Like something from a painting, St Moritz in summer is nothing short of spectacular. With the winter snow absent, this iconic Swiss resort is an explosion of vibrant greens and blues, from its Alpine meadows and picturesque mountains to its endless cloudless skies and expansive clear-blue lakes.
Explore luxury chalets and hotels in St Moritz
St Moritz: Glitz, Glamour and Alpine History
Nestled beneath the Piz Nair mountain, within the town of Engadin, St Moritz may be known best now as the ski resort of choice for the wealthy, famous and glamourous.
However, St Moritz’s origins lie in its initial reputation as a summer resort. The resort’s mineral springs, seemingly unending sunny days, and remarkable mountain views drew in visitors from near and far.
True to its history, St Moritz remains an excellent summertime destination to this day.
Travelling to St Moritz
Samedan Airport (SMV) to St Moritz: 10 mins / 8km
Zurich Airport (ZRH) to St Moritz: 2 hours 40 mins / 215km
Innsbruck Airport (INN) to St Moritz: 2 hours 45 mins / 180km
St Moritz can be easily reached by flying directly into Samedan Airport, which is located just a ten-minute drive from the town. This regional airport services private jets and charter flights.
However, the Glacier Express is a particularly special method of travelling into St Moritz, simply on account of quite how spectacular the journey is. Travel through the Swiss Alps by train, passing by the mountain resorts of Zermatt and Andermatt, and arrive in St Moritz by the evening.
The Glacier Express aside, St Moritz can also be reached by other train services. The train journey from Zurich to St Moritz takes around four and a half hours to complete, with a change at Chur railway station.
Summer in St Moritz
Famed for its sunny days - the resort records more than 300 sunny days a year - St Moritz is a spectacular destination in the summertime. Not too hot and not too cold, the climate is pleasantly warm throughout the summer months, allowing visitors to make the most of time spent outside.
The mountain air is dry and crisp, providing a welcome reprieve from summer humidity. Evenings are comfortably cool, as are areas of higher elevation within the resort.
Summer Activities in St Moritz
Exploring the mountains
Exploring the mountains is not a winter-only activity. From leisurely walks to mountain biking, hiking to paragliding, the mountains surrounding St Moritz are the perfect venue for summer activities.
Corviglia
Proudly dubbed “St Moritz’s local mountain”, Corviglia is located on the eastern slopes of Piz Nair. Situated at 2,489m, Corviglia can be reached via a funicular located in the centre of St Moritz. Tickets for a single ride cost CHF 13.60 for adults (18+), CHF 9.10 for young people aged 13 to 17 years old, and CHF 4.50 for children aged 6 to 12.
Corvatsch
With an elevation of 3,451m, Piz Corvatsch is the place to head to if you’re chasing remarkable views out across the Engadin Valley. The summit of Corvatsch can be reached by cable car from the nearby village of Surlej, located less than a ten-minute drive from St Moritz.
A combined ascent and descent ticket costs CHF 64 for adults (16+), whilst children travel at half-fare. Travelling mid-distance to Murtèl costs CHF 46 for adults and CHF 23 for children, providing an alternative to the summit of Corvastch.
If you’re a whisky fan, or simply in search of a unique mountain experience, make sure to pay a visit to the ORMA Whisky Distillery once you make it to Corvastch.
Sailing
A relaxing past time, in the heart of the Engadin Valley. The lakes surrounding St Moritz are the perfect place to take to the water, whilst an after-sailing meal can be enjoyed at the St Moritz Sailing Club’s restaurant, Pier 34. There are sailing courses for both beginners and more advanced sailors, providing the opportunity to level up your skills.
Paragliding
See St Moritz from above and go paragliding. Departing from Corviglia or Muottas Muragl in the summer, paragliding is an unforgettable way to take in the beauty of St Moritz and the surrounding area of Engadin.
Visit the Bathing Lakes
Cool off on a sunny day in one of St Moritz’s bathing lakes: Lej da Straz and Lej Marsch. Lej da Straz is situated in a nearby forest, around a 45-minute walk from the town, whilst Lej Marsch is tucked away in a charming forest clearing.
Take a Day Trip to Lake Como
The stunning Italian Lake Como is just a two-hour drive from St Moritz, making it the perfect summer excursion.
Other Sporting Activities:
There are plenty of leisure activities to enjoy in and around St Moritz, such as:
- Horseback riding
- Golf
- Fishing
- Mountain biking
- Trail running
- Swim in the Ovaverva pool (and ride the waterslides!)
Exploring St Moritz
Shopping in St Moritz
Take a stroll down Via Serlas, and there’s bound to be something that will catch your eye. Unsurprisingly, St Moritz is home to numerous high-end shops, such as Armani, Gucci, Hermes and Louis Vuitton.
Beyond luxury clothing, it wouldn’t be Switzerland without an impressive range of watch shops and jewellers. Some popular retailers include the luxury Swiss watchmakers Breitling, Chopard, and Omega.
Artisanal goods, fine foods, and beautiful interior pieces can also be found in the shops lining the streets of St Moritz.
Wellness and spa treatments in St Moritz
With St Moritz’s background as a wellness retreat, it naturally follows that the Swiss resort is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to relax and unwind on their summer holiday.
The Ovaverva Complex is home to a spacious spa area and offers massages and beauty treatments. The spa at Badrutt’s Palace Hotel is also exceptional, with an indoor infinity pool, a heated open-air pool, and an indoor Jacuzzi.
Where to Eat in St Moritz
From traditional Swiss cuisine to flavours from around the world, the gastronomy scene in St Moritz is not to be missed.
Michelin Star Restaurants
Da Vittorio (2 Michelin Stars)
Considered the best Italian restaurant in all of Switzerland, Da Vittorio sits in the Carlton Hotel and has been awarded two Michelin stars for its exceptional cuisine.
Talvo by Dalsass (1 Michelin Star)
Located in a house dating back to 1658, the dining experience at Talvo is imbued with a sense of homeliness as Chef Martin Dalsass takes you on a culinary journey through the Mediterranean.
Krone (1 Michelin Star)
Enjoy the finest blend of Italian and French cuisine amidst a cosy, Alpine ambience. With its charming wooden interior, Krone is the perfect place to enjoy a delicious meal with friends or family.
Cà d'Oro (1 Michelin Star)
Located in the Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski, Cà d’Oro is an elegantly designed restaurant serving sumptuous Mediterranean cuisine.
Casual Dining
- Cafe Belmont
- Coffeehouse Hanselmann
- Pur Suisse
- Hauser Restaurant
- Pier 34
- Chaschölin
- El Boliche
- Pizzeria Caruso
Luxury Alpine Chalets in St Moritz
The St Moritz Loft
Sleeps 6+2 | Catered
With far-reaching views over the St Moritz Lake, central location, and impeccable modern design, few properties can boast both the quality and prestige that The Loft commands. The property’s floor-to-ceiling windows let in an abundance of light, providing spectacular views over the lake and access to a large outdoor terrace.
Chesa el Toula
Sleeps 10+4 | Catered
Chesa el Toula is a luxury alpine chalet nestled in the prestigious Suvretta area of St Moritz. This spectacular property has been in the owner's family for over two generations and was built by his grandfather. It has since been thoughtfully renovated and is home to an enviable array of amenities, from a private indoor swimming pool to a cinema room.
Lakeside
Sleeps 6 | Catered
Lakeside is a stylish, sophisticated three-bedroom apartment overlooking Lake St Moritz. Its central location means the shops and restaurants of St Moritz are mere moments away. One of Lakeside’s greatest features is its large sun terrace that overlooks the lake and mountains.
Luxury Alpine Hotels in St Moritz
Kulm Hotel 5*
With over 165 years of hospitality history, the Kulm Hotel was founded by Johannes Badrutt – the man who helped shape St Moritz into the luxury skiing destination it is today. One of St Moritz’s original Grand hotels, the Kulm Hotel has a long history and pedigree of top-level luxury hospitality.
Badrutt’s Palace Hotel 5*
With its iconic palatial facade, Badrutt’s Palace Hotel is a landmark of St Moritz. Founded by Casper Badrutt, the son of Johannes Badrutt, the Palace Hotel is a celebration of style, sports, cuisine and fashion, with discreet service and traditional elegance evoking an atmosphere of pampered luxury for all.
Explore Badrutt's Palace Hotel
Kempinski Grand Hotel des Bains 5*
The Kempinski Grand Hotel des Bains has been offering exclusive yet relaxed hospitality to its international clientèle for over 100 years. Despite its grandiose exteriors, the hotel is a friendly and relaxed environment that welcomes families, couples and corporate groups alike.
Explore the Kempinski Grand Hotel des Bains
Carlton Hotel 5*
The Carlton Hotel is a luxury alpine hotel designed to stimulate your senses with striking decor, the finest culinary offerings and a high level of service which will put you at ease and enjoy the Carlton Hotel as if it were your own home.
You can always view our full summer portfolio here.
