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Hlidays in St. Moritz
St. Moritz, located in the Upper Engadin valley of Switzerland's Graubünden canton, is a world-renowned luxury Alpine resort town. Known as the "Top of the World," it offers a blend of natural splendor, glamour, and a cosmopolitan atmosphere, boasting over 300 days of sunshine annually.
Here is a comprehensive overview of St. Moritz:
History and Description
Origin as a Spa Town: St. Moritz's history dates back over 3,000 years to the discovery of its curative mineral springs by the Celts. The town was a health destination and pilgrimage site for centuries, with the first bathhouse built in 1595.
Birthplace of Winter Tourism: In 1864, hotel pioneer Caspar Badrutt made a famous bet with British summer guests, convincing them to return in winter. Their positive experience marked the beginning of winter tourism in the Alps.
Sporting History: St. Moritz cemented its status as a premier winter sports center by hosting the Winter Olympic Games twice, in 1928 and 1948. It is home to the world's only natural ice bobsleigh track, the Olympia Bob Run St. Moritz-Celerina, and the famous Cresta Run toboggan course.
Location and Climate: Situated at an elevation of approximately 1,856 meters (6,089 feet) above sea level, the town enjoys a subarctic climate with cool summers and cold, snowy winters. Its sunny disposition has been part of its trademark since 1930.
Typical Foods and Cuisine
The cuisine in St. Moritz is influenced by its location near Italy, as well as classic Swiss and local Graubünden specialties.
Engadin Nut Tart (Nusstorte): A famous sweet pastry from the region, consisting of a shortcrust pastry shell filled with caramelized walnuts.
Capuns: A local specialty from Graubünden. These are pieces of dried meat wrapped in chard leaves and cooked in a creamy broth.
Bündner Gerstensuppe (Graubünden Barley Soup): A hearty soup made with pearl barley, dried meat (like air-dried beef), vegetables, and sometimes cream.
Bündnerfleisch: Air-dried meat (usually beef) from the canton of Graubünden, which is thinly sliced and served cold.
Rösti: A classic Swiss dish made from pan-fried grated potatoes, forming a crispy-crusted patty.
Fondue and Raclette: Though found across Switzerland, the cheese dishes are a popular choice for a cozy mountain meal.
Activities
St. Moritz offers a vast range of activities year-round.
Season Popular Activities
Winter Skiing and Snowboarding on the Corviglia, Corvatsch, and Diavolezza slopes; Cross-Country Skiing on 230 km of trails; Ice Skating, Curling, and Ice Stock Sport; Tobogganing; Thrill rides on the Olympia Bob Run (as a guest) and the Cresta Run; Skijöring (being pulled on skis by a horse across the frozen lake); Winter hiking and snowshoeing; Snow Polo on the frozen Lake St. Moritz.
Summer Hiking on over 580 km of trails (e.g., Morteratsch Glacier Walk, Muottas Muragl Panorama Trail); Mountain Biking and E-Biking on 400 km of trails; Water Sports on the lakes (Sailing, Windsurfing, Kitesurfing, Stand-Up Paddling); Climbing and Via Ferratas; Golf (on one of Switzerland's oldest courses); Paragliding and Helicopter Flights; Carriage rides.
Shops and Festivals
Shopping: The primary luxury shopping street is Via Serlas, often likened to a miniature Bond Street or Rodeo Drive. Here you can find top international designer boutiques (e.g., Cartier, Hermès, Bulgari, Versace) as well as fine Swiss watch and jewelry shops. More local and specialty stores can be found throughout the town, including places for Grisons specialties and fine food.
Major Festivals and Events:
White Turf: A prestigious international horse-racing event held every February on the frozen Lake St. Moritz, combining thrilling races with gourmet catering and art.
St. Moritz Gourmet Festival: An annual culinary event in January where world-renowned international chefs converge to host exclusive dinners and gourmet safaris.
Snow Polo World Cup: An annual snow polo tournament, a glamorous winter event held on the frozen lake.
SunIce Festival: An electrifying winter festival combining electronic music, adventure, and the Alpine setting.
Nature and Surroundings
The nature around St. Moritz is characterized by the high-Alpine landscape of the Engadin Valley, featuring stunning mountains, glaciers, and a chain of picturesque lakes.
Upper Engadin Lakes: The region is famous for its chain of beautiful lakes, including Lake St. Moritz, Lake Silvaplana, and Lake Sils, which are used for water sports in the summer and host major events on their frozen surfaces in the winter.
Bernina Massif: This mountain range, with peaks like Piz Bernina (the eastern Alps' highest peak) and Piz Palü, dominates the skyline and offers incredible glacial views, such as those near the Morteratsch Glacier.
Muottas Muragl: A popular viewpoint accessible by funicular, known for its inspiring panoramic vistas over the lakes and surrounding mountains.
Swiss National Park: The oldest national park in the Alps is located nearby (to the east of St. Moritz) and provides a unique opportunity for wildlife viewing, with animals like ibex, chamois, red deer, and marmots.
Forests: The area features beautiful larch and Swiss stone pine forests, such as the Stazerwald near Lake Staz, perfect for tranquil walks.
Here is a comprehensive overview of St. Moritz:
History and Description
Origin as a Spa Town: St. Moritz's history dates back over 3,000 years to the discovery of its curative mineral springs by the Celts. The town was a health destination and pilgrimage site for centuries, with the first bathhouse built in 1595.
Birthplace of Winter Tourism: In 1864, hotel pioneer Caspar Badrutt made a famous bet with British summer guests, convincing them to return in winter. Their positive experience marked the beginning of winter tourism in the Alps.
Sporting History: St. Moritz cemented its status as a premier winter sports center by hosting the Winter Olympic Games twice, in 1928 and 1948. It is home to the world's only natural ice bobsleigh track, the Olympia Bob Run St. Moritz-Celerina, and the famous Cresta Run toboggan course.
Location and Climate: Situated at an elevation of approximately 1,856 meters (6,089 feet) above sea level, the town enjoys a subarctic climate with cool summers and cold, snowy winters. Its sunny disposition has been part of its trademark since 1930.
Typical Foods and Cuisine
The cuisine in St. Moritz is influenced by its location near Italy, as well as classic Swiss and local Graubünden specialties.
Engadin Nut Tart (Nusstorte): A famous sweet pastry from the region, consisting of a shortcrust pastry shell filled with caramelized walnuts.
Capuns: A local specialty from Graubünden. These are pieces of dried meat wrapped in chard leaves and cooked in a creamy broth.
Bündner Gerstensuppe (Graubünden Barley Soup): A hearty soup made with pearl barley, dried meat (like air-dried beef), vegetables, and sometimes cream.
Bündnerfleisch: Air-dried meat (usually beef) from the canton of Graubünden, which is thinly sliced and served cold.
Rösti: A classic Swiss dish made from pan-fried grated potatoes, forming a crispy-crusted patty.
Fondue and Raclette: Though found across Switzerland, the cheese dishes are a popular choice for a cozy mountain meal.
Activities
St. Moritz offers a vast range of activities year-round.
Season Popular Activities
Winter Skiing and Snowboarding on the Corviglia, Corvatsch, and Diavolezza slopes; Cross-Country Skiing on 230 km of trails; Ice Skating, Curling, and Ice Stock Sport; Tobogganing; Thrill rides on the Olympia Bob Run (as a guest) and the Cresta Run; Skijöring (being pulled on skis by a horse across the frozen lake); Winter hiking and snowshoeing; Snow Polo on the frozen Lake St. Moritz.
Summer Hiking on over 580 km of trails (e.g., Morteratsch Glacier Walk, Muottas Muragl Panorama Trail); Mountain Biking and E-Biking on 400 km of trails; Water Sports on the lakes (Sailing, Windsurfing, Kitesurfing, Stand-Up Paddling); Climbing and Via Ferratas; Golf (on one of Switzerland's oldest courses); Paragliding and Helicopter Flights; Carriage rides.
Shops and Festivals
Shopping: The primary luxury shopping street is Via Serlas, often likened to a miniature Bond Street or Rodeo Drive. Here you can find top international designer boutiques (e.g., Cartier, Hermès, Bulgari, Versace) as well as fine Swiss watch and jewelry shops. More local and specialty stores can be found throughout the town, including places for Grisons specialties and fine food.
Major Festivals and Events:
White Turf: A prestigious international horse-racing event held every February on the frozen Lake St. Moritz, combining thrilling races with gourmet catering and art.
St. Moritz Gourmet Festival: An annual culinary event in January where world-renowned international chefs converge to host exclusive dinners and gourmet safaris.
Snow Polo World Cup: An annual snow polo tournament, a glamorous winter event held on the frozen lake.
SunIce Festival: An electrifying winter festival combining electronic music, adventure, and the Alpine setting.
Nature and Surroundings
The nature around St. Moritz is characterized by the high-Alpine landscape of the Engadin Valley, featuring stunning mountains, glaciers, and a chain of picturesque lakes.
Upper Engadin Lakes: The region is famous for its chain of beautiful lakes, including Lake St. Moritz, Lake Silvaplana, and Lake Sils, which are used for water sports in the summer and host major events on their frozen surfaces in the winter.
Bernina Massif: This mountain range, with peaks like Piz Bernina (the eastern Alps' highest peak) and Piz Palü, dominates the skyline and offers incredible glacial views, such as those near the Morteratsch Glacier.
Muottas Muragl: A popular viewpoint accessible by funicular, known for its inspiring panoramic vistas over the lakes and surrounding mountains.
Swiss National Park: The oldest national park in the Alps is located nearby (to the east of St. Moritz) and provides a unique opportunity for wildlife viewing, with animals like ibex, chamois, red deer, and marmots.
Forests: The area features beautiful larch and Swiss stone pine forests, such as the Stazerwald near Lake Staz, perfect for tranquil walks.
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