Best lakes around Murten are defined by their diverse natural landscapes and cultural significance. The region features Lake Murten, the smallest of the three Jura lakes, known for its shallow, warm waters and sandy beaches. Connected by canals to Lake Neuchâtel and Lake Biel, it offers opportunities for extended boat trips and water sports. The area is also home to the medieval town of Murten and the vineyards of Mont Vully, providing scenic views and historical context.
Last updated: October 4, 2026
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Cycling around Murten
Hiking around Murten
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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Cycling around Mont Vully offers an unforgettable experience with stunning views of Lake Murten and Lake Neuchâtel. You’ll pass through vineyards, charming Swiss villages and rolling hills, providing a picturesque landscape ideal for a leisurely ride.
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Beautifully renaturalized outlet of the old power plant.
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Great view over Lake Murten to the Alps or the other way around over the Seeland to the Chasseral
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Beautiful view over Lake Murten to the Valais Alps and over Lake Biel to the Chasseral. If you want to see the view from Mont Vully, you should do the climb from Sugiez. Over 2.3km you have to overcome 210m of elevation with a gradient of 7-13%. For this reason alone it makes sense to roll from Sugiez ↗️ and over Lugnorre ↘️.
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Unique historical building embedded in beautiful nature
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Recommended beautiful route around Lake Wohlen 👍
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The region offers diverse natural landscapes. You can visit the Auried Nature Reserve, a nationally important area known for its large tree frog population and as a resting and breeding ground for numerous bird species. The Hagneck Canal Mouth, a renatured river, also provides impressive natural scenery and is a great starting point for tours. Lake Murten itself is nestled between vineyards and offers beautiful views.
Yes, particularly at the Auried Nature Reserve, where you can observe one of Switzerland's largest tree frog populations, various amphibians, waders, dragonflies, and numerous bird species. The Niederried Reservoir, near the Niederried Hydroelectric Power Plant, is also home to beavers and hosts around 10,000 water birds in winter.
Lake Murten is a popular destination for water sports due to its shallow and warm waters. Visitors can enjoy stand-up paddling, wakeboarding, waterskiing, windsurfing, sailing, kitesurfing, and rowing. Sailing schools are available in Murten and Faoug.
Absolutely. The manageable size and relatively flat terrain around Lake Murten make it ideal for hikers. You can find numerous routes, including the Lake Murten trail. Mont Vully, situated between Lake Murten and Lake Neuchâtel, is another popular hiking area offering panoramic views. For more detailed routes, explore the Hiking around Murten guide.
Yes, cycling is a popular activity. The region offers a round trip bike tour around Lake Murten. You can find various routes for different cycling styles, including road cycling and gravel biking. Check out the Road Cycling Routes around Murten and Gravel biking around Murten guides for inspiration.
Yes, scenic boat tours are available, offering unique perspectives of the lake, vineyards, and historic landmarks. Lake Murten is connected to Lake Neuchâtel and Lake Biel via canals, allowing for extended boat trips such as the Two-Lakes Cruise or the Three-Lakes Cruise.
Many areas around Murten's lakes are very family-friendly. Lake Murten's shallow depth means it warms up quickly, making it popular for swimming from spring through autumn, with charming sandy beaches like Salavaux. Highlights such as the Hagneck Canal Mouth, View of Mühleberg Hydroelectric Power Station, Auried Nature Reserve, and St. Peter's Island are all noted as family-friendly.
The lakes around Murten are enjoyable from spring through autumn, especially for swimming, as Lake Murten's shallow waters warm up quickly. The pleasant weather during these seasons is also ideal for hiking, cycling, and water sports.
Lake Murten is known for its excellent swimming conditions. It is the smallest of the three Jura lakes and relatively shallow, which allows its waters to warm up quickly. It features charming sandy beaches, including Salavaux, which is considered Europe's longest natural freshwater sandy beach, as well as beaches in Muntelier and Avenches.
The medieval town of Murten, located on the southeastern shore of Lake Murten, has preserved its historical character with picturesque old town alleys and a circular wall. The surrounding vineyards of Vully offer wine tasting opportunities, and the nearby Roman site in Avenches adds to the cultural experience. St. Peter's Island also has historical significance and features an old castle.
Yes, the charming towns and villages around Lake Murten, particularly the medieval town of Murten itself, offer various cafes, restaurants, and pubs where you can relax and enjoy the lakeside atmosphere.
Visitors particularly enjoy the diverse recreational activities, from swimming and sunbathing on the warm beaches to engaging in various water sports. The scenic surroundings, including the vineyards of Mont Vully and the historic town of Murten, are also highly appreciated. Many find the area perfect for nature lovers and those seeking relaxation, with places like St. Peter's Island being described as a 'paradise'.


Still not found your perfect lake around Murten? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.