Travel Guide: St. Moritz

St. Moritz is a high Alpine resort town in the Engadine in Switzerland, situated at an elevation of about 1,800 metres. It is Upper Engadine's major town and a municipality in the administrative region of Maloja in the Swiss canton of the Grisons. The town sits beside lakes and is framed by surrounding mountain peaks, offering a mix of lakeside and alpine character.

Selected by Anna
Selected by Anna · Updated September 2026

Best time to visit

Monthly climate figures show cold, below-freezing average temperatures in the winter months and the mildest, sunniest conditions in mid-summer. Precipitation tends to vary through the year with notable increases outside the peak-sun months, so timing a visit for clearer, sunnier days corresponds with the mid-summer months. The climate numbers indicate that both cold winter conditions and mild summer weather are typical features of St. Moritz.

Jan
-7.1°C
Rain78 mm
Sun6.5 h
Feb
-4.6°C
Rain69 mm
Sun7.4 h
Mar
-2.9°C
Rain76 mm
Sun8.8 h
Apr
0.4°C
Rain94 mm
Sun10.2 h
May
4.5°C
Rain109 mm
Sun10.2 h
Jun
10.1°C
Rain97 mm
Sun12.0 h
Jul
12.7°C
Rain84 mm
Sun12.7 h
Aug
12.3°C
Rain113 mm
Sun11.0 h
Sep
7.9°C
Rain96 mm
Sun9.5 h
Oct
4.2°C
Rain143 mm
Sun7.5 h
Nov
-1.5°C
Rain96 mm
Sun6.2 h
Dec
-4.4°C
Rain91 mm
Sun5.6 h

Things to do

In St. Moritz

  • Lake St. Moritz
    This natural waterbody is renowned for its stunning alpine scenery and crystal-clear waters. Visitors enjoy walking paths around the lake, winter ice events, and panoramic views suitable for all ages and fitness levels. It's a peaceful spot popular for relaxation and nature appreciation.
  • Segantini Museum
    This museum showcases works of the famous painter Giovanni Segantini, focusing on Alpine landscapes and pastoral scenes. Visitors interested in art and regional cultural heritage find it insightful. Guided tours and exhibitions deepen the understanding of the region's artistic history.
  • Piz Nair
    This mountain peak offers panoramic views of the surrounding Alps and valleys. It is accessible by cable car and popular among hikers, skiers, and photographers. Visitors appreciate the breathtaking vistas and opportunities for alpine wildlife observation.

Around St. Moritz

  • Muottas Muragl
    This viewpoint offers sweeping views over the Engadin valley and surrounding Alps. Accessible by funicular and hiking routes, it is ideal for nature lovers, photographers, and hikers seeking breathtaking alpine panoramas. Seasonal hiking trails and a panoramic restaurant are also nearby.
  • Lake Silvaplana
    Known for water sports like windsurfing and kitesurfing, this lake offers stunning mountain views and easy walking paths along the shore. It's ideal for active visitors as well as those wanting to enjoy alpine scenery and fresh air.
  • Sils Maria Lake
    This tranquil lake is surrounded by impressive mountain scenery and lush meadows. It suits visitors interested in walking, picnicking, and water activities. The area offers birdwatching and peaceful spots to enjoy the natural alpine environment.
Anna
How we pick hotels
For each category, we shortlist a few standout stays by combining review quality (score), review confidence (volume), and how well the hotel matches the theme (spa, family, lake views, and more).

Ski hotels

For travellers seeking alpine proximity and winter-orientated facilities, these properties suit those who prioritise easy access to mountain terrain and snow-focused experiences.
Hotel GRACE LA MARGNA ST MORITZ
Rating: 9.6 • 413 reviews
Badrutt's Palace Hotel St Moritz
Rating: 9.6 • 120 reviews

Mountain-view hotels

Suited to visitors who want rooms with vistas of the surrounding peaks, offering quiet mountain scenery close to town amenities.
Giardino Mountain
Rating: 9.4 • 88 reviews
Sankt Moritz Spirit Piz Bernina 5
Rating: 9.9 • 14 reviews

Family-friendly hotels

Designed for families looking for comfortable base options near lakes and town attractions, with accommodations that favour practical layouts.
Tip: look for family rooms, breakfast options, and walkable basics (shops/transport).
Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski
Rating: 9.4 • 196 reviews
Kulm Hotel St. Moritz
Rating: 9.3 • 111 reviews

Pet-friendly hotels

Good for travellers bringing pets, offering lodging choices where animals are accepted alongside lake and outdoor access.
Aladin Apartments St Moritz
Rating: 9.2 • 473 reviews
Suvretta House
Rating: 9.2 • 218 reviews
chalet st Moritz 3 bdr terrace
Rating: 9.9 • 10 reviews

Lake-view hotels

Ideal for visitors who value views over Lake St. Moritz and other nearby bodies of water, combining waterside atmosphere with town convenience.
Lake 27 - St Moritz
Rating: 9.5 • 25 reviews

Hotels with pool

For travellers who prefer properties with leisure facilities, these options provide on-site pool amenities in a mountain-lakeside setting.
Tip: if traveling off-season, prefer heated or indoor pools; confirm opening dates.

FAQ

What currency is used in St. Moritz?
You’ll typically pay in CHF (Swiss franc). Cards are commonly accepted, but it’s smart to carry some cash for small purchases.
Are hotels in St. Moritz pet friendly?
53% of the 131 properties we track in St. Moritz accept pets. Across our destinations the usual share is about a third.
What is St. Moritz best known for?
St. Moritz is known as a high Alpine resort town in the Engadine, serving as the major town of Upper Engadine and a municipality in Maloja in the canton of the Grisons, with lakes and surrounding peaks defining its setting.
What outdoor sights should I consider in and around St. Moritz?
The town sits by Lake St. Moritz and is close to other lakes such as Lake Silvaplana and Sils Maria Lake, while nearby high points like Muottas Muragl and Piz Nair offer mountain perspectives; these features make both lakeside and alpine excursions prominent options.
How cold does it get in St. Moritz?
Climate data show average temperatures below freezing in the winter months, and the town's elevation of about 1,800 metres contributes to generally cold winter conditions and milder summers.
Are there cultural attractions in St. Moritz?
Yes; the Segantini Museum is listed among local points of interest, indicating cultural offerings in town alongside its natural attractions.
Is St. Moritz suitable for a family visit?
St. Moritz can suit families, with family-friendly accommodation options noted and lakeside areas and gentler mountain sites that are commonly chosen for family outings.
How variable is the weather through the year?
Monthly climate figures indicate a clear difference between cold, lower-sun winter months and milder, sunnier mid-summer months, with precipitation levels rising at certain times of year, so weather can vary substantially across seasons.

Sources