Mont Vully hike: over the “Wistelacherberg” to Cudrefin

In the vastness of the 3-lake region, the hill range of Mont Vully between Lake Murten and Lake Neuchâtel is a striking landmark. Many paths lead to the panoramic summit at 653 metres above sea level. We took a closer look at one of them on a (too hot) spring day and were positively impressed. The hike along the Trans Swiss Trail from Murten via Sugiez via Mont Vully to Cudrefin has some highlights in store for a “lowland hike”. One of them is – and this is probably not surprising – the fantastic panoramic view from Mont Vully over Lake Murten to the French Alps.

Starting point of the hike in Murten

We start the hike over Mont Vully in the pretty Fribourg town of Murten. At first glance a gem, at second glance I am annoyed by the fact that in the picturesque old town alleys more space is required for car parking spaces than for the outdoor seating of cafés and restaurants. Of course, cars are allowed to drive into the town, but the weekly market takes place outside in front of the Berntor… I have questions – many admittedly, but that would go beyond the scope of this blog post.

If you want to add a few meters of altitude to the upcoming hike, then I recommend a short detour via the Deutsche Kirchgasse. There you will find the entrance to the almost completely preserved ring wall. It is open daily from sunrise to sunset and can be visited free of charge.

Hiking on the Trans Swiss Trail over Mont Vully

The hiking trail leads out of the old town to the landing stage. We follow the signs of “Route 2” in the direction of Sugiez. Route 2 is the “Trans Swiss Trail“, a long-distance hiking trail that leads in 32 stages (488 kilometres) from Porrentruy to Mendrisio. Today we are completing the 7th stage (Neuchâtel – Murten), but in the opposite direction.

For the first 5.5 kilometres, the trail leads along the shores of Lake Murten to Sugiez. This section of the trail is much more “cosy” than I expected. After Camping Muntelier, we dive into a “green tunnel”. Left, right and top: thousands of shades of green. And under your feet a soft, springy woodchip path. If you want to learn more about the special habitat of the Chablais state forest, you will find background information on the local flora and fauna on ten information boards along the way. In addition, individual viewing platforms offer a view over the protected reed belt.

The dense canopy of the “Chablais” protects you from the scorching rays of the sun even on hot days. At the latest on the ascent between the vineyards of Sugiez to the heights of Mont Vully, you long to return to the pleasantly cool and airy “forest tunnel”. The ascent from Sugiez to Mont Vully takes just under an hour. Slogan: Persevere! The magnificent view that awaits you at the top is well worth the effort.

Grande Cariçaie Nature Reserve

The descent from Mont Vully towards the Broye Canal zigzags through the wooded northern flanks of Mont Vully. After that, I am once again surprised by a section of the path. I had expected us to walk along a wide gravel path along the Broye Canal. Instead, we “fight” our way through waist-high grass and feel transported back to the Everglades.

A wonderfully “wild” and species-rich riverside landscape also awaits us behind the hamlet of “La Sauge”. The hiking trail leads through the “Grande Cariçaie” here. The 3,000-hectare nature reserve is an important migratory bird station and is one of the most species-rich landscapes in Switzerland.

Unfortunately, noon is not the ideal time of day for bird watching. However, it is still worthwhile to pack binoculars or to stop off at the Auberge next to the bird sanctuary and continue hiking in the late afternoon. Alternatively, you can get cool drinks and snacks in a “self-service area” right next to the restaurant (the machines only work with cash!).

After about 4.5 hours of walking, we see the “Marina” of Cudrefin in front of us. If you have packed your swimming trunks/bikini and towel, you can free yourself from hiking sweat by jumping into Lake Neuchâtel. It is almost as nice to dip your feet in the water.

Practical tips for your hike over Mont Vully

On the following map you can see our route of the hike from Murten over Mont Vully to Cudrefin. The route measures 18.6 kilometres and is largely flat. On the ascent from Sugiez to Mont Vully, with a good 230 meters of altitude, the most meters of altitude are covered in one fell swoop. The remaining meters of altitude are distributed in moderate (barely perceptible) portions over the course of the route. The trail passes by the BirdLife Nature Centre la Sauge, which is open from Tuesday to Sunday (admission 8 CHF for adults, 5 CHF for children).

The hiking trail is technically easy (T1/T2) and runs mostly on natural paths. On the ascent and descent from Mont Vully, there are also isolated paved sections. In Cudrefin there are hourly bus connections to Ins/Bern. Depending on your time or desire, you can also take a boat from here to Neuchâtel.

Key data of the tour Murten – Mont Vully – La Sauge – Cudrefin

Starting point	Murten railway station (450 m above sea level)
Reachability	accessible by public transport
Length	18.7 kilometres
Elevation gain	↗ 320 m 330 m ↘
Duration	4:45 p.m.
Destination	Cudrefin bus stop, place de la Tour (430 m a.s.l.)
Catering	Auberge de la Sauge (right next to the bird sanctuary)

Extra tip: Glamping at Lake Murten

If possible, I try to combine hikes with short stays in nice accommodations or with a stop at a good restaurant. After all, the enjoyment factor should not be neglected. Here we treated ourselves to a fine dinner and a special overnight stay on the eve of the tour. The restaurant La Pinte du Vieux Manoir has been on my radar for a long time. While the former 5-star hotel “Vieux Manoir” ceased operations in 2013 (reasons included the fact that expansion was impossible due to the current building and zoning regulations), new projects have been implemented in the meantime; a glass diamond in the middle of the treetops, the reactivation of a former railway guard’s house and the “Haus am See” as an exclusive holiday apartment. In addition, there is the excellent cuisine of the Pinte du Vieux Manoir restaurant, for which Michel Hojac has been responsible since the beginning of 2020.

We checked in for one night in the station keeper’s house (cost 430 CHF) and enjoyed a wonderfully warm spring evening on the restaurant terrace. When the weather is nice, it’s definitely “the place to be”. Attentive service, a fine seasonal menu with regional products and a view of the sunset behind Lake Murten. Yes, it gives you holiday feelings!