Top 20 Lakes around Murten
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.
Best lakes around Murten
- The most popular lakes is Hagneck Canal Mouth, a river that has been renatured and offers impressive natural scenery. It is a place to enjoy nature and can be a starting point for cycling tours.
- Another must-see spot is View of Mühleberg Hydroelectric Power Station, a viewpoint offering a clear perspective of the Wohlensee. Visitors can find a rest area here to observe the weir and the hydropower plant.
- Visitors also love Auried Nature Reserve, a special nature reserve of national importance. This former gravel mining area is home to a large tree frog population and serves as a resting and breeding ground for numerous bird species.
- Murten is known for natural lakes, rivers, and nature reserves. The region offers a variety of water bodies to see and explore, from tranquil reserves to active waterways.
- The lakes around Murten are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 400 upvotes and 94 photos shared across various highlights.
Last updated: May 3, 2026
Hagneck Canal Mouth
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View of Mühleberg Hydroelectric Power Station
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Lake Wohlen
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Auried Nature Reserve
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As a former gravel mining area, this area was acquired by Pro Natura.
One of the largest tree frog populations in Switzerland has its home in the Auried. The frog species, which has become very rare today, appreciates the well-sunlit waters in the former gravel mining area as spawning grounds. The wet meadows with individual trees serve as a summer habitat. But also other amphibians, waders, dragonflies and other invertebrates feel completely at home in the structurally rich landscape.
The area is considered a resting and breeding area for an enormous number of birds.
To ensure that this remains the case in the future, Pro Natura is grazing Scottish highland cattle against bushes. In addition, the areas are kept open with additional maintenance measures.
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St. Peter's Island
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Popular around Murten
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Tips from the Community
Beautifully renaturalized outlet of the old power plant.
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https://www.pronatura.ch/de/naturschutzgebiet-auried Frog concerts can be heard in spring and early summer.
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Confluence Hagneck Canal in Lake Biel - beautiful renatured landscape
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Very pretty nature reserve, you can see the osprey there
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The Auried nature reserve is a small vibrant oasis of life. If you close your eyes and focus on listening, you will be surprised what a sonorous place the Auried is. If you keep your eyes open and don't just look into the distance, you will be surprised at how much life there is in the one square meter of earth you are standing on. If you're lucky, you can also see one or the other Scottish highland cattle, with their shaggy fur and wide-spreading horns, standing in the shallow water. A well-maintained schnitzel path leads through the Auried. But there are also wooden footbridge sections that lead the visitor across the water without getting their feet wet. There are observation posts everywhere that allow an intimate insight into the nature reserve.
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Cycle path along the Saane must be shared with dog owners and hikers
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many bikers and hikers at the weekend
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of nature experiences can I expect around Murten's lakes?
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.
Are there opportunities for wildlife spotting near the lakes?
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.
What water sports are popular on Lake Murten?
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.
Are there hiking trails around the lakes near Murten?
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.
Can I go cycling around the lakes?
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.
Are there boat trips available on Lake Murten?
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.
Are the lakes around Murten suitable for families?
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.
When is the best time to visit the lakes around Murten?
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.
What are the swimming conditions like in Lake Murten?
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.
What historical or cultural sites can I visit near the lakes?
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.
Are there cafes or pubs near Murtensee?
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.
What do visitors enjoy the most about Murten's lakes?
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'.
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