Lake St. Moritz

Lake St. Moritz: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Travel Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Nestled in the Upper Engadine valley at an altitude of over 1,760 meters, Lake St. Moritz is an iconic jewel of the Swiss Alps. Famed for its stunning natural scenery, rich historical legacy, and lively calendar of international events, this lake and its surrounding town have evolved into a premier destination for travelers seeking a blend of outdoor adventure, cultural immersion, and luxury hospitality. Whether you’re drawn by the storied Olympic past, winter sports, alpine hiking, or the cosmopolitan social scene, Lake St. Moritz promises a memorable Swiss experience (therookandqueen.com; beachatlas.com; myswitzerland.com).

St. Moritz hotel Kulm with frozen lake and forested mountain slope in the background

Panoramic view of Upper Engadine valley with lakes Staz, St. Moritz, Silvaplana, and Sils from Muottas Muragl

Inn waterfall in St. Moritz Switzerland 1890

Inn surrounded by autumn foliage along the river Inn in St. Moritz, Switzerland in 1905

Scenic view of St. Moritz Lake with mountains in the background

Scenic view of Lake St. Moritz surrounded by mountains in St. Moritz, Switzerland

Scenic view of the Swiss Alps with a quaint village and lush greenery under a clear sky

Geological and Early Human History

Formed during the last Ice Age, Lake St. Moritz sits at approximately 1,768 meters (5,801 ft) above sea level. The Engadine region shows evidence of human occupation dating to at least 3000 BCE, with archaeological finds indicating early settlement due to the area’s abundant resources and strategic location. The mineral springs, revered by Romans for their healing powers, laid the foundation for St. Moritz’s longstanding wellness tradition (therookandqueen.com).

During the medieval period, St. Moritz was part of the Bishopric of Chur and later the Three Leagues. The lake supported local agriculture and fishing, while the mineral springs continued to attract health-seekers. This multicultural region has long been a crossroads, with Romansh, German, and Italian influences shaping its identity (thrillophilia.com).

The Rise of Tourism

St. Moritz’s transformation into a world-class resort began in the 19th century. In 1864, hotelier Johannes Badrutt’s wager with British guests launched Alpine winter tourism, promising a vibrant winter season that exceeded expectations (wikipedia.org). The town quickly became a magnet for the European elite and the birthplace of many tourism innovations, including Switzerland’s first electric light at the Kulm Hotel in 1878.

Year-round tourism flourished, with summer visitors enjoying hiking and spa culture, and winter visitors drawn by snow sports and glittering social events (myglobalviewpoint.com).

Sporting Legacy and Major Events

Winter Sports and Olympic Heritage

Lake St. Moritz’s reliably frozen surface has made it a center for winter sports. The lake and nearby venues have hosted:

Europe’s first curling tournament (1880)
The European Ice-Skating Championships (1882)
The legendary Cresta Run toboggan track

St. Moritz twice hosted the Winter Olympic Games (1928, 1948), cementing its place in sporting history. The Olympia Bob Run, the only natural ice bobsleigh track, is still in use today (myswitzerland.com).

Iconic Annual Events

White Turf Horse Racing: Established in 1907, this February event features horse racing and skijoring on the frozen lake, attracting thousands of spectators (wikipedia.org).
Snow Polo World Cup: Launched in 1985, this remains the world’s only high-goal polo tournament played on snow (finews.com).
The I.C.E. St. Moritz: The International Concours of Elegance combines classic car exhibitions and driving demonstrations on ice (octane-magazine.com).
Cricket on Ice: British teams compete each February in this unique tournament (giardinohotels.ch).

Summer and Year-Round Activities

In warmer months, Lake St. Moritz is popular for sailing, stand-up paddling, and rowing. The Engadine Valley offers extensive hiking, cycling, and mountain sports (dukesavenue.com).

Cultural Significance

St. Moritz’s rich cultural fabric is woven from its trilingual heritage (Romansh, German, Italian) and a vibrant events calendar. Notable highlights include:

Segantini Museum: Dedicated to mountain painter Giovanni Segantini (myswitzerland.com).
Engadine Museum: Exhibits on regional history and architecture (StMoritzTourism).
Chalandamarz Festival: Spring celebration featuring traditional music and costumes.

The town is also famous for luxury shopping, Michelin-starred dining, and its reputation as a meeting place for international high society.

Practical Visitor Information

Visiting Hours and Accessibility

Lake Access: Open year-round, 24/7 for walking, cycling, and sightseeing. No entry fee for general access.
Event Areas: Access and hours may be restricted during major events (January–March for winter; June–September for summer).
Accessibility: Many lakeside paths and public transport options are wheelchair-friendly. Contact the tourist office for details.

Tickets and Booking

General Lake Access: Free.
Event Tickets: Required for White Turf, Snow Polo, The I.C.E., and other special events. Purchase online or at local vendors; early booking is recommended for popular events.

Getting There

By Train: St. Moritz railway station is served by the Glacier Express and Bernina Express (travelshelper.com).
By Bus: Swiss PostBus and local buses connect the region.
By Car: Parking is limited and expensive; public transport is recommended.

Guided Tours

Guided walking and historical tours are available through the tourism office. Tours highlight the lake, town history, art, and local traditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are there entrance fees for Lake St. Moritz?
A: No, general access is free. Special events require tickets.

Q: When are major events held?
A: White Turf and Snow Polo take place January–March; check official event pages for dates.

Q: Is the lake wheelchair accessible?
A: Many lakeside paths are accessible; consult the tourist office for detailed route information.

Q: Can I swim in Lake St. Moritz?
A: Swimming is possible in summer, but water is very cold.

Q: Are there guided tours in English?
A: Yes, most tours offer English-speaking guides; book in advance.

Travel and Accommodation

Arrival:

Train: Rhaetian Railway’s Bernina and Glacier Express lines connect St. Moritz with Zurich, Chur, and other major cities.
Bus: Swiss PostBus links St. Moritz to surrounding towns.

Getting Around:

Local buses and funiculars cover the main attractions. Taxis are available but costly.

Accommodation:

Luxury: Kulm Hotel, Badrutt’s Palace, Suvretta House (stmoritzguide.com).
Mid-Range/Budget: Boutique hotels, guesthouses, and apartments; book in advance for best rates (strspecialist.com).

Dining and Seasonal Highlights

Dining:

Fine dining at Michelin-starred restaurants, traditional Swiss cuisine, and casual mountain huts.
Try local specialties like Bündnerfleisch, Capuns, and Engadiner Nusstorte.

Seasonal Events:

Winter: Skiing, Snow Polo, White Turf, Cresta Run.
Summer: Hiking, sailing, open-air concerts, art festivals.

Visitor Tips

Language: German, Italian, and Romansh are spoken; English is widely used.
Currency: Swiss Franc (CHF); credit cards accepted, but carry some cash.
Weather: Over 300 sunny days per year; pack for variable alpine conditions.
Etiquette: Be punctual, dress smartly, and respect local customs and nature.

Conclusion

Lake St. Moritz is a destination where alpine splendor meets cultural vibrancy and sporting excellence. From its glacial origins and Roman spa traditions to its current reputation as a global luxury hotspot, the lake offers a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and contemporary lifestyle. For the best experience, plan ahead—book accommodation and event tickets early, use public transport, and make time to explore both the famous and hidden aspects of this extraordinary region. Download the Audiala app for real-time travel updates and insider tips, and let Lake St. Moritz inspire your next Swiss adventure.