TL;DR: St. Moritz is the birthplace of alpine winter tourism and one of the world's most glamorous mountain resorts, set at 1,822 meters in the sunny Engadin valley of Graubunden. Famous for hosting two Winter Olympics (1928 and 1948), the Bernina Express railway, frozen lake activities, and over 322 days of sunshine per year, St. Moritz blends world-class skiing and hiking with luxury hotels, gourmet dining, and extraordinary Alpine scenery -- reachable from Zurich in approximately 3 hours 25 minutes by train.
Quick Facts
| Region | Graubunden (Grisons), Upper Engadin |
| Canton | Graubunden |
| Elevation | 1,822 m / 5,978 ft (town center) |
| Population | 5,000 (town), ~17,000 (Upper Engadin valley) |
| Language | German and Romansh (official); Italian widely understood; English spoken in tourism |
| Best Time to Visit | December to April (skiing, frozen lake events); July to September (hiking, mountain biking, lake swimming) |
| Getting There | Zurich: 3h 25min (IC/IR via Chur) / Chur: 2h (IR/Bernina Express) / Tirano (Italy): 2h 30min (Bernina Express) |
| Swiss Travel Pass | Fully valid for trains to/from St. Moritz, local Engadin buses, and Bernina Express (seat reservation required for panoramic cars) |
| Average Stay | 3--5 nights recommended (minimum 2) |
| GPS (Town Center) | 46.4908, 9.8355 |
Top 5 Things to Do in St. Moritz
1. Ride the Bernina Express
One of the world's greatest railway journeys, the Bernina Express crosses the Alps from St. Moritz (1,822 m) to Tirano, Italy (429 m) on a UNESCO World Heritage railway line, passing through 55 tunnels, over 196 bridges, and across the Bernina Pass at 2,253 meters -- the highest railway crossing in the Alps without a rack-and-pinion system. The full journey takes approximately 4 hours (2 hours 30 minutes Tirano to St. Moritz). Highlights include the Landwasser Viaduct (between Chur and St. Moritz, on the Albula line), the Montebello curve with views of the Morteratsch Glacier, and the spiral viaduct at Brusio near Tirano. Seat reservation mandatory for panoramic cars: CHF 16 in Summer, CHF 10 in Winter (2026 prices). The fare is covered by the Swiss Travel Pass. Regular RhB trains also run the route without reservation at no extra cost. Allow a full day for the round trip.
2. Experience the Frozen Lake in Winter
From January to March (conditions permitting), Lake St. Moritz freezes solid enough to host extraordinary events on its surface: polo on ice (Snow Polo World Cup, January), horse racing on the frozen lake (White Turf, February/March), cricket on ice, and the legendary Cresta Run nearby. Even without attending an event, walking or cross-country skiing across the frozen lake with the Engadin peaks reflected in the ice is unforgettable. Free to walk on when officially opened by authorities (marked paths). The frozen lake also serves as the landing strip for fly-in guests arriving by small aircraft.
3. Take the Funicular to Muottas Muragl
The Muottas Muragl funicular climbs from Punt Muragl (near Samedan, one stop from St. Moritz by train) to 2,456 meters in 15 minutes, delivering what is often called the most beautiful viewpoint in the Engadin. The panoramic terrace at the top overlooks the entire chain of Upper Engadin lakes -- Silvaplana, Champfer, St. Moritz, and Staz -- with the Bernina massif as a backdrop. The Romantik Hotel Muottas Muragl at the summit offers overnight stays and sunset dinners at 2,456 meters. Funicular round trip: CHF 39 adults, 50% discount with Swiss Travel Pass or Half-Fare Card (2026 prices). Operates year-round. Allow 2-3 hours including the viewpoint.
4. Ski Corviglia, Corvatsch, or Diavolezza
St. Moritz offers access to three major ski areas totaling over 350 km of slopes:
| Ski Area | Summit | Vertical Drop | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corviglia / Piz Nair | 3,057 m | 1,235 m | Main area, World Cup slopes, sunny, above St. Moritz |
| Corvatsch | 3,303 m | 1,803 m | Highest in Eastern Switzerland, long runs, snow-sure |
| Diavolezza / Lagalb | 2,978 m | 900 m | Freeride, glacier descent to Morteratsch (10 km), dramatic scenery |
A regional ski pass covering all three areas costs approximately CHF 79 per day or CHF 380 for 6 days (2026 prices). The season typically runs from late November to mid-April, with glacier skiing on Corvatsch extending into late April. The Swiss Travel Pass does not cover ski lifts but does cover the train connections between the base stations.
5. Hike the Engadin Lakes Trail
In Summer, the 15-km Engadin Lakes Trail (Seenweg) from Maloja to St. Moritz is one of Switzerland's most scenic easy hikes, passing alongside or above six turquoise Alpine lakes (Maloja, Sils, Silvaplana, Champfer, St. Moritz, Staz). The trail takes approximately 5-6 hours at a moderate pace, with minimal elevation change (mostly flat or gently downhill if starting from Maloja). The water color -- an extraordinary turquoise caused by glacial minerals -- is at its most intense in June and July. Free, well-marked, accessible June to October. Start with a PostBus from St. Moritz to Maloja (40 minutes, free with Swiss Travel Pass).
History & Culture
St. Moritz claims the title of birthplace of winter tourism. In September 1864, hotelier Johannes Badrutt made a legendary bet with four English summer guests: return in Winter, and if you do not enjoy it, I will pay for everything. The guests came, stayed until Spring, and winter alpine tourism was born. Within decades, St. Moritz had pioneered bobsled (the Cresta Run, built 1884), ski jumping, curling, and eventually hosted the Winter Olympics in 1928 and 1948 -- the only Swiss city to hold the Games.
The Upper Engadin valley has been inhabited for over 3,000 years, as evidenced by Bronze Age artifacts found near the mineral springs at St. Moritz Bad. The healing properties of the iron-rich springs were known to the Celts and Romans, and the town's earliest tourism centered on its spa waters rather than its slopes. The Romansh-speaking population (the fourth national language of Switzerland) has inhabited the Engadin for centuries, and Romansh place names, architecture (the distinctive sgraffito-decorated Engadin houses), and culture remain a living part of the valley's identity.
The famous "champagne climate" of St. Moritz -- averaging 322 days of sunshine per year thanks to the high-altitude, dry continental conditions -- attracted Europe's aristocracy, followed by industrialists and celebrities. The town trademarked its sun logo and the phrase "Top of the World" and has maintained its position as one of Europe's most exclusive resorts. Today, St. Moritz balances its luxury reputation with accessible alpine experiences: the Bernina Express is open to all budgets, hiking trails are free, and the Engadin's natural beauty -- glacier-fed lakes, larch forests, and peaks above 4,000 meters -- belongs to everyone.
Top Attractions
Bernina Express (UNESCO World Heritage Railway)
The Rhaetian Railway (RhB) lines connecting St. Moritz to Tirano (Bernina line) and Thusis to St. Moritz (Albula line) were jointly inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008 as "Rhaetian Railway in the Albula/Bernina Landscapes." The engineering achievement includes 196 bridges, 55 tunnels, and gradients of up to 70 per mille without rack-and-pinion.
- Bernina Express panoramic train: CHF 16 reservation in Summer, CHF 10 in Winter (fare covered by Swiss Travel Pass or regular ticket)
- Route: St. Moritz -- Pontresina -- Bernina Pass (2,253 m) -- Poschiavo -- Tirano (Italy)
- Duration: Approximately 4 hours (St. Moritz to Tirano)
- Highlights: Morteratsch Glacier view, Lago Bianco at the summit, Brusio circular viaduct
- Frequency: 1-2 panoramic services daily, plus regular RhB trains (no reservation, same route)
- Tip from ch.tours: The regular RhB trains have openable windows -- better for photography than the sealed panoramic cars. And they require no reservation
Muottas Muragl
The panoramic mountain accessible by funicular from Punt Muragl offers one of the most photographed viewpoints in the Alps. The summit terrace at 2,456 meters provides a 360-degree panorama including the Engadin lake chain, the Bernina group (Piz Bernina, 4,049 m, the highest peak in the Eastern Alps), and the Piz Languard.
- Funicular round trip: CHF 39 adults, CHF 19.50 with Half-Fare Card, 50% discount with Swiss Travel Pass (2026 prices)
- Duration: 15 minutes each way
- Hours: Daily, first ascent approximately 08:00, last descent approximately 23:00 (varies by season)
- At the summit: Panoramic restaurant, Romantik Hotel (overnight stays from CHF 280), hiking trails, sledging in Winter
- Getting there: Train from St. Moritz to Punt Muragl (7 minutes), then funicular
- GPS (summit): 46.4993, 9.9465
Diavolezza
At 2,978 meters, the Diavolezza viewing platform offers one of the most dramatic glacial panoramas in the Alps -- a direct face-to-face view of Piz Palu (3,901 m), Piz Bernina (4,049 m), and the Morteratsch Glacier. In Winter, the legendary 10-km glacier descent from Diavolezza to Morteratsch (ungroomed, guide recommended) is one of Switzerland's most thrilling off-piste runs.
- Cable car round trip: CHF 43 adults, 50% discount with Swiss Travel Pass (2026 prices)
- Duration: 15 minutes each way
- At the summit: Panoramic restaurant, terrace, guided glacier walks (Summer, from CHF 85 per person)
- Getting there: Train from St. Moritz to Bernina Diavolezza station (30 minutes, free with Swiss Travel Pass), then cable car
- GPS (summit): 46.4110, 9.9732
Segantini Museum
Dedicated to Giovanni Segantini (1858-1899), the Italian Divisionist painter who spent his final years in the Engadin and created some of the most luminous Alpine paintings in art history. The purpose-built dome-shaped museum (1908) houses the famous "Triptych of Nature" (Life, Nature, Death) -- three large canvases depicting the Engadin landscape. Segantini died at age 41 in a mountain hut on the Schafberg above Pontresina while working on the triptych.
- Entry: CHF 15 adults (2026 prices)
- Hours: Tue-Sun 10:00-18:00 (June-October and December-April), closed May and November
- Address: Via Somplaz 30, 7500 St. Moritz
- GPS: 46.4952, 9.8427
Lake St. Moritz and the Engadin Lakes
The chain of six lakes stretching from Maloja to St. Moritz -- Lake Sils, Lake Silvaplana, Lake Champfer, Lake St. Moritz, Lake Staz -- are among the most beautiful in the Alps. Their intense turquoise color comes from glacial minerals suspended in the water. In Summer, swimming is possible (water temperature 14-18 C in July-August), and windsurfers flock to Lake Silvaplana for its reliable afternoon Maloja wind. In Winter, the frozen Lake St. Moritz becomes a venue for polo, horse racing, and cross-country skiing.
- Lake St. Moritz GPS: 46.4923, 9.8454
- Lake Silvaplana GPS: 46.4530, 9.7933
- Lake Sils GPS: 46.4250, 9.7393
The Cresta Run
Built in 1884, the Cresta Run is the world's oldest toboggan run -- a natural ice track from St. Moritz to Celerina covering 1,212 meters with a vertical drop of 157 meters. Riders lie headfirst on a skeleton sled, reaching speeds of up to 130 km/h. The run is operated by the St. Moritz Tobogganing Club (SMTC) and is open to guest riders (male only, a club tradition that remains controversial) from late December to February. Guest rides cost approximately CHF 650 for five runs including instruction (2026 prices). Spectating is free from the banks along the run.
Activities & Experiences
Winter Activities
| Activity | Season | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skiing (Corviglia/Corvatsch/Diavolezza) | Nov-Apr | CHF 79/day | 350+ km of slopes, three major areas |
| Cross-country skiing | Dec-Apr | Free (trail access) | 230 km of groomed trails, Engadin valley floor |
| Cresta Run | Dec-Feb | ~CHF 650 (5 runs) | Guest rides available (restrictions apply) |
| Olympia Bobsled Run | Dec-Mar | ~CHF 280 per ride | Guest rides on the 1904 natural ice bobsled track |
| Snow Polo World Cup | Late January | Spectating free | Frozen Lake St. Moritz |
| White Turf horse racing | February/March | From CHF 30 | Three race Sundays on frozen lake |
| Sledging (Muottas Muragl-Punt Muragl) | Dec-Mar | CHF 16 sled rental | 4.2 km, illuminated on Thursday and Friday evenings |
| Ice skating on the lake | Jan-Mar | Free | When conditions permit, marked areas on Lake St. Moritz |
Summer Activities
| Activity | Season | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engadin Lakes Trail (Seenweg) | Jun-Oct | Free | 15 km, Maloja to St. Moritz, 5-6 hours, easy |
| Muottas Muragl panoramic hike | Jun-Oct | Free (plus funicular) | Summit trails with Engadin views |
| Windsurfing/kitesurfing on Lake Silvaplana | Jun-Sep | From CHF 50/half-day rental | Reliable Maloja wind, world-class conditions |
| Mountain biking | Jun-Oct | Free (trails); bike rental CHF 60-90/day | 400+ km of marked trails in Upper Engadin |
| Morteratsch Glacier trail | Jun-Oct | Free | 1-hour walk from Morteratsch station to glacier snout, interpretive signs |
| Swimming in Lake Staz | Jul-Aug | Free | Forest lake, 14-18 C, 20-minute walk from St. Moritz |
| Glacier trekking | Jul-Sep | From CHF 85 per person (guided) | Diavolezza and Morteratsch glaciers |
Gourmet Dining
St. Moritz has the highest concentration of gourmet restaurants in the Swiss Alps. The Engadin valley boasts multiple Michelin-starred establishments:
- Restaurant Ecco (Giardino Mountain): Michelin two-star, contemporary cuisine. Tasting menu from CHF 245
- IGNIV by Andreas Caminada (Badrutt's Palace): Michelin one-star, sharing concept. Tasting menu from CHF 195
- Talvo by Dalsass: Michelin one-star, Italian-Swiss, in a historic Engadin house. CHF 80-120 per main
- Da Vittorio St. Moritz (Carlton Hotel): Michelin one-star, Italian haute cuisine. CHF 65-100 per main
Getting Around
Engadin Bus
The Engadin Bus network connects all villages in the Upper Engadin valley (St. Moritz, Pontresina, Samedan, Celerina, Silvaplana, Sils, Maloja). Buses run frequently (every 10-30 minutes on main routes). The Swiss Travel Pass covers all Engadin Bus services. Without a pass, a day pass costs approximately CHF 16 (2026 prices).
The Upper Engadin Guest Card (Engadin Card), provided by most accommodations, includes free use of all mountain railways and public transport in the valley in Summer (mid-June to mid-October). This is one of the most generous guest cards in Switzerland.
On Foot
St. Moritz is a small town, walkable end-to-end in 15 minutes. Key distances from the train station:
- Lake St. Moritz: 5 minutes
- Via Serlas (main shopping street): 3 minutes
- Segantini Museum: 8 minutes
- St. Moritz Bad (spa quarter): 15 minutes (or bus, 5 minutes)
By Train (RhB)
The Rhaetian Railway (RhB) connects St. Moritz with neighboring Engadin villages. Key connections:
- St. Moritz to Pontresina: 12 minutes
- St. Moritz to Samedan (for Muottas Muragl): 7 minutes
- St. Moritz to Celerina: 4 minutes
- St. Moritz to Bernina Diavolezza: 30 minutes
- St. Moritz to Morteratsch: 25 minutes
All covered by Swiss Travel Pass and Engadin Card.
Where to Eat
Gourmet & Fine Dining
| Restaurant | Specialty | Price Range | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| IGNIV by Andreas Caminada | Sharing concept, Michelin 1-star | Tasting menu from CHF 195 | Badrutt's Palace Hotel |
| Talvo by Dalsass | Italian-Swiss, Michelin 1-star | CHF 80-120 per main | Via Gunels 15, Champfer |
| Da Vittorio St. Moritz | Italian haute cuisine, Michelin 1-star | CHF 65-100 per main | Carlton Hotel |
| Restaurant Ecco | Contemporary, Michelin 2-star | Tasting menu from CHF 245 | Hotel Giardino Mountain, Champfer |
Traditional Engadin
| Restaurant | Specialty | Price Range | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chesa Veglia | Historic Engadin house (1658), pizzeria and Patrizier restaurant | CHF 30-60 per main | Via Veglia 2 (Badrutt's Palace complex) |
| Hotel Randolins | Traditional Engadin cuisine, Bundner specialties, panoramic terrace | CHF 28-45 per main | Via Curtins 2 |
| Muottas Muragl Restaurant | Alpine cuisine at 2,456 m with Engadin panorama | CHF 25-45 per main | Summit of Muottas Muragl |
| Engiadina | Local favorite, capuns and pizokels (Graubunden specialties) | CHF 22-38 per main | Plazza da Scoula 2 |
Budget Options
- Veltliner Keller: Casual, local wines and pasta, CHF 18-30 per main, Via dal Bagn 11
- Hauser's Bakery & Confiserie: Traditional Engadin nut torte, sandwiches, coffee. CHF 5-15. Via Traunter Plazzas 7
- Coop Restaurant: Self-service, CHF 10-16, St. Moritz Bad
- Pizzeria Caruso: Pizza and pasta, CHF 16-28, Via Maistra
- Self-catering tip: The Engadin nut torte (Nusstorte) from Hauser's or Hanselmann's is the iconic local pastry -- a caramelized walnut tart that makes an excellent portable lunch or gift
Where to Stay
By Budget
| Category | Hotel | Price/Night (double room) | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ultra-Luxury | Badrutt's Palace Hotel | CHF 900-2,500 | Via Serlas 27 | Iconic since 1896, where winter tourism began |
| Luxury | Kulm Hotel St. Moritz | CHF 600-1,500 | Via Veglia 18 | Historic, birthplace of the Cresta Run |
| Luxury | Carlton Hotel | CHF 500-1,200 | Via Johannes Badrutt 11 | All-suite, lake views |
| Mid-Range | Hotel Schweizerhof | CHF 250-400 | Via dal Bagn 54 | Central, reliable, good value for St. Moritz |
| Mid-Range | Hotel Laudinella | CHF 180-320 | Via Tegiatscha 17 | Family-friendly, lake views, concert venue |
| Budget | Hotel Corvatsch | CHF 140-220 | Via Tegiatscha 1 | Simple, well-located |
| Hostel | St. Moritz Youth Hostel (YHA) | CHF 45-70 (dorm) | Via Surpunt 60 | Modern, lake views, one of the best YHA hostels in Switzerland |
| Budget | Pontresina Youth Hostel (YHA) | CHF 40-65 (dorm) | Via da la Staziun, Pontresina | 12 min by train, excellent mountain access |
Where to Stay: Neighborhood Guide
- St. Moritz Dorf (village): The main village, all luxury hotels, shopping, restaurants. Walking distance to Corviglia funicular. Highest prices.
- St. Moritz Bad (spa quarter): Lower part of town, near the lake and cross-country skiing trails. More affordable, still well-connected by bus.
- Pontresina: Neighboring village (12 minutes by train), with excellent hiking, the Morteratsch Glacier trail, and significantly lower prices than St. Moritz. A strong alternative base recommended by ch.tours.
- Sils Maria: Quiet village on Lake Sils, where Friedrich Nietzsche spent seven summers. Peaceful, beautiful, and the starting point for the Engadin Lakes Trail.
- Silvaplana: Windsurfing and kitesurfing capital, younger crowd, good mid-range options.
Day Trips from St. Moritz
| Destination | Travel Time | Highlights | Connection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bernina Express to Tirano (Italy) | 4h round trip (2h each way) | UNESCO railway, glaciers, Italian lunch in Tirano | RhB panoramic or regular train |
| Muottas Muragl | 30 min (train + funicular) | Best Engadin panorama, hiking, sunset dinner | Train to Punt Muragl, then funicular |
| Diavolezza | 45 min (train + cable car) | Glacier panorama, Piz Bernina views, Summer glacier walks | Train to Bernina Diavolezza station |
| Morteratsch Glacier | 25 min by train, then 1h walk | Glacier snout trail, interpretive path, dramatic retreat | Train to Morteratsch station |
| Pontresina | 12 min by train | Charming village, ibex colony, Val Roseg horse-drawn carriage | Direct RhB train |
| Sils Maria | 25 min by PostBus | Nietzsche's summer home, Lake Sils, start of Engadin Lakes Trail | PostBus from St. Moritz |
| Poschiavo / Val Poschiavo | 1h 30min by train | Italian-speaking valley, palm trees, Bernina line | RhB train (Bernina line) |
| Chur | 2h by train | Oldest city in Switzerland, Old Town, gateway to Graubunden | Direct IR train |
Practical Information
Getting to St. Moritz by Train (SBB/RhB)
| From | Duration | Frequency | Train Type | 2nd Class Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zurich HB | 3h 25min | Every hour | IC to Chur, then IR to St. Moritz | CHF 76 |
| Chur | 2h 00min | Every hour | IR (Albula line, scenic) | CHF 42 |
| Tirano (Italy) | 2h 30min | 5-6 daily | RhB (Bernina line) / Bernina Express | CHF 38 + reservation for panoramic |
| Landquart | 2h 15min | Every hour | RhB (Albula line) | CHF 47 |
| Lugano | 4h 30min | 2-3 daily | Via Bernina Express + PostBus, or via Chur | CHF 85-110 |
Tip from ch.tours: The train from Chur to St. Moritz via the Albula line is one of Switzerland's most beautiful railway journeys, climbing through gorges, crossing the Landwasser Viaduct, and passing through spiral tunnels. The entire Albula/Bernina line is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sit on the left side heading toward St. Moritz for the best viaduct views.
Swiss Travel Pass in St. Moritz
The Swiss Travel Pass covers:
- Free: All trains to/from St. Moritz (including the Albula line and Bernina line), all Engadin buses, PostBus to Maloja/Sils/Silvaplana
- 50% discount: Muottas Muragl funicular, Diavolezza cable car, Corviglia funicular, Corvatsch cable car
- Bernina Express: Fare covered; mandatory seat reservation CHF 16 (Summer) / CHF 10 (Winter) required additionally
- Not included: Ski lift day passes, Cresta Run, Olympia Bobsled Run
Engadin Card (Summer Guest Card)
From mid-June to mid-October, most accommodations in the Upper Engadin provide the free Engadin Card, which includes:
- Unlimited free travel on all mountain railways (Corviglia, Corvatsch, Diavolezza, Muottas Muragl, and others)
- Unlimited free travel on all Engadin buses
- Free entry to selected museums
- This card represents extraordinary value (mountain railways alone would cost CHF 200+ per day)
Weather by Season
| Season | Months | Avg. Temp | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | March - May | -4 to 10 C | Late skiing (March-April), snow melting, many facilities closed in May (Zwischensaison / between-season) |
| Summer | June - August | 8-20 C | Ideal for hiking, mountain biking, lake activities. Cool mornings and evenings even in July-August. 322 days of sunshine per year |
| Autumn | September - November | -2 to 12 C | Golden larch forests (October), quiet, many facilities closed late October-November (Zwischensaison) |
| Winter | December - February | -12 to -1 C | Peak ski season, frozen lake events (January-March), snow-sure at 1,822+ m. Cold nights but abundant sunshine |
Weather data: MeteoSwiss climate normals for Samedan/St. Moritz (station 7503). Note: St. Moritz at 1,822 m is significantly colder than lowland Swiss cities. Pack warm layers even in Summer.
Between-Season Closures (Zwischensaison)
St. Moritz has two "between seasons" when many hotels, restaurants, and mountain railways close:
- Late April to mid-June: After ski season ends, before Summer hiking begins
- Late October to late November: After hiking season, before ski season
Check opening dates carefully if visiting in May, early June, or November. Pontresina typically has more year-round options.
Emergency & Practical Numbers
- Emergency (Police/Fire/Ambulance): 112
- Police: 117
- Ambulance: 144
- Avalanche information: 187 (SLF Davos)
- Tourist Information: St. Moritz Tourism, Via Maistra 12, +41 81 837 33 33
- Opening hours: Mon-Fri 08:30-18:30, Sat 09:00-18:00, Sun 16:00-18:00 (Winter hours extended)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is St. Moritz worth visiting?
Yes, St. Moritz is one of the most spectacular Alpine destinations in Switzerland, offering a unique combination of world-class skiing, glacier scenery, luxury hotels, the UNESCO Bernina Express railway, and extraordinary natural beauty. Even travelers on a moderate budget can enjoy the Engadin's hiking trails, lakes, and mountain railways. The 322 sunny days per year and dry climate make it exceptionally pleasant.
How many days do you need in St. Moritz?
Three to five days is recommended to fully experience the Engadin. Day one: arrive, explore the town and lakefront. Day two: Bernina Express round trip to Tirano. Day three: Muottas Muragl and Diavolezza. Day four: Engadin Lakes Trail or skiing (depending on season). Day five: Pontresina, Morteratsch Glacier trail, and Val Roseg. A minimum of two nights is needed for a meaningful visit.
How do you get to St. Moritz from Zurich?
Take an IC train from Zurich HB to Chur (1 hour 15 minutes), then change to the RhB (Rhaetian Railway) for the scenic Albula line to St. Moritz (2 hours). Trains run hourly. Total journey: approximately 3 hours 25 minutes. The fare is CHF 76 in second class (free with Swiss Travel Pass). The Albula line section is a UNESCO World Heritage railway and one of the most scenic train rides in Europe.
What is the best time to visit St. Moritz?
For skiing: December to April (peak in February-March for frozen lake events). For hiking and Summer activities: late June to September. Avoid the between-seasons (Zwischensaison): May to mid-June and late October to late November, when many facilities close. September and early October offer golden larch forests and fewer tourists.
Is the Swiss Travel Pass valid in St. Moritz?
Yes, the Swiss Travel Pass covers all trains to and from St. Moritz (including the UNESCO Albula line and the Bernina line to Tirano), all local Engadin buses, and gives a 50% discount on all major mountain railways (Muottas Muragl, Diavolezza, Corviglia, Corvatsch). The Bernina Express panoramic car requires an additional seat reservation (CHF 16 in Summer).
Is St. Moritz expensive?
St. Moritz is one of Switzerland's most expensive resorts. Luxury hotel rooms start at CHF 500+ per night, and a Michelin-star dinner costs CHF 200+ per person. However, budget options exist: the YHA hostel offers dorms from CHF 45, the Coop self-service restaurant serves meals for CHF 10-16, and the Engadin's best experiences -- hiking trails, lake swimming, and the Morteratsch Glacier trail -- are free. Staying in Pontresina (12 minutes by train) significantly reduces accommodation costs.
What is the Bernina Express?
The Bernina Express is a panoramic train operated by the Rhaetian Railway (RhB) on the UNESCO World Heritage Albula/Bernina line. It runs from Chur or St. Moritz across the Bernina Pass (2,253 m) to Tirano, Italy, crossing 196 bridges and passing through 55 tunnels. The journey from St. Moritz to Tirano takes approximately 2 hours 30 minutes. Regular RhB trains also run the same route without a reservation requirement.
What is the Cresta Run?
The Cresta Run is the world's oldest toboggan run, built in 1884, covering 1,212 meters of natural ice track from St. Moritz to Celerina. Riders lie headfirst on a skeleton sled, reaching speeds up to 130 km/h. It is operated by the St. Moritz Tobogganing Club (SMTC) and is open to guest riders (currently male only) from late December to February. Guest sessions cost approximately CHF 650 for five runs including instruction.
Can you visit St. Moritz as a day trip from Zurich?
It is possible but not recommended. The 3-hour-25-minute journey each way leaves limited time in St. Moritz. A more practical approach is to take the morning train from Zurich, spend one or two nights, and include the Bernina Express and a mountain excursion. If a day trip is the only option, take the earliest train (departing Zurich approximately 06:30) and return on the last connection (arriving Zurich approximately 22:00) for a full day in the Engadin.
What is the Engadin nut torte?
The Engadiner Nusstorte is the signature pastry of the Engadin valley -- a short-crust tart filled with caramelized walnuts and cream. It originated in the 17th century and is baked by nearly every confiserie in the region. The most famous versions come from Hauser (St. Moritz), Hanselmann (St. Moritz), and Fanconi (Pontresina). A whole torte costs CHF 28-35 and makes an excellent souvenir. It keeps for several weeks.
Insider Tips from Locals
Stay in Pontresina instead of St. Moritz: Pontresina (12 minutes by train) offers the same Engadin scenery, direct access to the Morteratsch Glacier and Diavolezza, and hotel prices that are 30-50% lower than St. Moritz. The village has a more authentic mountain character and is preferred by many Swiss hikers and skiers.
The regular Bernina train vs. the Bernina Express: The regular RhB trains on the Bernina line follow the exact same route as the Bernina Express panoramic train -- but with openable windows (far better for photography), no seat reservation, and no supplement. Simply board any Bernina-line train at St. Moritz station.
Sunrise from Muottas Muragl: The Romantik Hotel at the summit of Muottas Muragl offers the option of staying overnight at 2,456 meters. The sunrise over the Engadin lake chain is one of the most spectacular sights in the Alps. Book well in advance for Summer weekends.
Lake Staz for swimming: While Lake St. Moritz is the most famous, Lake Staz (Lej da Staz) is the locals' swimming spot -- a small forest lake with clear water, a sandy beach area, and a rustic restaurant. A 20-minute walk from the center of St. Moritz through larch forest.
The Maloja wind for windsurfing: Lake Silvaplana is one of Europe's top windsurfing and kitesurfing spots, thanks to the reliable Maloja wind that funnels through the valley every afternoon from approximately 12:00 to 18:00 in Summer. Rental equipment is available on the lakeshore.
Between-season value: If you visit in early June (when hiking trails begin to open) or early November (just before ski season), some hotels offer significant discounts. Check that your planned activities and restaurants will be open, as many close during the Zwischensaison.
Engadin nut torte from Fanconi in Pontresina: While Hauser's in St. Moritz is famous, local opinion often favors Fanconi in Pontresina for the best Engadiner Nusstorte. A whole torte costs CHF 28-32 and keeps for weeks -- the ideal Swiss souvenir.
Source: ch.tours | Last updated: March 2026 | Data from MySwitzerland.com, SBB (sbb.ch), RhB (rhb.ch), MeteoSwiss, Engadin St. Moritz Tourism (engadin.ch), Bernina Express (berninaexpress.ch)