To this day, St. Moritz is undoubtedly one of the most famous holiday resorts in the Alps – perhaps even in the world.
The resort is synonymous with the history of winter sports, a sophisticated atmosphere, international renown, elegance, class and a lifestyle that has fascinated people for generations. Winter tourism was established in St. Moritz around 150 years ago. It has hosted the Winter Olympics twice (in 1928 and 1948) and has been the venue for numerous World Ski and Bobsleigh Championships. It is also a glamorous stage for the international jet set. Those who holiday here are not only seeking mountains and outdoor activities, but also atmosphere, elegance and that special feeling of being in a place that has long since achieved legendary status.
St Moritz
Where alpine winter tourism began
Events in St Moritz
Events ranging from legendary to luxurious
St. Moritz undoubtedly offers one of the most prestigious ranges of events in Switzerland, featuring world-renowned events, a varied calendar of leisure and sporting activities, and cultural and culinary highlights. This holiday destination in the Upper Engadine combines big names with a distinctive setting and a long tradition of hosting events.
Top events in St. Moritz:
The White Turf is regarded as one of Switzerland’s best-known winter events. Since the early 20th century, the frozen Lake St Moritz has served as a spectacular setting for international horse racing, skijoring and an exclusive lifestyle atmosphere. Hardly any other event is as closely associated with St. Moritz as this time-honoured occasion.
Every year at the end of January, the Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz transforms the frozen Lake St. Moritz into one of the most spectacular playing fields in international polo. Eight riders, eight horses and a white field – that’s all it takes to create a sporting event with a special appeal.
Every year, the FIS Ski World Cup puts St. Moritz at the heart of the international winter sports scene. World-class female athletes compete here against a backdrop that lends the event that special blend of tradition, prestige and excitement for which the resort has been renowned for decades.
Here, St. Moritz is all about indulgence. International guest chefs, carefully curated menus and culinary styles of the highest calibre make the festival a must-attend event for anyone who wants not only to sample but also to experience top-class cuisine.
You can find
further events, up-to-date dates and event highlights in the official St. Moritz Tourism events calendar.
Shopping in St Moritz
Luxury meets diversity
St. Moritz is also renowned for its exquisite shopping scene with an international flair. The town offers a wide range of high-end shopping opportunities for visitors and locals alike.
Just as Rodeo Drive is to Los Angeles and Oxford Street is to London, so Via Serlas is to St. Moritz – albeit on a smaller scale, but by no means with a lesser selection. As the world’s highest luxury shopping street, the high street is lined with a curated selection of top-tier brands such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Moncler, Cartier and Bottega Veneta, lending the town that international flair which effortlessly places it in the same league as Milan, Paris or Zurich. The village centre
also boasts a wide range of shopping options. Alongside fashion boutiques, you’ll find jewellers offering exquisite jewellery and gemstones, designer furniture, fine wines and a superb selection of delicacies.
Of course, St. Moritz also boasts numerous smaller and larger shops, specialist retailers, as well as shops selling food and everyday essentials. Due to the area’s strong focus on tourism, some shops are also open on Sundays, particularly during the high season. Overall, the Engadin region boasts a wide and well-developed range of goods and services. For an even more comprehensive shopping experience, the nearest major shopping destinations are Chur or Chiavenna in Italy.
You can find further recommendations, the latest information and more inspiration on accommodation, leisure, events and activities in St. Moritz on the St. Moritz Tourism website.
St. Moritz Bucket List
Insider tips for your holiday in St Moritz
With its evocative name, the Swiss mountain town of St. Moritz has long been synonymous with a luxurious lifestyle. Whether it’s sport, culture or fine dining, a holiday in St. Moritz offers experiences you simply mustn’t miss.
The traditional nut cake is an absolute must-try on a holiday in St. Moritz. The best way to enjoy this cake is in one of the many patisseries.
As the only rooftop bar in
St. Moritz, it undoubtedly offers the best view over the town’s rooftops.
Every Friday evening, Snow Night takes place on the Corvatsch on the 4.2-kilometre-long, floodlit slope.
This elegant shopping street is within walking distance of the Art Boutique Hotel Monopol and is the highest-altitude luxury shopping street in Europe.
Whether it’s horse racing on the frozen Lake St. Moritz, a gourmet festival or the Engadin Ski Marathon – St. Moritz’s calendar of events is always packed.
The mineral springs, which date back thousands of years, form the historic foundation of the town. You can find out more at the Forum Paracelsus.
The lake is one of the most beautiful kitesurfing spots in Switzerland. The sport was shaped to a large extent here, and the lake is a hotspot for water sports and nature experiences.
Nature Around St. Moritz
Lakes, mountains and experiences all year round
When you hear the name St. Moritz, winter sports almost automatically spring to mind. Yet this legendary Engadin resort has so much more to offer – whatever the season. Situated at an altitude of 1,822 metres, it offers an impressive world of alpine experiences with sparkling lakes, sweeping valleys and countless opportunities for active getaways. Boredom? Not a chance.
Here’s an inspiring selection for your active holiday in St. Moritz:
This iconic lake shapes the townscape like no other. In winter, it provides a spectacular backdrop for the international White Turf horse race; in summer, it attracts visitors with its walking trails and alpine panoramas.
St. Moritz’s local mountain delights visitors with its scenic walking trails. In winter, you can look forward to extensive slopes and modern facilities, whilst being treated to magnificent views across the Engadin at every turn.
Here, historic architecture meets sophisticated elegance. Exclusive boutiques, charming alleyways and the leaning tower characterise the town centre’s distinctive atmosphere. Did you know? With a tilt of 5.5 degrees, the 33-metre-high tower of the former St Mauritius Church is actually even more leaning than its counterpart in Pisa.
Even the ride on the nostalgic red funicular is an experience in itself. Once you reach the top at 2,453 metres, one of the most
beautiful panoramic views of the Upper Engadine unfolds before you. It’s particularly atmospheric at sunrise or sunset.
This idyllic mountain lake lies tucked away amidst fragrant Swiss stone pine forests. It is a peaceful retreat where you can swim, go for a walk or simply take a deep breath amidst unspoilt nature.
Art and Culture in St. Moritz
History, museums and galleries
In St. Moritz, cultures, ideas and stories come together. Museums, galleries, architecture and a rich heritage shape the character of the town and have long made it a cultural hub of the canton of Graubünden.
Great names from literary history, such as Friedrich Nietzsche, Hermann Hesse, Thomas Mann and Rainer Maria Rilke, found inspiration, a place of retreat and new perspectives here.
This creative legacy lives on to this day – in carefully curated museums, exciting exhibitions and a remarkably vibrant gallery scene. Contemporary art meets Alpine motifs; international perspectives meet regional identity. The Art Boutique Hotel Monopol, with its art collection, also blends harmoniously into this inspiring setting.
Here is a selection of museums and galleries in St. Moritz:
A monument to Giovanni Segantini, whose works capture the unique light and vastness of the Engadin.
Folklore and regional traditions are authentically brought to life here.
The artist’s former home is a delight as a walk-through total work of art, brimming with imagination and rich in detail.
Fascinating insights into the life and work of Peter Robert Berry, a spa doctor and painter who produced remarkable portraits of the Engadin.
A tribute to the pioneering days of winter sports in St Moritz.
Located in the Serletta car park, yet anything but ordinary – one of the most visited galleries in the Alpine region, featuring changing exhibitions along its walkways.
Contemporary international art of the highest calibre – featuring works by renowned artists in an exclusive setting.
Contemporary perspectives ranging from the international avant-garde to curated trends of the day.
On the Bright Side of Life
Facts and figures about St. Moritz
- St. Moritz lies at 1,856 metres above sea level , making it one of the most famous high-altitude health resorts in the Alps.
- St. Moritz enjoys around 322 days of sunshine a year and is exceptional in this respect too. It is no surprise that the locals refer to the town as the ‘sunny high valley’ – here, you can soak up the sun in both winter and summer.
- The Chantarella funicular and the Marguns gondola lift take you up to St. Moritz’s local mountain, Corviglia, every day from 7.45 am. A total of 350 kilometres of slopes await winter sports enthusiasts in the Engadin; the runs are spread across various ski areas. So every day you can decide anew whether to strap on your skis at Corviglia above St. Moritz, at Corvatsch or in the Diavolezza/Lagalb ski area.
- The glamorous Alpine resort of St. Moritz, which has long been a haunt of the European elite, harbours more history than one might suspect, far removed from all the glitz and glamour. The iron-rich mineral springs that made this place famous were discovered over 3,000 years ago.
- Winter tourism since 1864 . Initially established as a summer retreat, guests first had to be encouraged to travel to the Upper Engadine in winter as well. They were persuaded, came, and have ever since succumbed to the charm of winter in St. Moritz.
Live views of the Engadin
The official webcams show you the current weather conditions, the mountain panorama and scenes from the region in real time.
When art meets space, a stay becomes something truly extraordinary. The Art Boutique Hotel Monopol combines creative artistic worlds with stylish grandeur in the heart of St. Moritz.
An authentic taste of Italian life, served right in the heart of St. Moritz. At Restaurant MONO, Cucina Italiana meets casual gourmet – with the occasional touch of fusion cuisine.
Relax high above the rooftops of the town! Our in-house wellness and spa area is your oasis of well-being, offering what is surely the most beautiful view of St. Moritz and the Engadin mountains.
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