Murten

The view across the Murtensee to the alps greeted us this morning. Such a lovely morning with a little  easterly breeze keeping things on the cooler side. An early morning walk through the vineyard area of Mt Vully was quite a treat - the cooler climate grapes were of the varieties we have in Tassie - Pinot Grig, Pinot Noir, Cabinets and some other German grapes. 

We drove down of the mountain to the village of Murten, at the crossroads of the cultural and linguistic nature of Switzerland. The farmers in the hill are French speaking,  just across the water in Murten 83 percent are German speaking. 

Murten is a medieval town in the heart of Switzerland, situated on the shores of Murtensee. The surrounding district is the largest vegetable growing district in Switzerland. 

On our arrival today it was explained to us that the flowers and flags around the town were left over from the celebrations last Friday commemorating the Battle of Murton - 1476. The battle saw the second defeat of the Burgundian Duke, Charles the Bold, in a matter of months. The locals dressed up and held a big parade through the town. 

Like many of these medieval towns a devastating fire has been part of  its history. Murten is no exception, being rebuilt in stone over the following centuries. Murten has a complete town wall/fortifications surround it today. The views from this, over the village and beyond, is quite spectacular. 

The main street, Hauptgasse, gives you a great view of the baroque style of the town. The 18th century arcades have become an icon, and there are very strict rules around the advertising that is and isn’t allowed - no neon signs to be seen! 

Later in the afternoon we drove on to Fribourg, we were quite surprised just how big it is - and parking was very difficult to find for a change. We settled on an area on the banks of the Sarine River near the covered Pont de Berne, one of the most ancient bridges of Switzerland. 

This evening we took a walk around the hilly Fribourg- but that story can wait for now.