St. Moritz

San Murezzan

An ultra-luxury resort town on an alpine lake, St. Moritz is one of Switzerland's most prestigious destinations, famous for winter sports, fine dining, and exclusive shopping. The sparkling lake, surrounding mountains, and Belle Époque architecture create an iconic alpine experience.

Things to do

• Skating on the Frozen Lake — St. Moritz Lake freezes solid in winter, transforming into a natural skating rink where locals and visitors glide across the pristine surface with mountain backdrops.
• Piz Nair Cable Car and Alpine Hiking — Ride the cable car to Piz Nair's 3,057-meter summit for panoramic Engadin Valley views and access to mountain trails ranging from leisurely walks to challenging hikes.
• Via Serlas Shopping District — Stroll the elegant pedestrian street lined with flagship boutiques from Gucci, Prada, and Cartier, epitomizing St. Moritz's reputation as a playground for high-end luxury shopping.
• Cresta Run Bobsled Experience — Experience the world's oldest natural ice bobsled track, built in 1884, where you can ride as a passenger on one of the most thrilling winter sports experiences.
• Segantini Museum — Discover works by symbolist painter Giovanni Segantini, who was captivated by the alpine landscape and created masterpieces inspired by St. Moritz's dramatic scenery.
• Engadin Marathon — Join this popular running event each October that circles the frozen St. Moritz Lake, attracting thousands of runners from across Europe to this scenic mountain course.

Food to try

• Maluns Polenta — A creamy, traditional cornmeal dish from the Engadin region, often served with mushrooms, cheese, and local game, representing rustic alpine comfort food.
• Engadin Nut Cake (Nusstorte) — A beloved regional specialty featuring a buttery pastry filled with caramelized nuts and a light caramel cream, best sampled at local pastry shops like Hanselmann.
• Fondue — Swiss cheese fondue made with local Graubünden cheeses is a quintessential alpine dining experience found in nearly every restaurant and chalet in St. Moritz.
• Saffron Risotto (Risotto alla Milanese) — Though Italian in origin, this creamy saffron-infused rice dish is served in fine dining establishments reflecting the cultural proximity to Lombardy and regional refinement.
• Air-Dried Meat (Speck) — Thinly sliced cured meat from the alpine region, served as an antipasto or appetizer at upscale restaurants, showcasing traditional Engadin preservation techniques.

Local customs & good to know

• Dress Code Expectations — St. Moritz maintains a sophisticated dress standard; fine dining establishments expect smart casual or formal attire, and designer clothing is commonplace in public spaces.
• Winter Season Dominance — The town truly comes alive from December through March when wealthy visitors arrive for winter sports and social events; summer is quieter but offers excellent hiking and outdoor pursuits.
• Romansh Language Heritage — While German and English dominate, the local Romansh language (Ladin) is still spoken by older residents and appears on signs; respecting this centuries-old alpine culture is appreciated by locals.
• Discretion and Privacy Valued — As an exclusive destination for high-net-worth individuals, St. Moritz values discretion; tourists should avoid intrusive photography and respect the privacy-conscious atmosphere that defines the resort.