Morat Beach (Pantschau): family swimming at Lake Morat

A large lawn with feet in Lake Murten

It's hard to find a more pleasant setting than Pantschau for a day by the water in Murten. This vast lawn stretches along Lake Murten, right next to the harbor and at the foot of the medieval old town. People come here to swim, sunbathe, picnic, or let the kids run around between swims. The view extends to the hills of Vully on the other side of the lake, and the atmosphere remains calm and family-friendly. Access to the beach is free and open, as is the case at most beaches on Lake Murten. It's the kind of place where you lay down your towel in the morning and leave in the late afternoon, satisfied.

What your children will discover

Children discover a real outdoor playground here, by the water. They can splash in the lake, build castles on the lawn, play at the playground, or try beach volleyball with the older kids. The water of Lake Murten warms up pleasantly in summer, making swimming inviting for families. The more adventurous can watch sailboats, pedal boats, and boards gliding on the lake. It's an ideal first approach to swimming in a lake, in a reassuring and well-equipped setting.

What to do there and the atmosphere on site

At Pantschau, you alternate swimming, games, and lounging according to your desires. The large lawn provides space to spread out towels, play ball, or picnic in the shade of the trees. All around, the infrastructure is complete: playground for children, beach volleyball court, rental of pedal boats and boards, surf center, and a restaurant as well as ice cream stands nearby. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, perfect for a family day or an aperitif at sunset facing Vully. All just a few minutes' walk from the center of Murten, making it easy to combine swimming and a stroll through the old town.

Before you go

• Recommended age: for all ages, starting from toddlers accompanied and supervised by the water.
• Duration: from a few hours to a full day depending on your desire.
• Price: free access to the beach (rentals of pedal boats, boards, and food are paid).
• Reservation: no reservation needed to enjoy the beach.
• Accessibility for strollers/PRM: the lawn is flat and at ground level; precise accessibility to be confirmed.
• Transport: by the lake, a few minutes' walk from the CFF train station of Murten/Murten; Pantschau parking nearby.
• What to bring: swimsuits, towels, sunscreen, hats, water, and picnic supplies; water shoes are welcome.
• Ideal season: summer, in good weather, when the lake water is most pleasant.

Parents' tips

• Arrive early on hot days to find a shady spot under the trees and a place on the lawn.
• Always keep young children within reach near the water: swimming is not supervised.
• Bring sunscreen and something to shelter from the sun, as shade is limited in the middle of the day.
• Slip a few coins into your bag for an ice cream at the stand after swimming, always a hit.
• Combine your beach day with a walk on the ramparts of the old town or a game of mini-golf right next door.

Useful information

• Address: Pantschau Leisure Area, near the harbor, 3280 Murten (Murten)
• Official website: https://www.morat-tourisme.ch
• Hours: beach is freely accessible; rental and food hours to be confirmed on site or with the tourist office (Region Murtensee, +41 26 670 51 12).
• Access: a few minutes' walk from the CFF train station of Murten/Murten; Pantschau parking nearby.

Looking for more outings? Follow up with the Mini Golf of Murten, right by the lake, or find all our activities in Murten.

Why we recommend it

Because Pantschau brings together everything you expect from a beautiful summer day with family: a peaceful swim in a lake that warms up quickly, a large lawn for playing and picnicking, a playground, and a whole range of water activities at hand. The setting, between the harbor, the medieval old town, and the view of Vully, makes it one of the most pleasant and accessible beaches on Lake Murten. Free and easy to access, it’s a sure bet for families.

In two words

A large free and family-friendly beach by Lake Murten, with a lawn, playground, and water activities, just steps from the harbor and the old town.