St. Moritz is as fabulous in summer as it is in winter.
For more than a century, St. Moritz has been the ultimate playground for winter sports fans. However, few will know that the town originally began as a summer holiday destination due to its healing mineral springs. Nowadays, St. Moritz continues to attract visitors in summer with its diverse activities, beautiful landscape and fabulous events. With this in mind, we’ve picked out the "Top 5 " reasons why St. Moritz should be on everybody’s list this summer.
The Engadin valley is famous for its dramatic high peaks, lush meadows and blue cloudless skies. After the snow melts, a carpet of green pastures covered with wildflowers is revealed, making this the perfect backdrop for exploring the area on foot or by mountain bike.
The Upper Engadin boasts 580 km of hiking trails, from theme based trails to nature and forest routes. The most spectacular views can be found on the longer mountain hikes in areas such as Corviglia, Corvatsch and Diavolezza. Mountain bikers can enjoy over 400 km of trails and marked routes. For breathtaking views take your bike on the cable car to the Piz Nair station at 3,046 metres above sea level where endless mountain views await.
St. Moritz in summer has a number of lakes where you can enjoy all sorts of water-based activities. Thanks to the legendary Maloja wind, Lake Silvaplana has superb conditions for both windsurfing and kitesurfing. Lake St. Moritz is popular with sailors, and several regattas are hosted here during the summer season.
Meanwhile, there are several idyllic locations for summer swimming. With mountain lakes warming up to a perfectly pleasant 20°C, head to Lej Nair or Lej Marsch for a dip. Nestled between St. Moritz and Pontresina, with two wide jetties and a beach, Lake Staz is also a popular swimming spot.
It may be small, but when it comes to shopping St. Moritz is a prominent force in the world of fashion. From Armani and Gucci to Prada and Hermes, the town is home to some of the world’s most famous designer stores. Aside from the clothes, there are a host of watch and jewellery shops as well as stylish furniture and a selection of delicatessens.
After all that shopping, we recommend you stop for a homemade coffee and a slice of legendary Engadine nut tart at Hanselmann, a renowned cafe with wonderful views.
Unlike many ski resorts, this luxury Swiss resort has a fantastic range of galleries and museums to explore. Museum Engiadinais takes you on a cultural and historical journey through the Engadine as it once was, with interiors, rooms and furnishings from five different centuries. For those interested in the works of painter Giovanni Segantini, then the Segantini Museum which houses the most extensive showcase of his work is a must.
There are over 10 galleries to choose from - for contemporary art visit Galerie Andrea Caratsch, Art Jed Gallery nurtures emerging talents whilst Suvretta House showcases sculptures and other individual art exhibitions.
St. Moritz has two fantastic festivals for music lovers to enjoy this summer. Jazz enthusiasts can see all the stars at Festival Da Jazz which runs throughout July. Headliners are yet to be announced but past performers have included Marla Glen, Aloe Blacc and Ladysmith Black Mambazo.
For fans of classical music, the 76th Engadin Festival returns this summer. From 29th July to August 11th 2023, the Festival presents several high-calibre classical concerts across the Upper Engadine. Stars have included pianist Khatia Buniatishvili, mandolinist Avi Avital and the Chiaroscuro Quartet.
Located in the Engadine Valley, the exclusive resort of St Moritz is full of five-star restaurants, designer shops and, most importantly, luxury chalets. Accommodation in St Moritz ranges from historic hotels such as Badrutt's Palace and the Carlton to high-end apartments and luxury chalets with every facility imaginable. Here are a few of our favourites...
Read our guide to the best bars and restaurants in St Moritz, both on and off the mountain.
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