St. Moritz, a pioneer in winter sports resorts, has twice hosted the Winter Olympics in 1928 and 1948. The village is divided into St. Moritz Dorf, known for its grand hotels, and St. Moritz Bad, famous for its therapeutic springs dating back to the Bronze Age. The region's stunning alpine landscape, with its lakes, forests, and glaciers, attracts visitors all year round for activities like hiking, climbing, and skiing.
The panoramic views from St. Moritz span from Piz Languard in the east to Piz Julier in the west, with notable peaks like Piz Rosatsch and Piz Corvatsch. Below is a guide to the top attractions and activities in St. Moritz.
See also: Where to Stay in St. Moritz
1. Skiing and Winter Sports
St. Moritz has evolved from its 19th-century winter tourism roots into a modern ski destination with over 20 lifts. It boasts excellent intermediate ski terrain and the Corviglia Snow Park. Other winter activities include ice-skating, tobogganing, and bobsledding, with the area hosting numerous international sports events.
- Read More: Top-Rated Ski Resorts in Switzerland
2. Corviglia Funicular
The funicular from St. Moritz Dorf to Corviglia offers stunning alpine views and skiing opportunities, with a cable car continuing to Piz Nair. The Signalbahn from St. Moritz Bad reaches the Signalkuppe ski area.
3. The Glacier Express
The Glacier Express is a scenic train journey from St. Moritz to Zermatt, traversing pristine landscapes, gorges, and valleys over 291 bridges and through 91 tunnels. The train's large windows make it perfect for sightseeing.
Official site: http://www.glacierexpress.ch
4. Walk around St. Moritz Lake
The lake is a hub for summer visitors, with a path around its shore leading to hotels, restaurants, and cafes. The area offers scenic walks to nearby villages like Celerina and Pontresina.
5. Hahnensee
A leisurely walk from St. Moritz Bad through forests leads to Hahnensee, with a restaurant offering panoramic views. Further trails lead to Fuorcla Surlej and Piz Corvatsch.
6. Engadine Museum
The Engadine Museum showcases over 4,000 items depicting local life from the 13th to the 19th centuries, including traditional interiors, costumes, and woodcarvings.
Official site: www.engadiner-museum.ch
7. Ride the St. Moritz-Celerina Olympia Bob Run
Experience the thrill of a bobsled ride on the world's only natural bobsled run, or enjoy the sport as a spectator.
Official site: http://www.olympia-bobrun.ch
8. Water Sports
St. Moritz Lake and nearby Lake Silvaplana offer water sports like stand up paddling, windsurfing, and sailing. Lake Sils also provides cruises on Europe's highest scheduled boat service.
9. Silvaplana
Silvaplana is a health and winter sports resort near St. Moritz, with a Gothic church and a baronial mansion. It's also the starting point for the Corvatsch cableway.
10. Day Trip to Sils and Val Fex
Sils is a charming resort divided into Sils Maria and Sils Baselgia, offering beautiful architecture and nature trails. The car-free Val Fex is accessible by foot or horse-drawn transport.
11. Segantini Museum
The Segantini Museum honors artist Giovanni Segantini, showcasing his Alpine paintings amid the landscapes that inspired them.
Official site: https://www.segantini-museum.ch/en
12. Heidi Hutte and Blumenweg (Wildflower Trail)
Visit the Heidi Hutte from the film adaptation of Johanna Spyri's Heidi and explore the Blumenweg, a trail lined with diverse Alpine wildflowers.
13. St. Moritz Design Gallery
An art gallery in a passageway displays a collection of rare posters, with a new theme each year.
Where to Stay in St. Moritz for Sightseeing
St. Moritz offers a range of accommodations, from luxury hotels like the Kulm Hotel and Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski to mid-range options such as San Gian Hotel and Hauser Hotel. Budget travelers can consider hostels like Hostel by Randolins and Hostel Pitsch.
