Lake Schiffenen and Murten/Morat, Switzerland

I'm cycling around Lake Schiffenen, a long narrow man-made lake lined with steep cliffs--similar to a fjord. It's roughly 25 miles round the lake. It's hard to snap photos due to dense forests and clearings are few. I took this directly into the sun thus the sun spots.

I'm on the lookout for three castles in the area but all are privately-owned.

 

Lots of beautiful farmland. These goats are nosey. Coming right up to the fence to check me out after snapping this picture. 

Making a five mile detour from the lake to revisit the walled-in medieval town of Murten/Morat, population 8,000. Was here back in 2018 and it's a tour bus stop.

No plaque to identify the soldier but the fountain dates back to 1814.

Last remaining town gate (Bern gate). Dates back to 1239 though this one was built in 1750. 

Huge clock needs to be wound every 24 hours and the time is still spot on!

A main street through Murten/Morat. The town goes by two names as it's officially bilingual (French/German). 

Murten/Morat town hall. 

The courtyard inside town hall. 

View from Murten/Morat town hall of Lake Morat (or Lake Murten). I cycled round the lake during my 2018 visit. 

Another street within town's walls.

Guard tower.

Medieval walls still enclose Murten/Morat.

Don't know what's the deal with white stuff. Filled my water bottle with ice cold water. 

Another section of wall guarding the town. 

Another street view. 

I'm back to Lake Schiffenen and it's an up and down ride along rolling hills. I spot what looks to be a castle tower off in the distance.

That must be Petit-Vivy Castle. One of the three I'm on the lookout for. 

Found the hidden road leading to castle. Was looking to get closer view but multiple signs announce it's private property. 

Used the zoom feature to capture this view. The backside of Petit-Vivy Castle sits on a high steep bluff overlooking Lake Schiffenen. Dates back to the 13th century and the walls are 11 feet thick!

Had no luck finding the other two castles. 

As mentioned, it's difficult taking photos of Lake Schiffenen because there're no roads running along the lake and much of it is blocked by dense forest. Did find a clearing to snap this.