Things to Do in St Moritz
A long winding valley cupped between the snow-capped mountains of the Swiss Alps and following the Inn River, the 50-mile-long (80-kilometer-long) Engadine (or Engadin) valley is one of Switzerland’s most desirable holiday destinations. A sunny climate, beautiful lakes, and a stunning alpine backdrop make Engadine, which encompasses star-studded destinations like St. Moritz, one of Europe’s most highly populated valleys.
Soaring over the Bernina Pass and climbing to a dizzying 7,392 feet (2,253 meters) above sea level, the famous Bernina Express is one of Europe’s most beautiful railway routes. Running for 75 miles (122 kilometers) from Chur in Switzerland to Tirano in Italy, it’s the only railway that connects the North and South Alps, and offers dramatic mountain views.
Encircled by the vast Staz forest, Lake Staz (Lej da Staz) takes on a mythical ambiance with its floating islands of marsh clover and towering reeds. An easy 30-minute walk from St.Moritz leads to the lake, passing through some incredible mountain scenery, or if you fancy an alternative, horse-drawn carriage rides are available along the pathways surrounding the lake.
A superb display of paintings from Giovanni Segantini (1858-1899) take center stage at St Moritz’s Segantini Museum, with examples exhibited from throughout his creative career. One of Europe’s most famous 19th-century artists, the Italian painter was best known for his large-scale landscape paintings of the Alps.
The domed museum, which opened its doors back in 1908, is the handiwork of architect Nicolaus Hartmann and pays homage to the life and works of the eponymous artist. The small but artfully executed gallery serves up some of Segantini's most impressive works including the masterful alpine triptychla vita – la natura – la morte (life – nature – death), displayed in prize place in the ambient upper-floor gallery.
Home to the longest glacial downhill ski route in Switzerland, as well as a varied network of ski runs, it’s not hard to see why Diavolezza is a popular haunt for powder junkies. Standing over 9,800 feet (3,000 meters) proud, Diavolezza Mountain adds an impressive eight peaks to the Bernina skyline, and is accessible by gondola from the Diavolezza train station.