St. Moritz
The original alpine glamour, on a string of lakes in the high Engadine.
St. Moritz is where alpine glamour was invented: a two-time Winter Olympic host at 1,800m on a chain of turquoise lakes in the sunny, high Engadine. It pairs serious skiing and superb high-valley hiking with a glittering scene of grand hotels, designer boutiques, and panoramic trains. It is polished, pricey, and unlike anywhere else in the Alps.
Car or train?
Skip the car. St. Moritz is well served by trains and easy to get around on foot or by mountain lift. Parking is tight and a car is more hassle than help.
How it scores
Best for
- ✓Luxury & glamour
- ✓Couples
- ✓Skiers
- ✓Engadine hiking
- ✓Panoramic trains
Who should skip it
- ✕Budget travelers
- ✕Anyone after a cosy rustic village
Signature experiences
- The Bernina Express and the Glacier Express, both starting from town
- Walking the high Engadine lakes from Pontresina and Sils
- Sunset over the lakes from Muottas Muragl
Biggest mistake
Coming for a rustic chalet hideaway. St. Moritz is grand hotels and glamour; for cosy and quiet, base in neighbouring Pontresina or Sils instead.
Worth the splurge
A lake-view room in one of the historic grand hotels, and the panoramic train over the Bernina Pass.
How St. Moritz stacks up
Head-to-head comparisons to help you choose your base with confidence.
Build a trip around St. Moritz
Routes, itineraries, and guides that put this base to work.
More reading
The Best Time to Visit the Swiss Alps
A month-by-month guide to the Swiss Alps: the September sweet spot, high summer in the Jungfrau and Zermatt, world-class ski winters, and where the lakes still work in the shoulder.
5 min read
The Best Day Trips from Zurich by Train
The best easy rail day trips from Zurich, lakes, mountains, and waterfalls, with how long each one takes and which is worth your one free day.
7 min read
Glacier Express vs Bernina Express: Which Scenic Train Should You Ride?
The honest head-to-head on Switzerland's two famous panoramic trains, which one is actually worth your day, and exactly who should pick which.
7 min read
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