Old Town of Murten

Murten offers its visitors many sights, such as its castle, its ramparts, its picturesque lanes and its arcades.

Murten, located in the heart of the Three-Lakes region between Bern and Lausanne, is the capital of the Lake District (canton of Fribourg). As a small medieval town, situated on the Swiss plateau on the edge of the Grand Marais, Murten overlooks the lake which gave it its name (453 m. alt.).

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Of the 8,218 inhabitants, most speak German (83%) and a minority French (15%). Bilingualism is deeply rooted in the region.

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Murten - Once upon a time

Castle Murten. © Pierre Cuony Photographies

Lake Murten. © Pierre Cuony Photographies

Bern Gate. © Berntor - Nicole Schafer Schweiz Touris,us

Main street of the old town of Murten

Ramparts of the old town of Murten in autumn. © Pierre Cuony Photographies

Castle Murten. © Pierre Cuony Photographies

Lake Murten. © Pierre Cuony Photographies

Bern Gate. © Berntor - Nicole Schafer Schweiz Touris,us

Main street of the old town of Murten

Ramparts of the old town of Murten in autumn. © Pierre Cuony Photographies

Bern Gate

Culture & Museums, Morat

The Bern Gate was first mentioned in history in 1239. It was completely destroyed during the battle against Charles the Bold. Over the years, it had to be rebuilt several times.

Rampart Walls

Culture & Museums, Murten

The rampart walls were built in several stages and from a variety of materials such as gravel, tuff and sandstone. The lower 15 layers of stone date from before the town’s construction (12th century).

Main Street (Hauptgasse) and Arcades

Culture & Museums, Morat

Here is a marvelous view of the Baroquestyled town of Murten, enhanced by the various arches, giving way to the arcades. In 17th/18th century it became a masterpiece of architecture.

German Rectory

Culture & Museums, Morat

The German Rectory was built in 1729, in the Bernese country house style, featuring a canted roof.

Rübenloch

Culture & Museums, Morat

The building is a late Gothic-styled jewel and adds an elegant, harmonious final touch to the town’s main street (Hauptgasse).

Castle Murten

Culture & Museums, Morat

The castle dates to the time of Count Peter of Savoy II who ordered its construction in 1255. Under the castle gate, dating from 1516, much rebuilding took place.

Chesery

Restaurants, Murten

The chefs will spoil you. Dishes cooked with love and prepared with the freshest and highest quality ingredients.

Meat and View

Restaurants, Murten

Our restaurant is located in Rathausgasse of the town in Murten with view on the Lake Murten.

Ringmauer

Restaurants, Murten

Enjoy a seasonal dish in a historic restaurant

Bistrottino

Restaurants, Murten

The Bistrottino restaurant in the heart of the old town of Murten offers authentic Italian specialties. Fresh...

Restaurant Brasserie

Restaurants, Murten

Typical & traditional Swiss Cuisine. A great treat at a low price !

Restaurant and Bar Käserei

Restaurants, Murten

In the heart of Murten's old town we spoil you in an untwungner atmosphere. Whether for lunch, aperitif or a cosy dinner - the cheese dairy is the meeting point for connoisseurs.

Freiburger Falle "Steak&Cheese"

Restaurants, Murten

In the "Steak n'Cheese" in the most beautiful cellar of the old town of Murten, you can enjoy regional specialities.

Happy hour

Where to have a drink in Murten?

With its pretty arcades and welcoming riverbanks, Murten has plenty of places to enjoy a glass of local wine or sip a cocktail! Find out more about our top places to enjoy an aperitif.

The best bars in Murten