Môtier Beach at Mont-Vully: family swimming at Lake Murten

A grassy beach at the foot of the Vully vineyards

In Môtier, in the municipality of Mont-Vully, Lake Murten borders a peaceful swimming area located just below the Café du Port. Here we are in a small wine-growing village situated on the northern shore of the lake, at the foot of the Vully hills. The beach is simple and family-friendly: you spread your towel on the grass, watch the children splashing around, and enjoy the view of the lake and the vineyards in the background. The nearby dock adds a bit of activity, with boats approaching the shore. It's one of those places where you can spend a summer day without complicating your life.

What your children will discover

Children quickly make themselves at home by Lake Murten. They alternate swimming and playing on the grass, observe the boats docking at the Môtier dock, and watch for ducks and fish near the shore. The grassy swimming area gives them space to run, dry off in the sun, and jump back into the water. Between dips, the lawn becomes an open-air playground, with the Vully vineyards as a backdrop.

What to do there and the atmosphere on site

The atmosphere is calm and friendly. You set your things down on the grass, have a picnic, and alternate between swimming, lounging, and playing. A small refreshment stand allows you to grab an ice cream or a drink without packing up, and the Café-Restaurant du Port, just above, takes over for a more gourmet stop. Older kids try some strokes out in the lake while the little ones stay close to the shore. And to vary the pleasures, the nearby Praz beach is easily accessible along the lake, in the same municipality.

Before you go

• Recommended age: from 2 years old accompanied, the swimming area is suitable for young children under adult supervision.
• Duration: half a day to a full day.
• Price: free access (free entry).
• Reservation: none, you come freely.
• Stroller accessibility: flat and grassy terrain easy to access; accessibility for people with reduced mobility to be confirmed with the municipality.
• Transport: bus to the Môtier Village stop; in season, boats on Lake Murten with a stop at the Môtier dock. Parking nearby.
• What to bring: swimsuits, towels, sunscreen, hats, picnic supplies, water shoes for the comfort of little feet.
• Ideal season: summer, in good weather, when the lake water has warmed up.

Parents' tips

• Arrive early on sunny days: the grass and shaded spots fill up quickly in the middle of summer.
• Keep young children within reach near the water: the presence of supervision is not confirmed (to be checked with the municipality).
• Bring water shoes, as the bottom can be rocky or grassy in places.
• Enjoy the small refreshment stand or the Café du Port just above for an ice cream or a break without packing everything up.
• Combine swimming with a walk in the Vully vineyards for a complete family day out.

Useful information

• Address: Môtier Beach, below the Café du Port, Chemin du Débarcadère, 1787 Môtier, municipality of Mont-Vully (Fribourg).
• Official site: mont-vully.ch
• Hours: free access all year round; swimming hours not regulated (to be confirmed).
• Access: bus to the Môtier Village stop; boats at the Môtier dock in season; parking nearby.

Looking for more outings? Find all our activities in Mont-Vully.

Why we recommend it

Because Môtier beach brings together everything you expect from a family swim by Lake Murten: free access, a lawn to settle on, showers and toilets on site, a small refreshment stand, and a beautiful setting between lake and vineyard. It's the ideal spot for a simple and relaxing outing, where children enjoy the water while parents relax in the shade of the Vully vineyards.

In two words

A free grassy beach by Lake Murten, below the Café du Port in Môtier, perfect for a peaceful family swim at the foot of the Vully vineyard.