![Is St Moritz Worth Visiting? Plus The Best Things To Do In St Moritz [2024]](https://i0.wp.com/thetravellingtedaldi.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_3632.jpg?fit=1440%2C809&ssl=1)
By Gemma Tedaldi | Published: 23rd February 2020 | Updated: 29th November 2024
St Moritz is more than just a Swiss skiing playground for the rich and famous. The small but luxurious alpine resort is situated in quite possibly some of the most incredible scenery imaginable.
St Moritz is more well known for its winter activities and tourism, but we happened to be passing through in midsummer so witnessed a completely different side to the town. So here are our top things to do in St Moritz;
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Is St Moritz worth visiting?
Yes, and even if you don’t ski St Moritz is still worth visiting due to the sheer amount of other activities you can do in the area. St Moritz also isn’t just a winter destination, so there are lots of things to do in St Moritz in the summer as well. Think lakeside walks, hiking in the nearby mountains, exploring the town and sampling the local cheese fondue.
Things to do in St Moritz if you are short on time
If you are only passing through St Moritz, or are just short on time in the area then these are the top 5 things to do in St Moritz:
1. Wander around St Moritzersee
St Moritzersee or Lake St Moritz is well worth a wander around, with numerous viewpoints to stop at you could easily spend all day at the, (very cold), water’s edge. It even gets cold enough to freeze the lake ready for horse racing in the winter, (more on that below). Here you can also find one of the Swiss Grand Tour viewpoints, which may have been what brought you to St Moritz in the first place.
2. Find the Leaning Tower of St Moritz
You’ve all heard of the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, but I can bet you haven’t heard of the Leaning Tower of St Moritz. Smaller and a lot less busy, but quite possibly more leany, (if that is a word!), the Leaning Tower of St Moritz is a real hidden gem in the bustling town. It can be seen for quite a distance around the town but it’s not the easiest to find.
3. Explore the towns alpine architecture
St Moritz is an architecture lover’s dream. Stunning alpine architecture fills the town with many buildings housing works of art, designer boutiques and hidden wine bars. Every which way you turn there is a beautiful building to gaze upon.
Like St Moritz? Check out – How to spend a day in the Bavarian town of Füssen
4. Drop-in Hanselmann’s for a chocolate-covered waffle
Quaint courtyard to sit in, check, Waffle, check, Swiss chocolate, check, that sounds like St Moritz Hanselmann’s café in St Moritz. For a waffle on the go or somewhere to sit and watch the world go by Hanselmann’s is the perfect place to get your waffle covered in a famous melted Swiss chocolate fix.
5. Eat the best cheese fondue in town
If you’re more of a savoury lover than sweet, then you need to head to Lapin Bleu for some of the best cheese fondue we have ever tasted. Situated right in the centre, on Via Traunter Plazza 6, it is easy to find. When you arrive at Lapin Bleu it is like stepping back in time in a Swiss Alps resort, so, order a bottle of white wine and get ready to eat yourself silly with bread and cheese.
Is St Moritz worth visiting in summer?
St. Moritz offers a range of things to enjoy during the summer months. It is a remarkable destination with natural beauty and cultural treasures, providing a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure for summer visitors. Here are some of the best things to do in St. Moritz in the summer:
Best things to do in St Moritz in the Summer
1. Visit the Engadin Lake District
Explore the beautiful Engadin Lake District, consisting of several stunning alpine lakes. Enjoy swimming, sailing, paddle boarding, or simply relax on the shores while taking in the picturesque surroundings.
2. Get out Hiking and Mountain Biking
St Moritz boasts a vast network of hiking and mountain biking trails that cater to all levels of experience. Embark on scenic hikes or thrilling bike rides through breathtaking mountain landscapes, lush meadows, and pristine forests such as Heidi’s Blumenweg or routes up Corviglia.
3. Hop on board the Bernina Express
Take a memorable train journey on the Bernina Express, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This panoramic train ride starts or ends, (depending on which way you want to travel), in St Moritz and offers stunning views as it traverses through mountains, bridges, and viaducts, including the famous Landwasser Viaduct.
4. Take part in Watersports on Lake St Moritz
Engage in various watersports activities such as Stand Up Paddleboarding and sailing on Lake St Moritz. If you are after more adventurous watersports head to the nearby Lake Silvaplana for windsurfing and kitesurfing which are possible due to the lake’s strong winds making it a popular destination for adrenaline seekers.
5. Visit the Segantini Museum
Discover the works of Giovanni Segantini, a renowned Italian painter, at the Segantini Museum. The museum showcases a collection of his remarkable Alpine landscape paintings and provides insights into his life and artistic career.
6. Stop by a Mineral Baths or Spa
Relax and rejuvenate at one of St. Moritz’s world-class spas and wellness centers. Treat yourself to thermal baths, massages, and various wellness treatments amidst the tranquil Alpine surroundings.
7. Visit the Engadine Museum
Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the Engadin region at the Engadine Museum. Learn about the traditional lifestyle, customs, and history of the area through its extensive collection of artefacts and exhibits.
Weather in St Moritz in the summer
The temperatures in St Moritz in the summer rarely go above 20 degrees Celsius, with lows over around 3 or 4 degrees Celsius. Due to its location in the Alps, the summer season in St Moritz still calls for dressing with layers and a jumper unlike elsewhere in Switzerland.
Is St Moritz worth visiting in winter?
In the winter, St. Moritz transforms into a winter wonderland and offers a multitude of winter activities, catering to both adventure seekers and those seeking tranquillity amidst breathtaking snowy landscapes. Here are some of the best things to do in St. Moritz in the winter season:
Best things to do in St Moritz in the Winter
1. Go Skiing or Snowboarding
St. Moritz is renowned for its exceptional ski slopes and world-class ski resorts. Hit the slopes and enjoy a variety of winter sports, from downhill skiing and snowboarding to cross-country skiing and ski touring. The Engadin St. Moritz Mountains offer a wide range of trails suitable for all skill levels.
2. Take on the St. Moritz Olympic Bobrun
Take a guided tour of the iconic St. Moritz Olympic Bobrun, where you can learn about the history and significance of bobsleigh and skeleton in the region. Take a thrilling ride down the historic track, accompanied by professionals, and feel the speed and intensity of these Olympic winter sports.
3. Get out Snowshoeing or Winter Hiking
Explore the serene winter landscapes of St. Moritz through snowshoeing or winter hiking. Follow the marked trails, venture into pristine forests, and enjoy the tranquillity of the snow-covered Alpine surroundings.
4. Go Ice Skating
Lace-up your skates and glide across the ice at St. Moritz’s outdoor ice rinks. The popular Olympic Ice Rink and Lej da Staz natural ice rink provide delightful settings for ice skating and offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
5. Watch the Winter Horse Races
Witness the unique and exhilarating tradition of White Turf horse races. These prestigious races take place on the frozen Lake St. Moritz, attracting top jockeys, horses, and spectators from around the world.
6. Go Snow Kiting
Embrace the wind and harness its power by trying snowkiting. With a kite and skis or snowboard, glide across the snow-covered landscapes, propelled by the force of the wind. Lessons and equipment rentals are available for beginners.
7. See St Moritz from the sky
Paraglide over St Moritz from the mountains surrounding the town, with incredible views over the winter snow-covered landscape.
Weather in St Moritz in the winter
In the winter St Moritz is cold, rarely getting above 0 degrees Celsius and with a low of -16 degrees Celsius. Dressing for the cold weather is a must, but there are plenty of fondue restaurants to stop by to warm yourself up. One bonus with the colder weather is there is generally little rain from December through to January.
Where to stay in St Moritz
For the best accommodation options check out Booking.com for your trip to St Moritz.
However, if you are camping through Switzerland, or even visiting from neighbouring Italy, then we would highly recommend staying at a small campsite, just outside the town surrounded by mountains called TCS Camping St Moritz and it was just wonderful. Waking up surrounded by the mountains with only a short scenic walk in St Moritz, yes, please!
Things to do in St Moritz FAQs
How to get to St Moritz
St Moritz isn’t the easiest of destinations in Switzerland to get to. The closest airports are located in Zurich, roughly 3 hours drive away or 5 hour train, or Milan, roughly 2.5 hours drive or 5.5 hours train. By far the easiest way to get to St Moritz is by car or via the Bernina Express.
How to get from Zurich to St Moritz
The quickest way to get from Zurich to St Moritz is by driving, which takes on average 2 hour 30 minutes, 205km. You can also take the train between them, (from Zurich HB to San Maurizio), which takes on average 3 hours and 30 minutes.
How to get from Munich to St Moritz
The easiest, and quickest way to get from Munich to St Moritz is via car, which takes roughly 4 hours 10 minutes for either 290km or 350km depending on if you pass through Austria or not. You can also take the train from Munich to St Moritz, which takes on average just over 6 hours, (from München Hauptbahnhof to San Maurizio).
How to get around St Moritz
The best way to get around St Moritz is on foot. The town is small and easily walkable, with numerous cafes and restaurants to stop in should you fancy it.
Can you walk around St Moritz?
Yes, in fact we would recommend walking around St Moritz rather than driving or taking public transport, as the town is actually quite small. Even if you choose to walk around part of, or all of the lake, you can easily do this and wander through the heart of St Moritz in a day without any rushing.
Is St Moritz expensive?
Let’s be honest, Switzerland itself isn’t known as being a particularly cheap European country, and St Moritz is no exception. It is in fact the second most expensive place in the world in terms of tourist accommodation! But don’t let that put you off. We visited over a couple of days at the beginning of summer and stayed in one of the local campsites with views down to the lake and up to the mountains. Not only did this make the trip one hell of a lot cheaper but it meant we could still easily walk into St Moritz without breaking the bank on parking as well.
What is St Moritz known for?
Not only is St Moritz known as the birthplace of Alpine winter tourism and hosting the Winter Olympics twice, (it does have some of the most beautiful mountains surrounding it that are perfect for skiing), but due to its 3,000-year-old mineral springs, it is also well known as a summer spa town.
What is there to do in St Moritz for non skiers?
During the summer months, hiking and mountain biking are great activities to do around St Moritz, whilst during the winter you can take up snowshoeing, tobogganing or simply relax in one the spas!
St Moritz and the Glacier Express Route
The Glacier Express is an 8 hour scenic train route from Zermatt to St Moritz or vice versa. Departing from both Zermatt and St Moritz in the morning before arriving at the other end of the route in the late afternoon / evening. The train route takes in not only three cantons in Switzerland, but also some of the most breathtaking views you will ever witness on board a train due to the numerous viaducts and spiral tunnels that you pass over and through.
St Moritz and the Bernina Express Route
The Bernina Express is a 4 hour train route from Chur in Switzerland to Tirano in Italy or vice versa via St Moritz, departing from Chur in the morning and returning from Tirano in the afternoon. Taking in UNESCO World Heritage Sites as well as both the stunning glacial Alps and the more tropical Italian lakes, it is a train ride that has to be taken to be believed.
Weather in St Moritz
The weather in St Moritz is similar to that of the rest of Switzerland, with distinct seasons and peak seasons in both the summer and the winter. It reaches an average temperature of 12°C / 53°F in July, but an average temperature of -8°C / 17°F in January, (with the wind chill and overnight this often drops to around -20° / -4°F however!).
What is the best time to visit St Moritz?
Now, this all depends on which season you want to experience… The middle of winter is incredible for skiing on the surrounding mountains and ice skating on the lake, but the summer is great for hiking and alfresco dining along the lake edge or in the town squares. Even in the summer though it is not quite as warm as other parts of Switzerland or neighbouring European countries, so you will most likely still want to pack a jumper or two.
Conclusion: Is St Moritz worth visiting? Plus the best things to do in St Moritz
So there are our top things to do in St Moritz! Do let us know if there are any more things that you would add to the list!
Planning your own trip to St Moritz? Make sure you check out our Travelling Tedaldi Amazon Store Travel Guides for all your guidebooks and maps. (We’ve done the hard work for you and linked all the things we used to plan our trip!)
Gemma Tedaldi
Gemma is the owner and author of The Travelling Tedaldi, a travel blog helping travellers to discover the best road trips and travel itineraries throughout the UK and Europe. When she isn’t writing about her favourite travel destinations, she can often be found out exploring local hikes or planning future trips.
