Pedal Boats in Morat: a family outing on the lake

On Lake Morat, at the foot of the old town

Morat is lucky to border one of the warmest lakes in Switzerland, just below its medieval old town and ramparts. At the marina, you can rent a pedalo from the Segelschule Murtensee and glide gently away from the shore, facing the Vully and its vineyards. It's one of the simplest and most joyful summer outings to enjoy as a family: nothing to bring, just the urge to pedal together and enjoy water that is often pleasantly warm.

What your children will discover

As soon as they put their feet on the pedals, the children take charge: they steer, speed up, aim for a buoy in the distance and watch the sailing boats and other boats go by. It's a gentle, sensory activity that builds coordination and quickly gives a sense of pride: "I'm the one driving." Between strokes, you watch the waterbirds, enjoy the cool of the lake and the view of the ramparts of Morat.

What you do there and the atmosphere on site

The mood is that of the shores of Lake Morat on fine days: relaxed, family-friendly, unhurried. You pick up your pedalo at the marina, put on the life jackets (provided), and set off at your own pace for half an hour or an hour. You stop to look at the shore and the old town, take a dip from the pedalo when it's hot, then head back to relax on the shore or in the medieval lanes.

Before you go

• Recommended age: for everyone, from the youngest with an accompanying adult; life jackets provided.
• Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour is usually enough with young children.
• Booking and prices: rates to be confirmed on the official website; for a family, you generally turn up on site in the warm season.
• Stroller access: the shores and marina of Morat are flat and accessible; boarding from the jetty.
• Transport: Morat CFF station is a few minutes' walk from the marina and the old town.
• What to bring: sunscreen, a cap, water, and a change of clothes (you often end up a little wet).
• Best season: from spring (mostly weekends) to autumn, in fine weather.

Parents' tips

• Aim for late afternoon: the light on the lake is beautiful and the heat eases.
• Put the life jackets on at the jetty and set a simple rule ("we stay near the shore").
• Bring a small towel: the water of Lake Morat is often pleasant and children quickly want to swim.
• Check the rates on the official website before you come; in summer, rental is open daily from 10am to 6pm.
• If you enjoyed it, keep the fun going another day with another fine ride on the water.

Useful information

• Address: Segelschule Murtensee, Ryf 69, 3280 Morat (marina).
• Operator: Segelschule Murtensee (rental at the marina).
• Official website: segelschule-murtensee.ch (up-to-date hours and prices).
• Opening hours: in summer, daily from 10am to 6pm; the range varies with the season and weather, check before you go.
• Access: on foot from Morat CFF station to the marina; parking near the old town.

Why we recommend it

Because it's the quintessential Morat summer outing: zero organisation, a modest budget, and the immediate pleasure of being on the water as a family, at the foot of the old town and on one of the warmest lakes in Switzerland. The pedalo wins everyone over — the little ones love to "drive", the grown-ups unwind facing the Vully — and it pairs perfectly with a swim or a walk along the ramparts.

In a nutshell

A pedalo ride on Lake Morat, at the foot of the old town: the simplest and most refreshing summer outing for families, on one of the warmest lakes in Switzerland.