St. Moritz
Graubünden
St. Moritz is a prestigious high Alpine resort town located in the Engadine valley of Switzerland at approximately 1,800 meters above sea level. It is the principal town of the Upper Engadine region in the canton of Graubünden. The town is nestled on the southern slopes of the Albula Alps beneath the Piz Nair peak, overlooking the expansive glaciated Upper Engadine valley and the picturesque Lake St. Moritz. Renowned as a pioneer in winter tourism, St. Moritz's modern winter resort history began in 1864 when hotelier Caspar Badrutt invited British summer guests to return in winter, marking the birth of Alpine winter tourism. The town boasts a rich sporting legacy, having hosted the Winter Olympics twice (1928 and 1948), numerous World Championships in bobsleigh, alpine skiing, and other winter sports. Architecturally, St. Moritz blends traditional Alpine charm with modern luxury, including historic hotels like the Kulm Hotel, which introduced the first electric light in Switzerland. The town also offers cultural attractions such as museums and galleries showcasing local art. Its unique combination of natural beauty, sporting heritage, and upscale amenities makes St. Moritz a coveted destination year-round, known as the "Top of the World."
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Tip: The best time to visit St. Moritz for winter sports is between December and March, when snow conditions are optimal. For summer visits, late June to September offers pleasant temperatures for hiking and lake activities. It is advisable to book accommodations and event tickets in advance, especially during major sporting events or festivals. Visitors can benefit from various tourist discounts and should check the official St. Moritz website for current offers and seasonal activities. Exploring the frozen lake during winter events like snow polo or ice bathing can provide unique experiences.
Zajímavosti
- •St. Moritz hosted the Winter Olympics twice, in 1928 and 1948, and the stadium from 1928 still stands today.
- •It was the site of the first electric light installation in Switzerland at the Kulm Hotel in 1878.
- •St. Moritz hosted the first European Ice-Skating Championships in 1882 and the first ski school in Switzerland in 1929.
- •Unique winter events such as snow polo tournaments and Cricket on Ice have been held on the frozen lake.
- •The expression 'Top of the World' is a registered trademark of the St. Moritz tourist office since 1987.
Historie
St.
Moritz's history dates back to the Bronze Age, evidenced by archaeological finds such as votive offerings and weapons near its springs.
First mentioned around 1137–1139 as 'ad sanctum Mauricium,' the village was named after Saint Maurice, an early Christian martyr.
The healing springs attracted pilgrims since the Middle Ages, and in 1519, Pope Leo X granted full absolution to pilgrims visiting the springs.
The modern era of tourism began in 1864 when Caspar Badrutt initiated winter tourism with a wager that brought British visitors back in winter.
Since then, St.
Moritz rapidly developed, pioneering innovations like Switzerland's first electric light and hosting significant sporting events including two Winter Olympics and numerous World Championships.
Průvodce po místě
Piz Nair and Corviglia Ski Area
The Piz Nair mountain, standing at 3,056 meters, is the local peak above St. Moritz and hosts the extensive Corviglia ski resort, offering 23 ski lifts and a variety of winter sports opportunities.
Lake St. Moritz
A scenic lake at the heart of the town, Lake St. Moritz is a focal point for summer activities like sailing and windsurfing, and in winter it freezes over to host unique events such as snow polo and ice cricket.
Kulm Hotel1856
One of the oldest and most iconic hotels in St. Moritz, the Kulm Hotel was the first in Switzerland to install electric lighting in 1878 and played a key role in establishing St. Moritz as a luxury resort.
Olympic Stadium1928
Built for the 1928 Winter Olympics, this stadium remains a historic monument in St. Moritz, symbolizing the town's long-standing connection to winter sports and international competitions.