Glittering alpine lakes, snow-dusted peaks, and grand mountain hotels give this resort town an atmosphere that feels almost unreal. Elegant and exclusive yet surrounded by raw natural beauty, it has long been one of Europe’s most glamorous mountain destinations.
High in the Swiss Alps, St. Moritz is best known for its luxury ski culture and its role in shaping Alpine tourism. The town began attracting visitors as early as the nineteenth century thanks to its mineral springs before later becoming a world-famous winter sports destination and host of the 1928 Winter Olympics and 1948 Winter Olympics.
While winter remains its most famous season, St. Moritz is just as spectacular in summer, when hiking trails, mountain lakes, and panoramic alpine scenery replace the ski slopes and snow-covered terraces.
Travel on the Bernina Red Train Rail
If you’re a fan of train travel like me, chances are you’ve heard of the Bernina Express. This stunning Swiss train (need I say more) winds its way through the Swiss Alps from Chur, through the Engadin Valley, directly past St. Moritz on its way toward Italy.
If you get a chance to take the train, traveling on the Bernina Express is a bucket list adventure that will leave you with unattainably high ‘view expectations’. I recommend taking the train from Chur to St. Moritz or even just spending a day on board. The train only runs once or twice a day, depending on the time of year, and has limited service during winter.
For the best views, sit on the right side of the train when traveling from Switzerland to Italy or on the left side when traveling back towards Chur.
Get a Taste of Alpine Living at the Engadine Museum
Full disclosure: I’ve never visited this museum myself, but I have only heard good things about it. Curated to show what life was like in the area in the past, the museum houses over four thousand artifacts showing local culture and ways of alpine life.
The 16th-century farmhouse reconstruction with carefully carved wooden furniture is said to be a highlight.
Take the Corviglia Funicular to the peak of Piz Nair
If you’re not a skier or snowboarder, you’ll still have an opportunity to take a funicular to the peak of the mountain for a discounted lift rate. You’ll ascend over three thousand meters in under 20 minutes to reach some of the most spectacular alpine views in the world.
A round-trip ticket costs CHF 35, making this the ideal activity for a lunchtime trip in winter or to access mountain trails and hikes in summer.
Eat Raclette or Fondue, At Least Once
I always say ‘fondue isn’t for everyone, but raclette is’. A much milder cheesy meal than its often overpoweringly strong sibling, raclette is a mild and delicious meal of melted cheese served over boiled potatoes and vegetables, fresh bread, and pickles.
Fondue is one of my favorite meals, winter, and summer, but it is most spectacular in Switzerland itself. Be bold and order the fondue at La Stella, a traditional chalet restaurant in the heart of town. Fondue costs around CHF 38 to 45 per person and is one of the most authentically Swiss food experiences you will find.
Taste Switzerland’s Finest Chocolate
This might be obvious, but Switzerland is the land of fine chocolate. Every visitor deserves to treat themselves to a box of Swiss chocolates. Hanselmann handcrafts delicious pralines, and Laderach, a now global chocolatier on par with Lindt, is the place to go for a slab of delicious chocolate.
Ride Like Royalty in a Horsedrawn Sleigh
When the town turns into a winter wonderland at the end of each year, one of the best ways to experience its beauty and wintery atmosphere is to tuck yourself under fur blankets on a traditional carriage ride.
Carriage rides are pretty pricey, because they’re targeted at tourists. You can book a ride through the alpine forests, near the lake, or into Val Fex.
Drink Traditional Swiss Hot Chocolate at Hanselmanns
While Caotina is a great bet for a mountain-top drink or ski pitstop, you’ll want to schedule a proper Swiss hot chocolate experience at Hanselmanns. The pastry shop and cafe have been satisfying sweet cravings since 1894 and serve a velvety, rich hot chocolate paired with homemade pastries, chocolates, and bread.
Walk the Famous Wildflower Trail in Spring
If you’re in St. Moritz during Summer, you’ll want to set aside time to experience the blossoming spring wildflowers along Heidi’s Flower Trail in Salastrains. Over the course of a relatively easy one-to-four-kilometer walk, you’ll pass more than two hundred plant and flower species.
The most popular route departs from Chantarella and ends at an iconic Heidi Hut that dates back to 1792.
Stroll the Banks of St. Moritz Lake
After a day on the slopes or after an authentically heavy Swiss meal, there are few things better than strolling around gorgeous St. Moritz Lake. The full loop is just 2.8 miles long and has a mild 50-foot elevation gain, making it a leisurely stroll compared to the more heart-pumping hikes in the area.
Ski at One of Europe’s Top Ski Resorts
This shouldn’t come as a surprise, but St. Moritz is arguably best known for its world-class ski terrain. Corviglia Mountain boasts over 190 acres of ski terrain over 88 ski runs and pistes. It’s best suited for intermediate skiers and snowboarders, but there is plenty of easy terrain for beginners and more technical runs for advanced riders.
The resort also has over 94 miles of cross-country ski trails, a seasonal terrain park, and a half-pipe for the tricksters.