Murten Castle, Medieval castle in Murten, Switzerland
Murten Castle is a medieval stone fortress situated on elevated ground overlooking Lake Morat, featuring a tall quadrangular watchtower called Luegisland. The structure is surrounded by defensive walls and remains in active use today as an administrative center housing the offices of the Lake District Prefecture.
Count Peter II of Savoy ordered the castle's construction in 1255, and it later endured a major siege during the Battle of Murten in 1476. This military engagement became a crucial moment in regional history and solidified the fortress's strategic importance.
The castle courtyard hosts the Murten Classics music festival during August and September, bringing together locals and visitors for classical performances. This annual tradition has turned the inner space into a cultural gathering point where history and contemporary arts meet.
Be prepared for uneven ground on the elevated site and steep stairs in the historic structure, which require careful footing. Visit outside the August and September concert season if you want to explore the architecture without crowds and enjoy a quieter experience.
The entrance area preserves the original castle water well in stone outline form, serving as a tangible reminder of centuries of continuous habitation. This modest but telling detail reveals much about how earlier residents lived and sustained themselves at this location.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
