St. Moritz is the most famous holiday resort in the world. The sun shines an average of 322 days a year - more than anywhere else in Switzerland. Skiers, snowboarders and cross country enthusiasts are drawn to St. Moritz by its natural beauty and quality infrastructure. In addition, St. Moritz stages a wide variety of first class events, to make it a holiday destination unmatched anywhere on the globe. It is also the beginning of a fantastic rail journey with the Glacier Express.
Excursions
Swiss
National Park
The Swiss National Park is a natural preserve, which is totally
protected from human influences and encroachments. Its natural treasures
are varied and abundant. Local tourist offices (Zernez, S-chanf,
Zuoz, Münstertal) will organize a number of guided tours. Information,
documentation, exhibits and an audio visual presentation are all
available at the house of the national park in Zernez.
Bergell/Solio
Take the post bus following the lakes of the Upper Engadine to Maloja.
Then continue across the Maloja Pass to Casaccia and Stampa, home
of the famous painters and sculptors Giovanni, Augusto and Alberto
Giacometti. Visit the extraordinary valley museum 'Ciäsa Granda'
(opening hours from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.) after a hearty lunch in one
of the villages. Then go on to Soglio, an ancient and fully preserved
village perched on a sunny terrace above the Bergell valley. One
of the sites worth visiting there is the church "Palazzo Salis".
Take in the wonderful panoramic view of the Sciora and Bondasca
mountain ranges or take a ride from Maloja to Castasegna bordering
on Italy and visit the manufacture which specializes in the making
of the most particular perfume flasks.
Bernina
Express
Escape to the south! - Over the Bernina Pass to Poschiavo
and on to Tirano in the Valtellina (Italy). From the Engadine the
train will take you from 1800 m (5450 ft) to 2253 m (6830 ft) above
sea level at an incline sometimes as steep as 7% without the use
of cog wheels, which is unique in Europe. The impressive ride over
deep valleys and across stone viaducts ends in Tirano at a mere
429 m (1300 ft) above sea level.
Sils Maria and Sils Baselgia
Nestled between the lakes of Silvaplana and Sils, these two villages
are definitely worth a visit. A boat ride on the lake of Sils in
the morning to the peninsula with its lovely hamlet Isola. Lunch
in Isola. Back to Sils by boat or on foot (approx. 1 hr). Spend
the afternoon exploring the village and drop by at the Nietzsche
House (open Tuesday to Sunday from 15.00 h to 18.00 h).
Palm Express
Contrasts are ever fascinating! - A ride in the Palm Express is
full of wonders. The snowy peaks, the lofty larch forests, the limpid
mountain lakes of the Upper Engadine, the bizarre rock tops of the
Bergell, the characteristic Bergell villages surrounded by chestnut
forrests, the towns of Chiavenna and Menaggio, the subtropic climate
along the Lake of Como in Italy and then Lugano, the bustling city
in the Tessin. A four hour trip full of surprises in the air conditioned
post bus! Information and booking at the information desk of the
Grisons post busses. Tel. +41 (0)81 837 67 64
Engadine Villages
Take the Rhaetian Railway or a post bus in the direction of the
the Lower Engadine and into one of the neighbouring villages. Some of them are vertiable gems for the study of Engadine architecture
(Zuoz, Zernez, Guarda, Scuol,Tarasp, etc.)
Spa and Sauna Complex in Scuol
Take a train to the theme pool "Engadin Bad Scuol" in
the Lower Engadine. Relax in the many indoor and outdoor pools,
whirlpools, solariums, in the "sauna landscape" or in
the Roman-Irish steam bath. Tel. +41 (0)81 861 20 00
Cheese factory/Alpine Dairy
50 years after the last cheese left Alp Morteratsch, Pontresina's alpine
dairy is now again making cheese according to the taditional
method on this idyllic alp. Experience the craft of cheese making
and taste the produce at a brunch or afternoon snack. The alp ist
located at 100 meters of Morteratsch rail station in the direction
of Pontresina. Please note that brunch reservations must be made
at the latest by 5 pm the day prior (Tel. +41 (0)81 842 62 73)!
The opening times are everyday from 9 am to 5 pm, July through end
September.
Lower
Engadine
Take a drive through the typical Engadine villages to Zernez
and Guara. The latter overlooks the bottom of the valley of the
Lower Engadine from a sunny terrace. Marvel at the magnificent view
up and down the valley which has given the village its name: 'Guarda'
in the local tongue means 'watch!' Lunch and stroll around the village.
On to Tarasp in the afternoon and visit of the castle. Then passing
Scuol, the "capital" of the Lower Engadine, return to
the Upper Engadine.
Val Müstair
Following a drive over the Ofen Pass you'll reach the quaint and
well preserved hamlet of Münstair, only 1 km from the Italian
border. The landmark of Münstair is the monastery of St. Johann
whose construction was ordered by Charles the Great in the 9th century
A.D. and which to this day is occupied by the Benedictines. (Information
at the Tourist Office of Münstair.)
Winter Sports
Downhill Skiing
Modern, high-tech facilities in the Corviglia/Marguns ski region.
World Cup and World Championship pistes used for the downhill, Super
G, giant slalom, and slalom competitions. (Host to four World Championships:
1934, 1948,1974 and 2003). Frequent World and European Cup events.
Snowboarding
Halfpipe in continual operation longer than any other anywhere;
snowboard fun park and special lift. Frequent halfpipe competitions.
Cresta Run
Unique in the world. With speeds of up to 85 mph, the drivers race
down the ice canal head first on "skeleton" sleds. There
are races or training runs daily. Main events: Heaton Gold Cup,
Curzon Cup, Grand National, Gunter Sachs Challenge Cup. (from approx.
December 22 to the end of February)
Bob Run
The only remaining natural ice bobsled run in the world. 1585 meters,
with a maximum speed of 85 mph. Races or training runs daily in
2 and 4-man bobsleds, as well as skeleton sleds. Main events: Swiss
and European championships, bobsled world championships. Instructions
for beginners & Bobsled taxi rides for guests, advance registration
required (from approx. December 22 to the end of February)
Curling
Curling Center Al Parc, 8 to 16 natural ice rinks. Training, matches
or tournaments daily.
Concours Hippique
International equestrian jumping tournament on snow in mid January
and on gras in the beginning of August.
Schlitteda
An old Engadine tradition: young people from the village, dressed
in traditional garb and driving colorful old horse-drawn sleighs,
parade through the snow-covered landscape to the neighbouring village
in January.
Polo on snow
The world's oldest team sport - played with red balls on the white
turf of the frozen St. Moritz lake; last weekend in January.
Cricket on snow
Cricket, the national sport of the Anglo Saxons, became popular
in England 200 years ago. The first cricket tournament in history
to take place on a frozen lake was staged in St. Moritz in February
1989.
White Turf - Horse Races on Snow
The most tradition-rich horse races on a White turf take place on
the frozen St. Moritz lake the first three Sundays in February since
1907.
Ski Jumping
Olympic ski jump facility 90 meters long, "Falcun" jump
50 meters, "Spreret" jump 30 meters, boys' jump 15 meters.
Hangglider Rides
Tandem flights with a hangglider. Start on skis with a certified
pilot from the top of Corviglia. Landing is on the frozen lake below
(entire winter season).
HTWZ High Altitude Training and competition center (all year)
Ideal training conditions in the sparkling high altitude climat
of St. Moritz. 400 meter Rub-Tan track and field facility, gym,
"finnen" track, rowing course, jogging paths, Gut Training
Center with medical care, etc. Bobsled run, ski jump facility, alpine
and nordic skiing, etc. (winter).
Summer Sports
Hiking (with plenty of Sitting & Panorama
Benches).
The Upper Engadine is a hiking paradise with approx. 500 km of hiking
trails. Bordering these trails are plenty of resting opportunities,
where one may enjoy the wonderful panorama of the Upper Engadine
among other things. For suggested hikes, please visit St. Moritz hiking paradise.
Sailing (July / August)
Tradition-rich sailing regattas on the St. Moritz lake - 6000 feet
above sea level! International champions meet annually for thrilling
competitions: 18 and 14 footers, O-Jollen, lasers, etc.
Windsurfing
Engadin Wind/Windsurfing Marathon (2nd weekend in August), with
about 300 participants. Masters and tandem events on Friday; individual
marathon on Saturday. Total distance: 42 K per category. Windsurf
World Cup on the lake Silvaplana, unique World Cup on an alpine
lake (since 1994).
New: Kite-Surfing competitions during Engadin Wind-week in August.
Wild water river rafting
Exciting river rafting adventure on the Inn River, the "King
of the Alpine Rivers". One, two or three day excursions in
a rubber raft, with a certified guide.
Inline Skating
Engadin Inline Skating Marathon, since 1996 (first Saturday in July).
From Maloja to S-chanf (41.195 kilometers) with speeds of up to
48 mph along the scenic Upper Engadin mountain lakes. Various training
trails and Inline parks.
Golf
18 hole golf course in Samedan/St. Moritz. Over 40 tradition-rich
tournaments are on the program every summer. Main events: St. Moritz
Gold Cup, Heineken Cup. Since summer 2001 new 9-hole executive golf
course situated at the Kulm Hotel and since 2003 new 18-hole course
in Zuoz.
Tennis/Squash
There are 4 tennis courts and 2 squash courts at your disposal in
our modern, multipurpose gym hall. Tennis and squash rackets are
available for rent on location. If you are not a 'pro', we have
instructors that will gladly clue you in to a couple of 'tricks'.
Tel. +41 (0)81 833 15 00
Indoor Horseback Riding
Do you know how to ride a horse? No? Then have a go at it today!
Our covered riding school in St. Moritz-Bad is sure to be rain-proof.
It is recommended that you make an appointment in advance. Tel.
+41 (0)81 833 57 33
Bowling
Go bowling! Partners usually turn up quickly. Reserve your alley
in advance at the hotel Aurora in S-chanf. Tel. +41 (0)81 854 12
64
Entertainment
International Concert Weeks
This is held in July and August with world renown orchestras,
directors and soloists; since 1940. Since winter 1997/98: Snow &
Symphony - The St. Moritz Music Festival. New since summer 2002:
Golf & Symphony - the new classic music festival.
St. Moritz Orchestra
Every day the orchestra of St. Morits plays works by Mozart,
Händel, Beethoven, etc. On rainy days, too. But then indoors,
in the concert hall of the health spa. Performances between 10:30
and 11:45am.
The Casino St. Mortiz is located at the Grand Hotel Kempinski in St. Moritz Bad.
Exhibits
Why not visit an exhibit? The galleries of the many hotels have
a full program of most interesting exhibits on the most varied subjects.
Just browse the magazine "St. Moritz Aktuell" and you
will be sure to find something of interest to you!
Shopping
St. Moritz
With a devotion to quality and style, St. Moritz is guaranteed
to have something to please even the most discerning shopper.
Many exclusive boutiques with the latest creations of leading designers from Paris and Milan can be found in St. Moritz. Other shops include Swiss watches and knives, souvenir stores and also traditional cake cafes are located in the small center of town.
Events
Engadin Ski Marathon
Annually, one of the world's largest sport events with over 13'000
participants. 42 kilometers, cross country skiing from Maloja to
Zuoz is taking place the second Sunday in March.
Chalanda Marz
A very old Engadin tradition: The Engadin school children drive
away winter with bells and songs on March 1st.
British Classic Car Meeting
Elegance and class in the Engadin alpine environment. Over 150 Oldtimer
and Classic Cars have a date in St. Moritz: "Concours d'élégance",
motor rally.
Gourmet Festival
The best chefs from all over the world inspire young talented chefs
from the St. Moritz hotel kitchen brigades the first week of February.
Multi-course meals with specialities from the chef's homeland are
served. Highlight: "Grand Gourmet Finale" on the frozen
St. Moritz lake.
Museums/Libraries
Segantini Museum
About 1km west of St. Moritz Dorf on Via Somplaz, the terrace road, is
a curious domed church-like building which holds the excellent Giovanni
Segantini Museum displaying the beautiful work of this largely self-taught
Symbolist who is acclaimed as the definitive painter of Alpine life,
and who spent the twelve years before his sudden death at the age
of 41 working to portray the clear mountain light of the Upper Engadin.
Tel. +41 (0)81 833 44 54 / 833 43 33
Berry Museum
The Berry Museum, housed in the century-old Villa Arona in the heart
of St. Moritz, is dedicated to the doctor and painter Peter Robert
Berry (1864-1942).
Inspired and influenced by the internationally celebrated
and locally important artists Giovanni Segantini and Giovanni Giacometti,
Berry studied art in Paris and Munich. After returning to his birthplace,
Berry captured the natural beauty of the mountain surroundings in
vibrant colours. St. Moritz and the Upper Engadine are the decisive
settings for his work.
Engadin Museum
For many years Richard Campell, the founder of the Engadine Museum,
had been collecting Grisons and especially Engadine furniture and
artifacts.
Tel. +41 (0)81 833 43 33
Library / Nietzsche's House
Sils is not only a picturesque place. It also hosts the "Biblioteca
Engiadinaisa" (Engadine Library) with books in many different
languages, as well as the "Nietzsche-Haus" (Nietzsche's
house).