Saint Moritz
Saint Moritz
Saint Moritz (or St. Moritz) is one of Switzerland's most famous mountain resorts, located in the Engadin valley of the Swiss Alps. Known for its sparkling lake, luxury hotels and high-end boutiques, this place has been attracting the elite since the mid-19th century.
What many don't know is that St. Moritz actually pioneered winter tourism in the Alps. Back in 1864, a hotel owner named Johannes Badrutt made a bet with his British summer guests that winter in St. Moritz was just as pleasant as summer - and thus began its reputation as a winter wonderland. The town has even hosted the Winter Olympics twice, in 1928 and 1948.
Beyond the glitz and glamour, St. Moritz offers incredible Alpine scenery with pristine mountain lakes and forests. The area is known for its 'champagne climate' - dry air with lots of sunshine throughout the year. During winter, visitors can enjoy the frozen lake where horse races and cricket tournaments are held, creating a unique spectacle against the snow-covered mountains.
The local Engadin culture is also fascinating, with its own Romansh language still spoken by some locals. The town balances modern luxury with Alpine traditions, making it more than just another ski resort.
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Things to do in Saint Moritz
Top things to do in Saint Moritz by www.planetware.com
Where to stay in Saint Moritz
Best hotels in Saint Moritz:
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Hotel Schweizerhof St. Moritz (luxury hotel)
Hotel Schweizerhof St. Moritz with a quick 3-minute walk from the Chantarella funicular, it's super convenient for hitting the slopes. The rooms have awesome views of the mountains and village, plus comfy queen beds to crash in after a long day of skiing.
The food here is top-notch - you can chow down on tasty local dishes at the restaurant. And the bars are pretty lively spots to grab a drink in the evenings. If you need to relax those sore muscles, head up to the rooftop area with a sauna and steam room.
One of the best things about this place is the location. You're right in the middle of all the action, but the hotel still feels cozy and welcoming. The staff are super friendly and helpful too. All in all, it's a great home base for exploring everything St. Moritz has to offer.
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Hotel Waldhaus am See (medium range hotel)
Hotel Waldhaus am See offers a stunning lakeside retreat in St. Moritz. Perched right on the shores of Lake St. Moritz, this charming spot treats guests to breathtaking views of the surrounding Engadin mountains. The rooms have a cozy, traditional vibe with lots of wood furnishings that really capture that alpine feel.
One of the coolest things about this place is its massive whiskey bar - they've got over 2,500 different kinds to choose from! The restaurant serves up tasty local specialties like fondue and barbecue. After a day of skiing or hiking, you can unwind in the sauna or steam room. And the location can't be beat - it's just a quick walk from the train station but feels like a peaceful mountain escape.
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Best hostels in Saint Moritz:
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Hostel by Randolins (hostel)
Hostel by Randolins in St. Moritz is a cozy spot with incredible mountain views. The place has a laid-back vibe perfect for travelers looking to soak in the Alpine scenery without breaking the bank. The rooms are simple but comfy, with shared bathrooms that are kept squeaky clean.
The staff here are super friendly and go out of their way to help guests plan activities in the area. There's a free shuttle to get you to and from the train station, which is super convenient. The breakfast spread is pretty impressive too - nothing beats starting your day with fresh bread and local jams while gazing at snow-capped peaks.
One of the best parts about staying here is the location. It's just a short walk to some great hiking trails and ski slopes. After a day of outdoor adventures, you can relax in the cozy lounge area or hang out on the sun deck. All in all, it's an awesome home base for exploring everything St. Moritz has to offer without the fancy price tag.
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St. Moritz Youth Hostel (party hostel)
St. Moritz Youth Hostel is a cool spot for budget travelers looking to explore the stunning Swiss Alps. Tucked away at the edge of a forest, it offers amazing panoramic views of St. Moritz and the surrounding mountains. The hostel has a chill vibe with modern rooms, free Wi-Fi, and plenty of common areas to hang out in, including a games room with pool and ping pong.
One of the best things about this place is its location - it's just steps away from awesome hiking trails, ski slopes, and cross-country skiing routes. After a day of outdoor adventures, you can warm up by the open fireplace in the lounge. The hostel also serves up a tasty breakfast to fuel you up before hitting the slopes or trails. While it's a bit outside the town center, there are regular buses that make it easy to get around. Overall, it's a great affordable base for experiencing all the outdoor fun St. Moritz has to offer.