Muntelier brings together archaeological traces, a historic street village and trails in the Chablais on Lake Murten. The village’s distinctive features include its pile-dwelling sites, the castle and LACabane with its Expo.02 history. The lakeshore and forest offer further ways to spend time outdoors. If you are looking for a holiday apartment for your stay, you can decide whether cultural history, walks or a moped tour will shape your plans.
Pile-Dwelling Sites, Village and Castle
The lakeshore settlement of Muntelier/Steinberg lies on the southeastern shore of Lake Murten, near its northeastern corner. Its pile remains are estimated to cover an area of at least 4,300 m². The pile dwellings were discovered in 1860 by Frédéric Troyon during a period of low water. Finds associated with Muntelier/Platzbünden date back to the late 4th millennium BC. The lakeshore settlement is one of the most important pile-dwelling sites in the Three Lakes Region.
In the central area of the Muntelier/Steinberg site is a heap of sorted pebbles measuring at least 500 m². It is considered to be man-made and an archaeological cultural asset. This detail adds a specific feature to the picture of the site, distinct from the pile remains and the finds associated with the area.
The historic village lies on the southern shore of Lake Murten and offers views of Mont Vully. In the old street village, the stately castle is the focal point. Its architecture includes corner towers and an ornate facade facing the lake; the castle preserves fine interiors from the Ancien RĂ©gime.
LACabane tells another chapter in the village’s history. Originally called Cabane No. 7, it was one of the small chapels near the Monolith that lined the shores of Lake Murten during Expo.02. It has remained at its original location in Muntelier and is a cultural meeting place on the lakeside promenade. It is used as an exhibition space for art and cultural events. It can be rented for lakeside aperitifs, exhibitions and presentations.
Walking by the Lake and in the Chablais
The Chablais forest stretches for more than two kilometres along the northeastern shore of Lake Murten, between Muntelier and Sugiez, and can be explored on foot. The nature trail in the Chablais reserve starts at the Muntelier campsite. Ten information panels focus on the forest’s natural richness, and visitors can enjoy the lakeside landscape from viewing platforms. The trail is just a few minutes’ walk from the Sugiez and Muntelier railway stations, making it possible to visit the Chablais without a car.
The Muntelier bathing area is a public beach with basic facilities. It offers views of the Vully. Seasonal conditions may affect its use, so it is worth checking what to expect before your planned visit. If you would rather follow a lakeside route, the hiking trail to the Battle of Murten is another option: it runs along the lakeshore to Muntelier. Check the latest route details before setting out.
Moped Tours and Practical Information
Moped tours start and finish at the Expodrom in Muntelier. Mopeds can be rented for three hours; you can choose your route and stops individually, and suggested routes are also available. This offers a different way to plan your stay than the nature trail: moped tours focus on a set time period and freely chosen stops, while the trail features information panels and viewing platforms in the Chablais.
The moped tour rental includes maps, petrol, a helmet and a rain poncho; as the equipment may change, check these details before booking. Free parking is available for the tour. Parking options may also change, so it is worth checking before making plans. Muntelier-Löwenberg railway station also has 21 covered bicycle parking spaces.
When looking for a holiday apartment in Muntelier, you can weigh up the different options for planning your stay: the archaeological heritage and village architecture, the trails in the Chablais or a moped tour with individually chosen stops. This way, choosing your accommodation starts with the question of which side of Muntelier interests you most during your stay.
Discover more destinations: Wallenried, Misery-Courtion, Charmey, Bas-Vully, Greng, Ried Bei Kerzers, Kerzers, Haut-Vully
Return to the broader travel overview: See/Lac.
