Plizio Visual Lab
Murten Castle
Murten Castle, located in the medieval Zähringer town of the same name in the Canton of Fribourg, is a significant historical monument. Founded in the 13th century by Peter of Savoy, the castle served for centuries as the seat of the bailiffs who governed the town on behalf of Bern and Fribourg. The fortress is noted for its massive central keep and its scenic inner courtyard featuring Renaissance-style arcades. From the castle terraces, visitors can enjoy expansive views over Lake Murten and toward the Mont Vully vineyards. Historically, the site is closely linked to the Battle of Murten in 1476, where the Swiss Confederates defeated Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy. Today, the building houses cantonal administrative offices, but it remains a major draw for tourists due to its architecture and the adjacent town walls, which are among the best-preserved and fully accessible medieval fortifications in Switzerland.
- Location: Switzerland
- Top sights: Schloss Murten · Musée de Morat · Double
- Nearby: Düdingen (10 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -1 | -1 | 3 | 8 | 12 | 16 | 18 | 17 | 13 | 9 | 4 | 0 |
| Rain mm | 85 | 66 | 86 | 83 | 124 | 113 | 113 | 118 | 83 | 100 | 85 | 96 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- The castle was built around the year 1255 by Peter of Savoy.
- The massive square keep is the oldest part of the castle complex.
- The historic Battle of Murten took place on June 22, 1476.
- The Renaissance arcades in the courtyard were added in the 16th century.
- The castle is situated on the western edge of Murten's Old Town.
- The adjacent city wall is one of the few in Switzerland still fully accessible.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Murten Castle (10)
Galerie Pellegrini
Gallery in Murten, presenting works by local artists.
Deutsche Kirche
Church building in Murten, canton of Fribourg.
Eglise réformée française de Meyriez
Church building in Meyriez, canton of Fribourg.
Kellertheater Murten
Theatre in a cellar in Murten, hosting intimate performances.
Point de vue sur le lac de Morat
Viewpoint overlooking Lake Murten.
Grengspitz
Nature reserve at the tip of the Greng peninsula.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Can the castle be visited inside?
Does the castle offer a view of Lake Murten?
Is there an entrance fee for the courtyard?
Are dogs allowed?
When was the castle built?
Murten Castle: where is it located?
Murten Castle: what is there to see?
Murten Castle: when is the best time to visit?
Murten Castle: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
