See/Lac offers a variety of discoveries: Murten’s medieval old town, the wine-growing landscape of Vully and the vegetable-growing area near Kerzers each have their own character. When planning your trip, consider which interests you would like to focus on. This will help you choose cultural activities, trails and boat trips to suit your preferences.
Murten: ramparts, old town and history
Murten’s almost completely preserved ramparts are open to visitors in all weather; before visiting, it is advisable to check for any temporary closures. Eight panels there provide information about the Battle of Murten in 1476. From the ramparts, the view extends over the city’s rooftops to Lake Murten. In the old town, narrow lanes wind between Baroque houses, and viewpoints open up vistas of the lake, Mont Vully and the Jura. Guided and public city tours led by knowledgeable local guides offer another way to discover Murten’s historical heritage.
The medieval old town has a history spanning 1,000 years. Murten Castle dates back to 1255, during the time of Count Peter II of Savoy. Every August and September, Murten Classics takes place in the castle courtyard; check the specific dates and programme when planning your trip. Murten Museum is one of the oldest museums in the canton of Fribourg. Its permanent exhibition documents 6,000 years of history in the town and region; the museum also presents a multimedia account of the Battle of Murten.
Vully: vineyards, views and traces of history
Mont Vully lies between Lake Murten, Lake Neuchâtel and Lake Biel. From the 653-metre-high mountain, panoramic views extend across the Alps, the Jura and the Three Lakes Region. Several hiking trails cross Mont Vully. The historical trail is signposted from Sugiez railway station and from the landing stages at Praz and Môtier, and leads to the summit. From there, you can enjoy views of the Three Lakes Region, the Jura and the Alps; the trail also leads to a Celtic oppidum.
The vineyards are also part of the character of Vully on Lake Murten. Varieties grown here include Chasselas and Pinot noir. In the region, you can taste wines and visit wine cellars. Private group tours with tastings may also include a slice of Vully cake; check dates and arrangements in advance. The Lamberta Grottoes lie above MĂ´tier. They were dug into the sandstone in 1916 and 1917 during the First World War as a defensive installation for the Swiss Central Plateau. Today, they provide a child-friendly place to explore and play. Guided visits can be arranged through Vully Tourisme; check the arrangements in advance.
Hikes, cycling tours and boat trips
For a hike with a clearly defined route, the challenging Lake Murten Trail is one option: the circular route is 12 kilometres long and takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes. It starts in Murten, follows the lakeside promenade and passes through vineyards, ending with a boat trip back to Murten. Since the return boat trip is seasonal, check the timetable before setting out. The Kerzers circular hike offers a different experience: it passes through forests, villages and quiet country lanes before returning to Kerzers. Kerzers railway station can be reached by train and bus; parking is available at the station. Check transport connections and parking options before travelling.
You can also include the lake in your plans by bike. The cycling route around Lake Murten is about 28 kilometres long, and cycle route no. 480 starts in Murten. A boat trip can shorten the cycling tour or make individual sections more relaxing. A round trip on the lake takes a little over an hour and offers views of Mont Vully, the vineyards, Murten’s old town, and the Bernese and Fribourg Alps. Boat services and timetables vary by season; check the latest times before travelling.
Water activities on Lake Murten include windsurfing, wakeboarding and stand-up paddleboarding. La Bise Noire water sports centre also offers kayaking and surfing. If you would rather take in the region from the water, a round trip combines views of the landscape with a manageable time commitment; for more active days, the water sports listed above are another option. Check availability in advance.
Kerzers and the Papiliorama
The vegetable-growing area shapes the landscape around Kerzers. The Grosses Moos is described as Switzerland’s largest vegetable garden. A cycling tour through the growing area can include stops at farm shops, where you can discover the variety of local products from the Seeland. Since the availability of individual farm shops can change, it is worth checking opening hours before setting out.
Another regional attraction is the Papiliorama, with several domes and a tropical climate. Plants, animals and insects live there, along with more than 60 butterfly species from every continent. The Nocturama lets visitors observe nocturnal animals; at Jungle Trek, a seven-metre-high bridge passes through the treetops. The Papiliorama also includes a petting zoo, a nature playground and a water playground. These areas offer a different focus from Murten’s historical attractions or the trails on Mont Vully, adding to the range of experiences available in the visitor region.
Discover more destinations: Muntelier, Murten, Charmey, Bas-Vully, Haut-Vully, Ried Bei Kerzers, Villarepos, Kerzers, Wallenried, Misery-Courtion, Greng
Back to the main travel overview: Fribourg.
