Information
Landmark: Lake Saint MoritzCity: Saint Moritz
Country: Switzerland
Continent: Europe
Lake Saint Moritz, Saint Moritz, Switzerland, Europe
Overview
Tucked in the Engadine Valley of the Swiss Alps, Lake St. Moritz shimmers a deep blue beside the town of St. Moritz, famous for its plush resorts, crisp ski slopes, and lively festivals.The lake draws visitors all year with its glassy surface reflecting snow-dusted peaks, inviting them to hike, paddle, or simply take in the sweeping mountain views.Here’s what stands out about Lake St. Moritz: its clear blue water, the mountain air, and the way sunlight dances on the surface.Lake St. Moritz sits high in the Alps at 1,772 meters (5,810 feet), its clear surface catching the thin, crisp mountain air-one of the loftiest lakes in the range.Just outside the town of St. Moritz-easy to reach by train or road-the lake stretches about 1.5 kilometers long and up to 600 meters wide, covering roughly 1.7 square kilometers.Framed by the sharp peaks of Piz Nair, Corviglia, and Muottas Muragl, its deep blue water shines under the alpine sun.In summer, visitors take to the lake in pedal boats, rowboats, or small motorboats, their wakes rippling toward the shore.Clear, glassy water framed by stunning alpine peaks sets a peaceful scene for anyone heading out on the lake.The water can be brisk, but on a sunny summer afternoon, you’ll still see people diving in at Lake St. Moritz.Along the shore, you’ll find marked spots for swimming, where the crisp mountain air mingles with the sparkle of clear, cold water.The trails circling the lake make it perfect for a quiet walk or a long, breezy bike ride.A smooth, well-kept path circles the lake, perfect for an easy walk or a bike ride past the glitter of sunlight on the water.The trail winds along with sweeping views of the lake and jagged mountain peaks, and down by the shore, anglers cast for trout and other fish that thrive in its clear, cold water.You’ll need a special permit to fish in the lake, and you can pick one up in town.In winter, when the surface freezes solid, the lake turns into a lively rink for skating and fast-paced games of ice hockey.People flock to the frozen surface for ice skating, hockey games, and even a round of curling, the scrape of blades cutting sharp lines into the ice.The smooth, glassy ice turns the lake into a perfect skating rink for locals and visitors alike, while horse-drawn sleigh rides-bells jingling in the crisp air-offer a timeless, romantic way to take in the winter beauty of the lake and its snowy shores.Sleigh rides carry visitors across the frozen lake, the runners whispering over ice, then wind through the scenic Engadine Valley.Around the lake, snow-packed trails make it perfect for winter hikes.Winding trails around the lake and into the nearby mountains open onto stunning views of snow-draped peaks, and the St. Moritz area is famous for its crisp, well-groomed cross-country skiing tracks.You’ll find plenty of trails here, some skimming the lake’s edge where the snow crunches underfoot, leading you through a true winter wonderland.Lake St. Moritz itself is breathtaking-the deep blue water set against the bright, snow-laden peaks creates a view you won’t forget.In the stillness of early morning or the warm glow of late afternoon, the lake mirrors the mountains so clearly you can almost count the ridges.The Engadine Alps rise around it, crowned with famous peaks, and from Piz Nair the view sweeps over the water and far across the whole region.From Muottas Muragl, the whole sweep of St. Moritz and its shimmering lake stretches out beneath you, glowing gold in the sunset.St. Moritz itself, perched right by the water, ranks among the world’s most famous ski resorts and draws visitors seeking pure luxury.St. Moritz has twice hosted the Winter Olympics-in 1928 and again in 1948-and still draws winter sports lovers to its snowy slopes.Luxury hotels, designer boutiques, candlelit fine dining, and serene spas make it just as appealing in summer, offering both adventure and indulgence.The town buzzes with cultural events like the St. Moritz Film Festival, the Classics Music Festival, and White Turf, where horses thunder across the frozen lake before cheering crowds.Lake St. Moritz itself has been a cherished destination for centuries.Back in the 19th century, the area served as a health resort, and the town soon gained fame for its mineral springs, where visitors sipped the crisp, iron-rich water.Today it still draws luxury travelers, yet its deep roots as a place for rest and healing continue to shape its character.The lake once echoed with the scrape of skates and the thud of curling stones, among the earliest sites for ice polo, skating, and other winter sports.Winter sports at the lake are still going strong, and each February Lake St. Moritz hosts White Turf-a famous horse race where hooves thunder across the snow-packed ice.Held right on the frozen lake, this renowned event draws crowds for its thundering thoroughbred races, daring skijoring, and a mix of other heart-pounding contests.The Snow Polo World Cup is a dazzling affair, drawing equestrian fans and well-known guests to the crisp, snowy fields of St. Moritz each year.This glamorous gathering draws top polo teams from around the world to clash on the frozen lake, while spectators sip champagne and admire the winter fashion.The St. Moritz Art Masters transforms the town into a stage for celebrated contemporary artists, their bold canvases bright against the alpine backdrop.You can reach Lake St. Moritz with ease, whether you arrive by train or drive in yourself.St. Moritz links easily to the rest of Switzerland, and you can ride in on the Glacier Express or Bernina Express, watching snowy peaks slide past the window.Both train routes snake through the Swiss Alps, offering breathtaking views of rugged peaks and green valleys.Around the lake, you’ll find hotels, cafés scented with fresh coffee, and easy transport for every season.Summer, from June to September, is perfect for swimming, hiking, cycling, and soaking up the warm alpine air.The air feels mild, with hills wrapped in deep green.From December to March, winter brings prime conditions for skiing, snow hikes, and frozen-lake adventures.In winter, the lake ices solid, becoming a playground for skaters, sleighs, and even polo matches, the air sharp and bright.Come April or October, things slow down-fewer crowds, softer light-but some activities take a pause.
