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Day Trips & Excursions

Day Trips & Excursions

Graubunden, Switzerland

Nearby Destinations

Many appealing destinations are close to St. Moritz, ideal for a half-day or full-day trip. Pontresina, Celerina, Silvaplana, Sils Maria, Chur, and even Tirano, Italy are all within easy reach.

The excellent Rhätische Bahn (train) or Engadin Bus network makes all these places accessible. The "Engadin St. Moritz Mountain Railways and Public Transport Included" pass, often part of hotel packages, covers most local connections. Independent travel for these trips is generally best, providing flexibility.

Suggested Half & Full Day Trips

  • Pontresina: Explore Val Roseg or Diavolezza for glacier views.
  • Muottas Muragl: Enjoy stunning panoramic views, especially at sunset.
  • Lej da Staz: A peaceful lake for a quiet walk.
  • Bernina Express to Tirano, Italy: A full day for a scenic train ride and Italian delights. Consider booking this via GetYourGuide day trips.
  • Swiss National Park: A full day for hiking and wildlife near Zernez.
  • Chur: Discover Switzerland's oldest city and its historic old town.

Natural Escapes

The Engadin valley is a natural wonderland. Many chances exist to be in alpine settings.

Parks & Reserves

Switzerland's only national park, the Swiss National Park, near Zernez, preserves untouched nature and wildlife. It presents extensive hiking trails and sightings of ibex, chamois, and marmots.

Natural Areas

  • Swiss National Park (Zernez): Untouched nature, wildlife.
  • Val Roseg: Car-free valley, horse-drawn carriage rides, glacier views.
  • Morteratsch Glacier: Educational trail to glacier tongue.

Scenic & Water Areas

Val Fex, a car-free valley near Sils Maria, a tranquil escape. Lakes Sils and Silvaplana are ideal for watersports and walks. Piz Corvatsch and Furtschellas offer high-alpine views.

Lakes & Mountains

  • Lake Sils & Lake Silvaplana: Watersports and lakeside walks.
  • Piz Corvatsch / Furtschellas: High-alpine hiking, panoramic views.
  • Val Fex: Serene valley for quiet hikes or carriage rides.

Seasonal Phenomena

Autumn Colors

  • Golden Larches: Late September-October.
  • Forests turn brilliant golden yellow.
  • Stunning contrast with blue skies and peaks.
  • Best viewed by hiking or from mountain lifts.

Winter Wonders

  • Frozen Lakes: Lake St. Moritz, Silvaplana, Sils freeze solid.
  • Unique activities: walking, ice skating.
  • Events like White Turf take place directly on the ice.
  • Polo World Cup on Snow also on the frozen lake.

Transportation Coverage

  • Half-Day Trips:Pontresina, Muottas Muragl, Lej da Staz
  • Full-Day Trips:Bernina Express to Tirano, Swiss National Park, Chur
  • Travel via:Rhätische Bahn (train) or Engadin Bus network
  • Pass Benefits:Engadin St. Moritz Mountain Railways and Public Transport Included pass covers local connections
  • Independent Travel:Highly recommended for flexibility
  • Organized Tours:Less common for simple trips, good for guided hikes or full train excursions
  • Verify Coverage:Always check pass coverage before your trip
  • Longer Excursions:Tickets needed for Bernina Express full route or Swiss Travel Pass

Travel Tip:

Consider booking day trips and local experiences through GetYourGuide for a range of options and easy booking.

Cultural Excursions

Discover the rich past and charm of villages beyond St. Moritz. These spots provide a window into the region's unique heritage.

Bergün

A charming village on the Albula Railway line. The Albula Railway Museum shares insights into this impressive railway's history and engineering.

Guarda

One of Switzerland's most beautiful villages, with preserved traditional sgraffito-decorated houses and a true atmosphere. A worthwhile journey for cultural immersion.

Zuoz

Another larger Engadin village with well-preserved historic buildings, a picturesque square, and a pleasant, inviting atmosphere. Offers traditional architecture and local life.

Rural Villages

Many smaller villages like Madulain, La Punt Chamues-ch, or S-chanf, provide glimpses into traditional alpine life, away from St. Moritz's glitter.

Local Life & Craft

  • Wander quiet streets and admire traditional architecture.
  • Local artisan shops sometimes present local crafts.
  • These areas are peaceful and offer authentic village experiences.

Nearby Highlights

These locations offer insights into the region's past and present.

Cultural Spots

  • Engadiner Museum: Local history and culture.
  • Segantini Museum: Dedicated to the artist Giovanni Segantini.
  • Leaning Tower of St. Moritz: A historic landmark.

Multi-Day Extensions

Glacier Express:St. Moritz to Zermatt for the Matterhorn
Ticino:Lugano or Locarno for Italian-speaking culture
Swiss National Park & Lower Engadin:In-depth exploration and traditional villages
Transportation:SBB and RhB trains, Swiss Travel Pass
Grand Tour of Switzerland:Scenic driving route includes St. Moritz
Alpine Crossing by Train:Bernina Express with Glacier Express

Recommendation:

  • The Swiss Travel Pass is very good for multi-day journeys, covering most public transport.
  • Combine the Bernina Express and Glacier Express for an amazing train journey.
  • For tours and experiences, GetYourGuide has various options.

Multi-Day Extensions

Travelers with more time find St. Moritz a great start for longer regional journeys. Extend your stay to take in more of Switzerland's stunning landscapes and cultural diversity.

Glacier Express

Include the full Glacier Express panoramic train journey. Travel from St. Moritz all the way to Zermatt, or vice-versa. Spend a night or two in Zermatt to discover the Matterhorn.

Aspects:

  • Iconic panoramic train journey.
  • Connects St. Moritz with Zermatt.
  • Overnight stays in Zermatt for Matterhorn views.

Ticino Region

Take the Bernina Express from St. Moritz to Tirano, Italy. From there, connect to trains to Lugano or Locarno in the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino. This shows a Mediterranean-alpine contrast.

Ticino Experience:

  • Mediterranean climate and culture.
  • Palm trees and a warmer atmosphere.
  • Spend 1-2 nights exploring.

Swiss National Park & Lower Engadin

Dedicate a full day or two to explore the Swiss National Park (hiking, wildlife observation). Then, stay a night or two in one of the charming Lower Engadin villages, like Guarda or Scuol.

Wilderness & Tradition:

  • Immersive hiking in untouched nature.
  • Experience traditional Engadin culture.
  • Overnight stay in quaint villages.

Logical Next Destinations

From St. Moritz, natural connections lead to several other iconic Swiss regions for further exploration.

Further Adventures:

  • Zermatt: For the iconic Matterhorn.
  • Lugano or Locarno: For Italian-Swiss culture.
  • Lucerne: For central Switzerland lakes and mountains.

Suggested Longer Routes

Grand Tour of Switzerland

St. Moritz a stop on this officially designated scenic driving route, connecting many Swiss highlights.

Alpine Crossing by Train

Combine Bernina Express with Glacier Express for an epic multi-day train journey across the Swiss Alps.

Swiss Travel Pass Value

The Swiss Travel Pass useful for covering public transport costs on these longer, multi-day journeys.

Practical Tip:

Always check current train schedules and ticket requirements, especially for cross-border journeys, to ensure a smooth trip.