Best Things to do in St Moritz, Maloja Region, Canton of Graubünden (Grisons), Switzerland
If you’re looking for a well-heeled ski vacation, few resorts can top St. Moritz’s famed prestige. The resort is truly the No. 1 winter playground of the international jet set.
The St. Moritz village is situated at the center of the elongated Engadin valley, which the Inn River passes through. Like most resorts located in the Swiss Alps, you can bet that St. Moritz offers dizzying views of dramatic mountain peaks.
Thanks to the Romance language, the proximity of Italy and the predominantly German-speaking local population, three cultural areas come together in St. Moritz. The place owes its importance to its medicinal springs, which have been known for almost 3,500 years and which were established in 1466 BC.
Have been mentioned historically for the first time. As early as the Middle Ages, St. Moritz was visited by bathers during the summer. And yet: in 1830 only 200 people lived in the village.
In addition to its beautiful location above and next to the lake, St. Moritz offers an attractive mix of nature, culture, sport, business and tranquility.
The sympathetic harmony of the Upper Engadine landscape with around 90 mountain lakes, the famous “champagne climate” and the strong Engadine sun make up the real charm of the place.
St. Moritz was the birthplace of alpine winter tourism (1864) and sport (1884), the venue for two Olympic winter games (1928 and 1948) and numerous ski and bobsleigh world championships.
The summer season is a little less glamorous, but it actually attracts more visitors from all over the world than winter. Throughout the year, St. Moritz guarantees exceptional leisure and sports activities, cultural highlights, varied shopping opportunities and world-class events. There is also a top hotel business and excellent restaurants.
1. Lake St. Moritz
Lake St. Moritz is located in a valley surrounded by the peaks of the Alps in southeastern Switzerland and is a famous international tourist attraction. There is plenty of sunshine and a mild climate, with 320 sunshine days in 365 days a year.
Two Winter Olympics have been held here. Although there are only more than 5,000 residents, it has 8 five-star hotels, one of the places with the highest density of luxury hotels in the world.
On the east bank of the lake, there is a large shoal beach. A little yellow-haired girl playing with a puppy in the water warmly greeted me to go into the water and play, take off my shoes and socks, roll up my trouser legs, and stay in the lake water at around 8℃. Stepping on the water and playing in the waves, that cool and refreshing is unforgettable.
2. Panorama Restaurant & Hotel Muottas Muragl
They say it is the most beautiful: the view from Muottas Muragl over the Engadine is so unique that it has always inspired poets, thinkers and artists – and enchants connoisseurs.
Those who can withstand everything except temptation will first get intoxicated by the spectacular sunset and finally indulge in “mountain dining” in the recently renovated and expanded panorama restaurant using all the rules of the art of cooking.
The romantic Romantik Hotel Muottas Muragl is also the first plus-energy hotel in the Alpine region – a real place of power in this respect too.
3. Bernina Express – UNESCO World Heritage route Albula / Bernina
When you ride the Bernina Express, you will experience one highlight after the other. From impressive buildings to spectacular views, everything is included.”Coffee, totenbeinli, nut tart or Prosecco!”
This is what it sounds like when the Bernina Express Minibar rolls in. On the way stewards serve local specialties and turn the trip in the panorama car into a real pleasure trip!
The route through the Albula Valley and over the Bernina Pass is a masterpiece in terms of construction technology and lines. Landscape and railroad merge: in wide radii and over sophisticated engineering structures through rugged valleys.
The Landwasser Viaduct, the spiral tunnels between Bergün and Preda and the Brusio circular viaduct are witnesses from the time of the railway pioneers.
Crossing the Alps with the Bernina Express is certainly one of the most spectacular. On the way, the Bernina Express rolls over the 65 meter high Landwasser Viaduct, the landmark of the Rhaetian Railway and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In total, you drive from Chur to Tirano through 55 tunnels and over 196 bridges. The travelers pass phenomenal sights such as the Montebello curve with a view of the Bernina massif. Or the Morteratsch Glacier, the three lakes Lej Pitschen, Lej Nair and Lago Bianco, Alp Grüm and the Brusio circular viaduct.
In summer, the journey on the Bernina Express Bus from Tirano to Lugano can be extended. Spicy mountain air and a fresh panoramic view of the Albula and Bernina: in summer, open observation cars are attached to the Bernina Express between Davos Platz and Tirano.
The windowless convertible cars increase the experience of nature. Mirror-free photos of the breathtaking landscape are guaranteed!
4. Glacier Express St Moritz to Zermatt, Andermatt or Brig
The journey in the slowest express train in the world takes around eight hours through the Alpine chain, through 91 tunnels and over 291 bridges. The Glacier Express offers a journey for the senses, from the Engadine to the Matterhorn.
On its relaxed journey from dazzling St. Moritz to the no less sophisticated Zermatt, the Glacier Express delights travelers with scenic attractions and technical masterpieces.
With its roof-high panorama windows, the Glacier Express opens up a clear view of unique landscapes. Excellence Class A train journey through the Swiss Alps has never been so luxurious.
With guaranteed window seats, an exclusive bar, on-board entertainment, concierge service and personal travel companion, the Glacier Express Excellence Class sets new standards.
The journey between St. Moritz and Zermatt is a feast for all the senses: while the spectacular landscape passes by outside, guests are served champagne and amuse-bouches – followed by an exquisite 5-course menu with a matching wine. With this offer, the Glacier Express now offers one of the most exclusive tourist highlights in Switzerland.
5. Unforgettable mountain adventures in Engadin St. Moritz …
The Engadin is a paradise for sports enthusiasts and adventure-seekers, a place of inspiration and tranquillity, a valley of pristine nature, full of cultural treasures.
Every visitor discovers a special place here to fall in love with. You, too, will find your very own favourite spot in the Engadin: we’ll happily help you! The Engadin has so much to offer. Here are 60 fun things to do between Maloja and S-chanf.
Ski: The ski areas in the Upper Engadin are open.
Cross-country skiing: Over 200 km oftrails are groomed for both classic and skating techniques.
Winter hiking: Enjoy the vastness of the Engadin on the freshly groomed winter hiking trails.
Snowshoeing: Make fresh tracks in the snow along the marked snowshoe trails.
Ice Rinks: The natural and artificial ice rinks in the Upper Engadin invite you to skate freely in the fresh air.
6. Protestant church San Gian
Until recent decades, it was thought that the church of San Gian was originally built in its current form. However, excavations carried out by the archaeological service of Canton Graubünden in the year 1974 showed that a smaller chapel once stood on this site.
The chapel occupied more or less the south side of today’s church, but it seems it was not connected to the small tower. In 1478 Bishop Ortlieb von Brandis had the current church built, along with the large late-Gothic tower.
In 1682, the tower’s large wooden spire was struck by lightning, and completely destroyed. The church was restored between 1973 and 1980.
7. The St. Moritz Olympia bob run
Ever raced down a bobsleigh track at up to 130 km per hour? Now you can, at the St. Moritz-Celerina Olympia bob run. Take an adrenaline-fuelled ride on the world’s only natural bobsleigh track – it’s an experience you won’t soon forget.
The legendary St. Moritz-Celerina Olympia bob run has hosted competitions as part of two Olympic Games and numerous European and World Championships. The world’s only natural bobsleigh track is also its oldest.
The St. Moritz ice track, unlike those in North America, Japan and the rest of Europe, does not have to be artificially frozen. The track is crafted using only snow and water – and manpower, of course.
8. Skiing & Snowboarding in Ski resort St. Moritz – Corviglia
St Moritz in Switzerland is a large resort with 24 lifts (7 chair lifts, 13 surface lifts) that offers skiers an incredible 1169 metres (3835 feet) of vertical descent that has 190 acres of terrain over 88 pistes with a total length of 80 kilometers (50 miles).
This place is best suited to intermediate skiers and snowboarders but there is some terrain for beginners and advanced skiers.
There are 150 kilometers (94 miles) of cross country ski trails at St Moritz. For snowboarders, there is a terrain park and a half pipe. A small proportion of the pistes at St Moritz are covered by snowmaking.
The nearest airport is at Zurich and the nearest train station to St Moritz is at St Moritz. There is accommodation located close to the pistes but we would welcome additional information about any hotels or chalets in St Moritz.
9. Restaurant Piz Nair 10’000 Feet
A fantastic view and an excellent cuisine are at your disposal at this new and elegant panorama restaurant. On the menu you will find Grison specialities, standard dishes and gourmet menus. Here you really get good value for your money.
10. Engadine Golf Club, St. Moritz
The Engadin’s golf courses are well-known and much-loved, and for good reason. Switzerland’s first golf course opened here in 1890; our breathtaking mountain scenery provides a backdrop that makes seasoned golfers swoon.
For professionals, amateurs and young players alike, our golf courses offer thrilling challenges to suit all tastes – along with state-of-the-art training facilities and endless sporting pleasure.
Our golf courses promise surprises at every turn: a magnificent natural setting, spectacular views, fresh mountain air and imaginative course design make for an unforgettable experience.
In this sublime alpine setting, many golf enthusiasts find that games here are the highlight of their summer. We wish all golfers – youngsters, veterans, pros and amateurs alike – the warmest of welcomes here in the Engadin!
Best Things to do in Saint Moritz
- Lake St. Moritz
- Panorama Restaurant & Hotel Muottas Muragl
- Bernina Express
- Glacier Express St Moritz to Zermatt, Andermatt or Brig
- Unforgettable mountain adventures in Engadin St. Moritz …
- Protestant church San Gian
- The St. Moritz Olympia bob run
- Ski resort St. Moritz – Corviglia
- Restaurant Piz
- Engadine Golf Club