The town with the best-preserved walls in Switzerland that looks like something out of a fairy tale.

Switzerland offers us natural landscapes that seem straight out of a fairy tale. Among them is Murten, a historic town in the canton of Fribourg located at the foot of Lake Murtensee and the Alps. At dusk, the scene is painted in reddish and orange hues over the calm waters of the lake, reflected in the silhouette of a small village with medieval triangular roofs.

Also known as Morat (its name in French), it played a significant role in the origins of this country after being the scene of the famous battle where the Swiss confederates defeated Charles the Bold in 1476.

With perfectly preserved walls and towers, the town A very important past awaits. Its landscapes exude a distinct medieval atmosphere thanks to the historic houses with Gothic facades and arcades. It's perfect for strolling through its cobblestone streets and sipping a coffee on one of its beautiful street-side terraces.

City of battles

Known as one of the most beautiful villages in Switzerland, Murten was founded in the 12th century by Berthold IV and Berthold V, Dukes of Zähringen. However, it wasn't until 1803 that Napoleon definitively annexed the town to the canton of Fribourg against the will of the population.

It was an important medieval trading center thanks to its strategic location between the cities of Bern and Fribourg. Furthermore, the town was fortified by a wall and played a key role in the wars between the Swiss Confederation and the Duchy of Burgundy.

In 1476, the famous Battle of Murten took place, in which Swiss troops achieved a decisive victory over the forces of the Duke of Burgundy, led by Charles the Bold. This victory is considered a key moment in the country's history and in the formation of the Swiss Confederation as a nation.

In later centuries, the city continued to be an important center of trade in the region and, over the years, gradually became a popular tourist destination thanks to its rich heritage.

What can you visit in Murten?

The city It's perfect for strolling through its old town, admiring its arcades, and devoting a little attention to the beautiful fountains that adorn its cobblestone streets. With a Germanic feel, its historic center is small but charming. You enter through one of the city's icons: the Bern Gate , dating from the second half of the 18th century. Legend has it that the clock at its top is powered by three cannonballs used during the Battle of Murten.

There are 16th-century houses with arcades that have been perfectly preserved to this day. You'll also find historic hotels, a French church, and viewing points offering the best views of the lake. The climb to the Murten Wall is located on Hauptgasse.

Lake Murtensee

With an area of ​​22.8 square kilometers and shallow waters, it's the smallest and most charming lake in the Three Lakes region. An ideal area for a pleasant swim or all kinds of water sports.

You can explore it in several ways, such as cycling along its banks thanks to its small size and relatively flat terrain. You can also hop on a boat and enjoy the breeze and beautiful views of the city on one side and the vineyards of the Vully region on the other. You can opt for a shorter circuit around the Murtensee or take a cruise across two or three lakes, traversing the Broye and Zihl canals.

Furthermore, if you're a hiking enthusiast, the region offers several trails, with the circular route around the lake or the Murtensee trail being particularly recommended.

The wall and the castle

The Murten walls are the only accessible walls in Switzerland, and they are the best preserved. According to original documents in the city archives, King Conrad IV asked the citizens to build a 12-foot-high wall around the city, and in return, granted a four-year tax exemption for everyone after its completion.

Today, you can visit its watchtowers and walk along the wall, where you'll find informative signs telling the story of Murten and its famous battle.

At one end of the castle was the city's castle , dating back to the 13th century. The one we can visit today dates back to 1755, and its most characteristic features are its beautiful inner courtyard and the tower known as Luegisland. It first served as a residence for the bailiffs of Bern and was later used as a hospital, prison, and barracks .