Lej da Staz | Saint Moritz

Information

Landmark: Lej da Staz
City: Saint Moritz
Country: Switzerland
Continent: Europe

Lej da Staz, Saint Moritz, Switzerland, Europe

Lej da Staz (Stazersee) is a high-moor alpine lake situated at 1,809 meters in the Staz Forest (Stazerwald) between St. Moritz and Pontresina.

Visual Characteristics

The lake is characterized by dark, peat-colored water and marshy shorelines. It is surrounded by dense larch and stone pine forests and wide meadows. Unlike the larger, wind-exposed lakes of the Engadine plateau, Lej da Staz remains calm and reflects the surrounding peaks, including the Piz Rosatsch.

Location & Access Logistics

Lej da Staz is located in a protected forest area and is not accessible by private vehicle.

Pedestrian: Reachable via flat, well-maintained gravel paths from St. Moritz-Bad (30 mins), St. Moritz-Dorf (45 mins), Celerina (30 mins), or Pontresina (45 mins).

Bicycle: Accessible via the regional mountain bike trail network.

Winter: Accessible via cross-country ski trails or prepared winter hiking paths.

Logistics: The paths are mostly flat and suitable for strollers and wheelchairs.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The lake is a classic example of a "moor lake" formed in a hollow left by glacial retreat. Because it is shallow (maximum depth approx. 5 meters) and sheltered from the wind, the water warms rapidly in the summer, reaching temperatures up to 20°C-significantly warmer than Lake Saint Moritz. It is a vital habitat for alpine amphibians and specialized moorland flora.

Key Highlights & Activities

Swimming: The most popular natural swimming lake in the Upper Engadine due to its temperature. Paved entry points and small piers are available.

Photography: Known for mirror reflections of the forest and mountains, particularly during sunrise.

Picnicking: Several designated barbecue sites with firewood are provided by the local municipality along the shoreline.

Cross-Country Skiing: In winter, the lake is a central point on the Engadine Skimarathon track.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The Hotel & Restorant Lej da Staz is located on the northern shore, offering traditional dining and a kiosk for snacks. Public restrooms and changing cabins for swimmers are available. 5G cellular coverage is consistent throughout the forest.

Best Time to Visit

Summer (July–August): For swimming and lakeside picnics.

Autumn (October): For the golden larch forest reflections.

Morning: Best for calm water and wildlife sightings (roe deer are common in the Stazerwald).

Facts & Legends

A verified ecological fact: Lej da Staz is part of a federally protected mire landscape. According to local lore, the forest around the lake is inhabited by "Salige Fräulein" (benevolent moss people), a common theme in Engadine mythology.