Summary
Summer Fun in St. Moritz, Switzerland
St. Moritz, Switzerland is a playground for the rich and famous. Celebrities and royals flock to its luxury hotels and world-class ski hills in the winter for outdoor fun. St. Moritz, (aka Sankt Moritz in German or San Maurizio in Italian) was the birthplace of winter tourism, opening its doors in 1864. This legendary ski resort has hosted 2 Winter Olympics and boasts 350 km (217 miles) of ski trails that have been home to international events for over a century. However, visiting St. Moritz in summer is equally special.
St. Moritz – Switzerland in Summer
We only had two days in St. Moritz during our travels. The moment we arrived at this beautiful alpine town in the Engadin region, we knew we wanted more. Even though our time was short, we made the most of it and stretched out every minute to see as much as we could. I think we did a pretty good job squeezing in a lot of the best things to do in St. Moritz in the summer. Dave and I can cover a lot of ground when we set our minds to it.
Where to Stay in St. Moritz – Kulm Hotel St. Moritz
One of the top hotels in St. Moritz is Kulm Hotel St. Moritz. By visiting in the low season, they had room for us, allowing us to experience luxury at a more accessible price. You can feel the elegance and glitz the moment you drive up to its entrance as priceless classic cars line the entryway alongside Aston Martins and Ferraris. Pulling up in our Volkswagen wasn’t a problem though, as the staff welcomed us with huge smiles, fresh juice, and cool towels.
Many guests visit Kulm Hotel St. Moritz and barely leave the resort, which is understandable. They cater to your every need, from private cars to helicopters for exploring the area. Or you can simply walk like us. With a history of 160 years, Hotel Kulm has been pampering wealthy families for generations.
Other Hotels to Stay in St. Moritz
- Badrutt’s Palace Hotel St. Moritz – An iconic hotel to enjoy St. Moritz in summer.
- Carlton Hotel St. Moritz
- Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski
Birthplace of Winter Tourism at Hotel Kulm
St. Moritz was the birthplace of winter tourism. It all started at Hotel Kulm when owner Johannes Badrut made a compelling offer to four English tourists visiting in summer: if they returned in winter and didn’t enjoy their stay as much, he would reimburse their entire trip. When they returned in December, they loved it so much that they stayed, and Badrut never needed to give them back their money. Word spread throughout England, and St. Moritz became the first winter vacation destination in Europe.
Swiss Sauna and Spa
We couldn’t let a night spent in this historic hotel pass without using its luxurious amenities. So before we explored St. Moritz, we indulged in the luxurious indoor pool and spa. The outdoor pool was particularly inviting, with heated water and spectacular views. The infinity pool offered stunning views of Lake St. Moritz and the surrounding mountains, making it a serene experience. The spa at Hotel Kulm features both wet and dry saunas, infrared saunas, and hot tubs—ideal for unwinding after a day of exploration.
Hiking in St. Moritz
In the summertime, a lot of the action happens around Lake St. Moritz. With 320 days of sunshine a year, residents and visitors take advantage of outdoor activities. In winter, you can go ice skating on the lake, while in summer, hiking is the main attraction.
Muottas Muragl – Segantini Hütte – Alp Languard Hike
The hike begins at the Punt Muragl train station, where we took the funicular railway up to Muottas Muragl to start our hike. The trip up offers breathtaking views of St. Moritz, the lake, and the panoramic vistas of the Upper Engadin from 2,456m (8,057ft).
This classic hike lasts about 2.5 hours and is ideal for intermediate hikers, taking you to a fantastic lookout at Segantini Hut. It’s a popular spot for watching sunsets over St. Moritz. The views transition beautifully as you hike, bringing different ranges of the Alps into view as they tower over the valleys.
Segantini Hut
Named after the Italian painter Giovanni Segantini, the Segantini Hut offers a stunning panorama worth losing track of time over. It was in this location that Segantini passed away while painting part of his famous triptych, “Life, Nature, and Death.” You can admire breathtaking views from here that inspired the nature section of his work.
Mountain Biking Opportunities
St. Moritz boasts a wealth of mountain biking trails suitable for varying skill levels. Here are some popular biking spots:
- Corviglia: This mountain behind St. Moritz is beloved by mountain bikers, particularly for the Corviglia Flow Trail, which offers thrilling turns and scenic descents.
- Suvretta Loop: A relatively easy route starting from town and leading to the Suvretta pass, offering stunning views of the Engadin Valley.
- Bernina Express Trail: Starting from the Diavolezza mountain station, this trail parallels the Bernina Express railway, providing incredible views of glaciers and alpine landscapes.
- Engadine Tracks: Numerous signposted bike routes in the Engadine valley allow you to explore picturesque landscapes and charming Swiss villages.
Always respect local trail regulations and fellow outdoor enthusiasts while biking in this breathtaking region.
Culinary Experiences
No visit to St. Moritz is complete without experiencing traditional Swiss cuisine. The Morteratsch Alpine Cheese Dairy showcases cheese-making with outdoor dining set in a stunning meadow. After a day of hiking, indulging in cheese fondue or raclette here is a must. Don’t miss the stunning cheese board, a true work of art!
Best Way to Get to St. Moritz
Getting to St. Moritz can be an adventure in itself. We drove through one of the most iconic routes in Switzerland, allowing us the freedom to explore at our own pace. However, Switzerland boasts an extensive rail system, making travel by train a scenic, memorable option. The Glacier Express and Bernina Express provide spectacular views along their routes.
If traveling from Zurich, take the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) train to Chur, then board the Glacier Express. This train offers a slow yet exhilarating journey through the Swiss Alps, crossing numerous bridges and tunnels for breathtaking views. Alternatively, those coming from Southern Switzerland can take the Bernina Express from Tirano, showcasing the dramatic landscapes of the Bernina Pass.
For more information on traveling to St. Moritz, visit the St. Moritz Tourism Website. St. Moritz is a stunning destination that pleasantly surprised us. After our experiences in Zermatt and Grindelwald, we were unsure what to expect in St. Moritz, but it proved to be an enchanting place, warranting more days of exploration in this magical region of Switzerland.
