Photo: Unknown (Life time: Not Applicable) / Public domain
Nestled in the Engadin valley at 1,856 metres, St Moritz is the original winter sports resort, a place that practically invented Alpine tourism. With its dazzling lake, glacier-capped peaks and a glamorous yet understated vibe, this Swiss icon offers a heady mix of natural beauty and refined indulgence. Whether you're carving down the Corviglia slopes or sipping a vin chaud by the frozen lake, St Moritz delivers an Alpine experience that feels both exclusive and utterly authentic.
Highlights & What to See
- Lake St Moritz – In winter a frozen playground for horse racing and polo; in summer a mirror for the surrounding peaks, perfect for a stroll or a swim.
- Corviglia & Piz Nair – Ski or hike above the treeline with panoramic views over the Bernina massif; the cable car ride is an experience in itself.
- Diavolezza – This 2,973-metre peak offers year-round skiing and a jaw-dropping panorama of the Pers Glacier; the cable car ascent is not for the faint-hearted.
- Engadin Museum – Housed in a traditional Engadin house, it reveals the region's history and culture, from Roman times to the birth of tourism.
- Segantini Hut – A short hike from the top of the Corviglia cable car leads to this mountain refuge, dedicated to the painter Giovanni Segantini, with sublime valley views.
Suggested Time to Spend
St Moritz rewards a stay of at least three to four days. Two days allow you to hit the slopes or explore the lake and town, while four days give you time to ride the Bernina Express, hike to a mountain hut, and enjoy the spa scene. If you're on a road trip through Graubünden, it's a perfect two-night stop to recharge and soak up the Alpine atmosphere.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Pontresina – A quieter, more traditional base for hiking and climbing, just 10 minutes by train or car.
- Bernina Pass & Poschiavo – Drive or take the Bernina Express over the pass to this Italian-speaking valley with its palm trees and Mediterranean feel.
- Zernez & Swiss National Park – 30 minutes north, explore Switzerland's only national park, a wilderness of alpine meadows, ibex and marmots.
- Davos – A 90-minute drive or train ride away, this larger resort offers a different energy and the famous Parsenn ski area.
- Lugano & Ticino – A scenic two-hour drive south through the Alps brings you to the sunny, lake-dotted canton of Ticino, a complete contrast in climate and culture.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.
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Image credits
- Bernina Pass — No machine-readable author provided. Schutz assumed (based on copyright claims). / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Zernez — NASA / Public domain
- Swiss National Park — Haydn Blackey / CC BY-SA 2.0
- Davos — World Economic Forum / CC BY 4.0