Town, countryside, Lake Murten On water and land with Captain Corinne Stauffer
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Intro
A sparkling blue lake, lush green meadows and, nestled between them, the old city walls surrounding the medieval town of Murten. This is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll through picturesque alleyways and arcades, past historic town houses and fountains adorned with flowers. Then put your feet up and enjoy a boat trip with Captain Corinne Stauffer.
Lake Murten Region
Situated in the bilingual canton of Fribourg, the charming little town of Murten is the main resort in this region. Its historic old town, the Mont Vully range of hills (653 m) with its vineyards and the deep blue Lake Murten are popular destinations for excursions.
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A discovery tour on Lake Murten
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The Ville d’Yverdon awaits at Murten’s harbour and Corinne Stauffer’s bright red hair is visible from afar. The captain and her team warmly welcome passengers on board. Lasting around an hour, the boat trip around Lake Murten passes sun-drenched vineyards and offers magnificent views of the town and its 12th century walls. The round trip starts and ends in Murten, enabling visitors to combine the boat trip with a stroll around the town for a perfect full day excursion.
First female liner captain on Lake Murten
Corinne Stauffer is the first woman with a BII/2 skipper’s licence to be captain of the large liners on Lake Murten, Lake Neuchâtel and Lake Biel. Navigation has played a big role in Corinne’s life right from childhood. Her father was a captain and she used to wave at him from land as he passed by. However, her first job was as a waitress and she trained as a sommelière. It was only when she helped out waitressing on the boat that she finally caught the bug and decided to train as a captain.
When I am not on the water, something is missing.
Powered by a woman
Some passengers are amazed that a woman commands a boat of this size and ask Corinne Stauffer about her role as captain. She has held the highest skipper’s licence on Swiss waters since 2018 and skilfully navigates the 49.07 metre long boat across Lake Murten. She is responsible for around 560 passengers on board, as well as for swimmers and summer visitors who go out on the lake in inflatable boats. Docking requires total concentration and Corinne moves to the outer bridge to enable her to see the entire boat. During this manoeuvre, passengers can see the captain in her element.
Murten History, wine and Nidelkuchen.
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Regional delicacy with double cream
After work, Corinne and her team stroll through the old town of Murten and treat themselves to a slice of Nidelkuchen in the Aebersold patisserie. This Murtner speciality, which is enjoyed all year round by locals, consists of a dough base to which five thin layers of cream are added. Sampling a slice of Nidelkuchen is now a must for tourists in the town.
- 1159–1179: The town was founded Murten, which until this date had appeared in records as a fortress, is declared a town by the Zähringers. However, it was not until 1803 that Napoleon assigned the town to the canton of Fribourg – against the will of the people.
- 22 June 1476 Battle of Murten: Victory of the Confederates over the Burgundian army led by Duke Charles the Bold. He is said to have lost his courage after this defeat. The residents of Murten celebrate this date every year with a traditional festival known as Solennität.
- 12 fortress towers The circular walls consist of 12 fortress towers and are accessible to visitors every day. Construction of the walls started back in the 12th century. They were built in several stages and are made from different materials including pebbles, tuff and sandstone.
Wind down on the shores of the lake at the end of the day
The lake shore is bustling with cyclists and walkers. Benches and jetties dotted around the shore offer magnificent views and provide the perfect place to sit and watch as the setting sun bathes Lake Murten in evening light. Various wine bars also offer a relaxing start to the evening. Secret tip: Enjoy the sunset as locals do from the terrace of the “Schiff am See” or the “Beach House” – best accompanied by a glass of wine from the region of Vully across the lake.
Locals and tourists alike love the lively hustle and bustle on the shore of Lake Murten.