Discover the Charms of Murten - Awarded 'Best Village of Switzerland' 2024

 Ever since my sister moved to Switzerland almost five years ago, the country’s surreal beauty feels almost commonplace now. I can drive past a shimmering blue lake framed by the Alps without as much as looking twice, supress the urge to whip out my phone each time I spot cows in the rolling green meadows and can certainly overlook the unfathomably blue skies to focus my attention on a piping bowl of fondue. Just when I thought I was getting accustomed to Switzerland’s landscapes, along came the village of Murten and took my breath away!

Recently, we discovered one of the best cities to visit in Switzerland, Murten. Murten, as the Germans call it, or Morat as known to the French, is a picturesque hillside village known for its medieval architecture, in the canton of Fribourg. Leaving behind scores Switzerland's idyllic villages, Murten has emerged as the winner as chosen by readers of Schweizer Illustrierte, l'Illustré, and Domenica Ticinoise — publications from its different linguistic regions.

Even on a cold and bleak winter day in March, the sweeping views of its Old Town rooftops and cobblestoned paths transported us to a whole different world that dates back to over 6,000 years ago. Once built to keep trespassers away, walking around the ramparts of its perfectly preserved city walls feels like stepping into the set of a period drama. But if you ask me, the real showstopper that plausibly clinched the award in its favour is Lake Murten, inviting tourists to its glistening waters against a silhouette of Mont Vully and Jura.

Best Places in Switzerland - Murten

One of the best places to visit in Switzerland, getting to Murten is easy and highly recommended especially if you're on the lookout for something new to add to your Switzerland itinerary

Reaching Murten

If you have a Swiss Travel Pass then getting to Murten should be easy. Take the train going towards Fribourg and get off on the sixth stop, Murten. Depending on where you're starting from, train changes may be required. You can check Google Maps for hourly schedules.

Things to do in Murten

If you’re travelling to Switzerland, take a day trip to Murten to see the ‘Most Beautiful Village’ and spend your time planning these activities:

•  While strolling down, we discovered a passageway in the fortress with expansive views of the lake. You can sit on the ledge and feast your eyes on the panoramic vistas before you head down to the promenade.

• Though only 22.8 km2 long, Lake Murten, the smallest lake in the Jura Valley is a big draw for tourists especially in the summer months.  Its shallow waters transform into a hotbed for swimming, cycling along its promenade, kayaking and a ferry cruise service that takes you around the three lakes in the region. Even on a cold March day, we enjoyed a leisurely walk around the lake with a glass of hot chocolate and seagulls for company.

• If walking through the medieval Old Town piques your curiosity, you can also head to The Museum of Morat – a house full of stories, built along the old water mill under the forts, to learn about the history of the lake dwellers.  A permanent museum showcasing the 6,000 year old history of the region covering early settlements, crafts, archaeological artefacts and their everyday life is a regular fixture, apart from temporary exhibitions and events.

  
  
  
  

Interested in seeing Switzerland without its hordes of tourists and souvenir shops? Head to dreamy Murten and find out why the locals think it’s the Best Village of 2024.