Murten, Fribourg’s lakeside pearl
For Murten, read love at first sight. The small town in its idyllic location overlooking Lake Murten delights one and all without exception. The Old Town has nestled against its defensive circular walls since the Middle Age. The walls are part of a fortification that is very well preserved and accessible and begs to be explored. A true adventure brimming with history that will fascinate adults and children alike! Fortified towers, dungeons, narrow stairs and secret rooms bring Murten’s turbulent history to life.
A relaxed stroll in the Old Town takes you through quaint lanes and arcades, past impressive town houses and historic fountains. The view from the 13th century castle extends over the deep blue waters of Lake Murten to the vineyards of Mont-Vully. Here, on the Fribourg Riviera, winegrowers cultivate 20 or more varieties of grape, but mainly Chasselas and Pinot Noir. These splendid wines can be enjoyed in one of the typical taverns in the Old Town or on the bustling lakeside promenade, perhaps with a regional fish dish. A good time to discuss what to do next from a wide choice that includes cultural attractions, museums, boat trips, bathing beaches, cycling tours and fine dining.
Murten Capital of the district of See of the canton of Fribourg
Population 8,200 inhabitants
Area 25 km2
Languages German 83%, French 15%, other 2%
Altitude 453 m
Key data 515 – First mentioned as “Muratum”
1170 – Town founded under the Zähringer dynasty; it quickly prospers
1238 – Construction begins on the circular walls. King Conrad IV exempted his subjects from paying taxes for four years as compensation for the construction work.
1255 – Murten places itself under the protection of the House of Savoy
1476 – Battle of Murten, victory of the Swiss Confederates over Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy, who ‘lost heart’ June 22nd, 1476. History buffs should visit Murten Museum in the old mill, adjacent to the town walls.
2002 – Expo.02 National Exhibition, with the rusty steel cube ‘Monolith’ designed by architect Jean Nouvel creating a temporary landmark in Lake Murten.
Tips
All year round
Under several glass domes, the Papiliorama takes you into a tropical climate where all kinds of animals, plants, insects and butterflies live together. It is a must-see place to families and children.
Summer
A boat trip on Lake Murten: romantic and multi-purpose. A boat trip on Lake Murten can be enjoyed as a leisurely round trip and can add variety to a cycling or walking tour. Cycles are transported free of charge on Lake Murten. On Mont-Vully the fascinating wine trail is an ideal way to discover the region’s viticulture. Adventurers of all ages will enjoy exploring the fascinating labyrinth of sandstone caves that can be found here. Do not forget to bring a torch!
Winter
Murten’s culinary history is a gastronomic journey through time in four acts. Groups (and individual tourists who book in advance) embark on a different mystery tour, as a knowledgeable guide provides informative tidbits about Murten’s history between visits to four different restaurants in the Old Town.
Contact
Murten Tourism – Franz. Kirchgasse 6 – 3280 Murten
T +41 (0)26 670 51 12 – F +41 (0)26 670 49 83
E-mail: – www.murtentourismus.ch