St. Moritz

St. Moritz lies in the Upper Engadine and is a name that stands for alpine elegance and sporting ambition. Its history as a resort goes back to the mid-19th century, when it became a pioneer of winter tourism and wellness, helped by its mineral springs and its bright, sunny air, with some 300 days of sun a year, according to local boasts. Over the decades it has turned into a meeting place for the international set, welcoming royalty, artists and athletes.

History and Heritage The town’s rise began in 1864, according to the well-known story, when the hotelier Johannes Badrutt invited British guests to stay through the winter, promising sunshine and snow, and offering to refund their stay if they were disappointed. The bet is said to have started winter tourism in the Alps. St. Moritz later hosted the Winter Olympics in 1928 and 1948, which confirmed its place among the world’s main winter-sports centres. The architecture shows the cosmopolitan past, with grand hotels, Belle Époque buildings and the leaning tower, a remnant of a medieval church that stands alone on the hillside above the old village.

Main Attractions Lake St. Moritz is the centrepiece of the town, with sailing and paddleboarding in summer and ice skating and the White Turf horse races in winter. The Piz Nair cable car lifts visitors to panoramic viewpoints and ski slopes, and the Corviglia and Corvatsch areas give world-class skiing, snowboarding and hiking. The pedestrian-friendly centre is lined with boutiques, galleries and restaurants.

St. Moritz is also known for events such as polo and cricket on snow. The Segantini Museum celebrates the painter Giovanni Segantini, whose Alpine triptych is among the works on view, and the Engadine Museum offers insight into local culture, with carved rooms from old farmhouses. The Fex Valley and Sils Maria, a short ride away, are good for quiet walks and horse-drawn carriage rides, and the Muottas Muragl funicular, across the valley, gives one of the best views of the lake chain.

Activities St. Moritz is a destination for outdoor adventure all year. In winter, the area has more than 350 kilometres of ski slopes, cross-country trails and toboggan runs. The Cresta Run, a natural ice skeleton racing track in use since the 1880s, is a legendary test for thrill-seekers, and the Olympic Bob Run is another icon of the town’s sporting past. Summer brings hiking, mountain biking, golf and water sports on the lake. The network of trails suits all levels, from gentle lakeside walks to demanding alpine ascents.

Wellness is also central to St. Moritz, with luxury spas, mineral baths and wellness centres offering a range of treatments. The cultural calendar includes music festivals, art exhibitions and gourmet events through the year.

Getting There St. Moritz can be reached by train on the scenic Bernina and Glacier Express routes, which link it with Chur, Zurich and beyond. The town is also reached by car, over well-kept alpine roads, with parking facilities. The Engadin Airport, at nearby Samedan, has flights to major European cities. In St. Moritz, public transport, taxis and cable cars make it easy to explore the town and the surrounding mountains. The Swiss rail network brings the town within a few hours of Zurich, and the Glacier Express journey is a highlight of many trips.

Seasonal Advice The best time depends on interests. December to March is the peak season for skiing and winter sports, with reliable snow and a festive mood. June to October brings mild weather, alpine flowers and good conditions for hiking, biking and lake activities. Spring and autumn are quieter, with soft colours and fewer visitors. In every season St. Moritz’s mix of luxury, adventure and alpine beauty makes a stay that lives up to the name.