Attractions and Places To See around Murten - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Murten include a well-preserved medieval town situated on the southeastern shores of Lake Murten in the canton of Fribourg. This region offers a blend of historical depth, cultural richness, and scenic beauty. Visitors can explore ancient city walls, a 13th-century castle, and natural features like Lake Murten and the surrounding vineyards of Mont Vully. The area provides diverse opportunities for historical exploration and outdoor activities.
Best attractions and places to see around Murten
- The most popular attractions is Hagneck Dam and Hydroelectric Power Plant, a man-made monument located in a protected landscape. This site is notable for its elaborate fish ladder and the contrast between old and new power plant structures.
- Another must-see spot is Murten Old Town, a settlement featuring cobblestone streets and well-preserved medieval architecture. Visitors can stroll through its alleys, admire arcades, and explore the main street lined with shops and cafes.
- Visitors also love Aare at Wohlensee, a river that is the longest flowing entirely within Switzerland. This idyllic place is special for lingering and enjoying nature, offering a scenic spot along its 288 km course.
- Murten is known for its historical landmarks, natural features, and well-preserved medieval architecture. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from ancient castles to picturesque lakes.
- The attractions around Murten are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 1300 upvotes and over 270 photos shared.
Last updated: April 25, 2026
Murten Old Town
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Hagneck Dam and Hydroelectric Power Plant
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Wooden bridge over the Canal de la Broye
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View of Hagneck Power Plant and Lake Biel
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Aare at Wohlensee
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The Aare rises in the two Aar glaciers in the eastern Bernese Alps on the Finsteraarhorn, west of the Grimsel Pass in central southern Switzerland. Its course leads through the cantons of Bern, Solothurn and Aargau. First it passes through the Aare Gorge, cut into a high rock ridge, and then reaches the plain between Meiringen and the glacial Lake Brienz. Shortly before entering Lake Thun near Interlaken, it is canalized and leaves this to the northwest into the wide Aare Valley. In the area of Bern, it flows around the medieval city center and reaches Lake Wohlen in a westerly direction. At Aarberg, it is channeled into Lake Biel via the Hagneck Canal and, after leaving the canal, follows the course of the Jura Mountains northeastward. Below Brugg, it receives the Reuss and the Limmat before flowing into the Rhine near Koblenz (CH).
In the course of its geological development, the Aare was successively the upper course of the Danube, the Rhone and the Rhine.
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Tips from the Community
A visually appealing hydroelectric power plant. It's especially beautiful to admire the natural beauty along the river that flows into the lake. There's a nice little restaurant at the top.
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Unique historical building embedded in beautiful nature
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Cycling is not allowed in this location You will have to transport your bikes. THIS REMARK DOES NOT MAKE SENSE, "respect" for cyclists (many) and "tolerance" for pedestrians (few) and everything will happen in order and dignity!!!
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After around four years of construction, the new hydroelectric power station in Hagneck was officially opened in 2015. With its energy production of 110 gigawatt hours, it makes an important contribution to supplying the Zealand region with domestic renewable energy. The Hagneck hydroelectric power station is located in a protected floodplain landscape of national importance. Accordingly, the environmental compatibility of this facility was given priority during the comprehensive renovation. With the new, modern power plant, production was increased by 40 percent without any harm to the environment. A lot of emphasis is placed on renaturation around the power plant. The bypass channel for fish is unique in Switzerland and the newly created floodplain forest is a nature reserve of national importance. This achieves maximum energy efficiency under contemporary, ecological conditions. The Jura water correction is a unique and incomparable pioneering work for the development and reclamation of land. Between 1867 and 1891, a sophisticated canal system was used to lower the water levels of the three lakes of Murten, Neuchâtel and Biel. In the future, the land was protected from flooding, and the de-swamped soil now served the population as fertile agricultural land. This unique structure was completed in the second stage between 1962 and 1973. The heart of the Jura water correction was the eight-kilometer-long canal from Aarberg to Hagneck. In contrast to the Nidau–Büren Canal, which was an actual river correction, the Hagneck Canal created a completely new, artificial river. The construction of the Hagneck Canal was breeding ground for further visionary ideas. The first construction work began in 1897 and the facility was put into operation in the summer of 1899. The construction costs amounted to around 3.6 million francs. Hagneck is one of the oldest hydroelectric power plants in Switzerland - a monument of technology and cultural history. Water to electricity – a masterpiece par excellence. Source https://www.bielerseekrafte.ch/de/hagneck/
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Very beautiful old French town with many cafes to linger. Furthermore, on the edge of the old town you have a fantastic view of Lake Murten.
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From up here you have a good view of the Broye Canal and can see the ships passing by.
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A nice resting place with excursion restaurant
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Power station right next to Lake Biel with a fish ladder.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore in Murten?
Murten is rich in history. You can wander through the well-preserved Murten Old Town with its cobblestone streets and medieval architecture. Don't miss walking along the fully preserved Medieval City Walls, which offer panoramic views. The 13th-century Murten Castle and the historic Berntor Gate are also significant landmarks. For a deeper dive into the region's past, visit the Murten Museum, housed in an 8-century-old mill.
What natural attractions are there around Murten?
The region boasts beautiful natural features. Lake Murten is a central highlight, perfect for scenic views and water activities. You can also explore Mont Vully, known for its vineyards and panoramic views of the lake and distant Alps. The Grosses Moos (Great Marsh) is Switzerland's largest vegetable-growing region nearby, and the Aare at Wohlensee offers an idyllic spot to enjoy nature along Switzerland's longest river.
Are there good hiking trails near Murten?
Yes, Murten offers various hiking opportunities. Popular routes include 'Murten – Avenches' and 'The Battle of Murten' for those interested in history. For a scenic walk, consider the 'Lake Murten – Broye Canal loop from Murten' or the 'Murten Harbour – Murten Castle loop from Muntelier-Löwenberg'. You can find more details and routes on the Hiking around Murten guide page.
Can I go cycling around Murten?
Absolutely! The area around Murten is excellent for cycling. Popular routes include the 'Lake Murten Tour', 'Tour of Lake Murten - Canton of Fribourg', and the 'Three Lakes Tour'. These routes offer moderate difficulty and allow you to explore the scenic landscapes. Discover more cycling options on the Cycling around Murten guide page.
What water activities are available on Lake Murten?
Lake Murten is a popular spot for various water activities. You can enjoy swimming, boating, windsurfing, wakeboarding, and stand-up paddling. Boat tours on the lake also offer unique perspectives of the town, vineyards, and the Grosses Moos.
Are there family-friendly attractions or activities in Murten?
Murten offers several family-friendly options. The Murten Old Town is great for a stroll, and walking the city walls is an engaging activity for all ages. The Hagneck Dam and Hydroelectric Power Plant, with its elaborate fish ladder, can be an interesting educational visit. Many of the natural areas like Lake Murten and the Aare at Wohlensee are also suitable for families to enjoy the outdoors.
Where can I find scenic viewpoints in the Murten area?
For breathtaking views, walk along Murten's Medieval City Walls, which provide panoramic vistas of the Old Town, Lake Murten, and the Jura Mountains. Mont Vully also offers stunning views of the lake and even the Alps. The Hagneck Dam and the Aare at Wohlensee are also noted for their scenic beauty.
What is the best time of year to visit Murten for outdoor activities?
The spring, summer, and early autumn months are generally ideal for outdoor activities in Murten. The mild climate, especially around Lake Murten and Mont Vully, makes it pleasant for hiking, cycling, and water sports. The vineyards of Mont Vully are particularly beautiful during these seasons.
Are there any wheelchair-accessible paths or attractions?
Yes, the Wooden bridge over the Canal de la Broye is noted as wheelchair accessible, connecting the northern and southern banks of the Broye Canal. This allows for easy crossing for pedestrians, cyclists, and inline skaters.
What do visitors enjoy most about Murten?
Visitors frequently praise Murten's charming Old Town, with its well-preserved medieval architecture and vibrant atmosphere. The panoramic views from the city walls and the beauty of Lake Murten are also highly appreciated. The unique combination of historical depth and scenic natural beauty makes it a captivating destination.
Are there any unique man-made structures to see?
Beyond the medieval town, the Hagneck Dam and Hydroelectric Power Plant is a notable man-made monument. It's interesting for its location within a protected landscape and features an elaborate fish ladder. The contrast between the old and new power plant structures is also a point of interest.
Most popular attractions around Murten
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