Montilier Beach: free family swimming at Lake Murten
Want a peaceful swim with the family on the north shore of Lake Murten? The Montilier Beach (Muntelier), just a stone's throw from Murten, welcomes you for free to a grassy area by the water, with a lovely view of the Vully. A little nature spot perfect for a stress-free day with the kids.
A patch of grass by Lake Murat
The Montilier Beach, also known by its German name Strandbad Muntelier, is a small public beach located on the northern shore of Lake Murat, just away from Murat. Here, there is no concrete or barriers: you spread your towel on a strip of grass that gently slopes down to the water, facing the Vully hillside. The place remains simple, natural, and family-friendly, making it a great spot for an afternoon of swimming without spending a dime. The water of Lake Murat is among the warmest in western Switzerland during summer, a real advantage when coming with young children. It's the kind of neighborhood beach that you easily return to, on foot or by bike, to cool off between walks in the area.
What your children will discover
Your children will discover here a beach that is just the right size, without overwhelming crowds, where you quickly transition from the grass to the water. The shore is gentle, and Lake Murat offers pleasantly warm water in the peak season, ideal for first strokes and water games. Between swims, they can enjoy the grass to run, picnic, or play, with a playground on site for the little ones. The open view of the Vully and its vineyards is a refreshing change from the usual pool scenery.
What to do there and the atmosphere on site
People come to Montilier Beach for simplicity: you swim, sunbathe on the grass, grill a sausage at one of the barbecue spots, and enjoy the tranquility. The atmosphere is friendly and quite local, far from the hustle and bustle of large developed beaches. Families willingly settle in for half a day, towel and cooler under their arms. It's a spot that exudes local vacation vibes: you encounter regulars from the area, families with strollers, and cyclists taking a break along the lake. It's best to bring your picnic, as there is no refreshment stand directly on the beach.
Before you go
- Recommended age: from 2 years old, under constant adult supervision by the water.
- Duration: half a day to a full day depending on the weather.
- Price: free, open access.
- Reservation: none, you come freely.
- Accessibility for strollers / PRM: flat grassy terrain, access reputed to be suitable for people with reduced mobility (to be confirmed on site depending on the season).
- Transport: Muntelier-Löwenberg train station about 500 m away; public parking 10-15 minutes on foot.
- What to bring: picnic, water, sunscreen, hats, armbands, and something to grill if you want to use the fire pits.
- Ideal season: from June to September, when the lake water is warmest.
Parent tips
- Arrive early on nice weekend days: the beach is small and good shaded spots fill up quickly.
- Bring water shoes and armbands: the shore is natural and there may be algae depending on the time of year.
- Bring your picnic and water, as there is no refreshment stand directly on site.
- Always keep an eye on the children in the water: swimming is not supervised (to be confirmed).
- Combine swimming with a walk in the nearby old town of Murat to complete the day.
Useful information
- Address: Montilier Beach (Strandbad Muntelier), shore of Lake Murat, 3286 Montilier / Muntelier (Fribourg). Regional tourism contact: Hauptgasse 27, 3280 Murat.
- Official website: regionmurtensee.ch (Murat Lake Region)
- Hours: open access at all times; swimming recommended during the day in the nice season (to be confirmed).
- Access: train to Muntelier-Löwenberg station (~500 m), then a few minutes on foot; public parking 10-15 minutes walking distance.
Looking for more outings? Find all our activities in Montilier.
Why we recommend it
We love Montilier Beach because it ticks all the boxes for a successful family outing: it's free, it's natural, it's by a lake with some of the gentlest water in the region, and it's easily accessible by train. For a simple and relaxed swim with the kids, without reservations or budget concerns, it's exactly the kind of place we keep in mind all summer long.
In a nutshell
A small public and free beach on the northern shore of Lake Murat, perfect for a peaceful family swim in the heart of western Switzerland.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Montilier Beach located?
Is Montilier Beach free?
Is the beach suitable for young children?
Is swimming supervised?
What equipment can be found on site?
How to get to Montilier Beach by public transport?
What is the best season to swim there?
Michael @ Kidora
Kid Adventure Planner
Location
Montilier
Fribourg
Plage de Montilier (Strandbad Muntelier), rive du lac de Morat, 3286 Montilier / Muntelier
Nearby
Nearby activities
Discover more activities near you
Looking for a simple and friendly outing with the family? The minigolf in Morat welcomes you outdoors, right by the lake and at the foot of the medieval old town. A relaxed game, an ice cream at the bistro, a stroll along the ramparts: enough to keep both young and old entertained for a lovely afternoon.
View details
Want a day by the water with the little ones? Praz beach, at Mont-Vully, welcomes you on the shores of Lake Murten, at the foot of the vineyard. Shallow water near the shore, grass for picnicking, and a playground: a swimming area designed for families.
View details
Want a simple swim by Lake Murten, at the foot of the Vully vineyard? The Môtier beach, in the municipality of Mont-Vully, welcomes you below the Café du Port: lawn, lake water, and a landing stage just steps away, for a relaxing day with family.
View details
What if you spent a relaxing day by the water, without a wallet to pull out? In Meyriez, on the southern shore of Lake Murten and just a stone's throw from the old town of Murten, the public beach welcomes you for free: grass to lay your blanket on, shade under the trees, and fresh water to splash around with the family.
View details