itinerary to make the most of your time in Murten:

Day Activity
Day 1 Explore the town walls and towers and visit the Murten Museum
Day 2 Visit the Castle and take a boat ride on Lake Murten
Day 3 Hike Sentier des Toblerones and go wine tasting in Vully
Day 4 Bike the Murten-Neuchâtel Route and visit Neuchâtel
Day 5 Take a Segway tour of the town and its surroundings and enjoy a medieval dinner
Day 6 Go paragliding over the lake and the mountains
Day 7 Hike Mont Vully Vineyard Trail and enjoy the stunning views of the lake and Alps

Food and Drink Scene of Murten

Switzerland is famous for its delicious cuisine, and Murten is no exception. The town has some fantastic restaurants and cafes that serve both local and international cuisine. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Cheese Fondue: A classic Swiss dish of melted cheese served with bread.
  • Rösti: A potato dish served with eggs, bacon, and cheese.
  • Raclette: Melted cheese served with boiled potatoes and pickles.

Local Beverages

  • Vully wines: Sample some of the best wines in the region at one of the many vineyards.
  • Murten beer: Try the locally brewed beer, which is made using locally sourced ingredients.

Where to Stay in Murten: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Murten has a variety of accommodation options to suit every budget. Here are some of the best places to stay in Murten:

  • Hotel Murten: A luxury hotel located in the heart of the town.
  • Hotel Bad Muntelier: A budget-friendly hotel located on the shores of Lake Murten.
  • Auberge de la Croix Blanche: A cozy guesthouse and restaurant in the town center.

What to Buy in Murten: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you’re looking for souvenirs or local products to bring back home, here are some of the best places to shop in Murten:

  • Murten Market: Visit the weekly market for fresh produce, local crafts, and souvenirs.
  • Chocolate Frey: Pick up some Swiss chocolate at the factory outlet.
  • Vully cheese: Sample and buy some of the best local cheese at one of the many cheese shops in the region.

Local Culture and Customs of Murten

Switzerland has a unique and diverse culture, and Murten is no exception. Here are some of the local customs and traditions to keep in mind when visiting the town:

  • Tipping: Tipping is not expected in Switzerland as service charges are included in the bill.
  • Language: Swiss German is the main language spoken in the region, but French is also widely spoken.
  • Dress code: Although the dress code is casual, it is polite to dress appropriately when visiting churches and other religious sites.

Best Time to Visit Murten

Murten is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on your preferences. Here’s an overview of what to expect during each season:

  • Spring: Mild weather and blooming flowers make it an excellent time to hike and enjoy the outdoors.
  • Summer: The peak season when the weather is warm, and outdoor activities are in full swing.
  • Autumn: Temperatures start to drop, but the fall foliage makes it a beautiful time to visit.
  • Winter: Cold temperatures and snow make it a great time for winter sports enthusiasts.

Do’s and Don’ts of Murten

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting Murten:

Do:

  • Do try the local cuisine and beverages.
  • Do explore the historical sites and natural wonders.
  • Do dress appropriately when visiting religious sites.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter or disturb the natural surroundings.
  • Don’t take photographs of people without their permission.
  • Don’t tip excessively as service charges are included in the bill.

Safety and Health

Murten is a safe and healthy destination for visitors. Here are some tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip:

Safety in Murten

  • Keep your personal belongings safe and secure.
  • Observe traffic rules when driving, cycling or walking.
  • Stick to designated hiking and biking trails and avoid wandering off into unknown areas.

Health in Murten

  • Switzerland has excellent healthcare facilities, but it’s always a good idea to have travel insurance.
  • Ensure you’re up-to-date with routine vaccines.
  • Stay hydrated and carry sunscreen and insect repellent when exploring the outdoors.

Getting to Murten: Transportation Options and Logistics

Murten is easily accessible via public transportation or car. Here are the best ways to get to Murten:

Airports Near Murten

  • Bern Airport: The closest airport to Murten, located about 30 km away.
  • Geneva Airport: Located about 130 km from Murten.

Bus Stations Near Murten

  • Fribourg: Frequent bus service to Murten.
  • Avenches: Regional buses connect to Murten.

Other Options

  • Train: Murten can be reached via train, with the Murten train station located close to the town center.

How to Get Around in Murten

Murten is a small town that is easy to navigate on foot, bicycle, or car. Here are the best options for getting around in Murten:

  • Walking: The town is small and easy to explore on foot.
  • Biking: Rent a bike and explore the town and its surroundings on the many cycling trails.
  • Car: Rental cars are available for those who want to explore the region at their own pace.

Where to Go Next from Murten: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you’re looking for more places to explore near Murten, here are some of the top nearby destinations:

  • Bern: The capital city of Switzerland, located about 40 km away from Murten.
  • Lausanne: A beautiful town on the shores of Lake Geneva, located about 90 km away from Murten.
  • Gruyere: Discover the region’s famous cheese and visit the medieval castle, located about 70 km away from Murten.

Conclusion

Murten is a charming town that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and nature. Whether you’re exploring the town walls and towers, hiking through the vineyards, or enjoying local cuisine, there is something for everyone in Murten. Plan your trip today and discover the beauty of Switzerland’s western region.