St. Moritz and the Engadin
High lakes, clear light and three great mountain passes.
What makes it distinctive
The Upper Engadin is a high valley of lakes and larch forests, famous for its light. It is reached over some of the Alps' finest mountain roads, or by the Rhaetian Railway, whose Albula and Bernina lines are UNESCO-listed.
See the complete escape- Best months
- January, February, March, June, July, August, September
- Seasons
- Many hotels close between seasons, roughly April to June and October to November. Some high passes close in winter.
- Arrive
- Zurich (ZRH) or Milan Malpensa (MXP). From Zurich, allow roughly three hours by road to St. Moritz. The Rhaetian Railway is a scenic alternative, and Engadin Airport at Samedan serves private aviation.
- Getting around
- Outstanding in summer and early autumn. In winter, drive only open passes on proper winter tyres and allow for conditions.
- Ideal stay
- 4–6 nights
Badrutt's Palace Hotel
St. Moritz
The landmark palace hotel above Lake St. Moritz, a base for winter sport and summer drives alike. It is seasonal, so check opening dates.
This recommendation is based on research, not a visit. Confirm current details, rates and seasonal opening with the property.
Three days in St. Moritz and the Engadin
Longer stays add more days in the Planner.
Over the Julier
Drive in over the Julier Pass to arrive in the afternoon light, with a lakeside walk before dinner.
The high lakes
Walk the lakes of Silvaplana and Sils in the morning, visit the Nietzsche-Haus in Sils Maria, then spend a long afternoon at the spa.
Over the Bernina
Drive the Bernina Pass toward Poschiavo for lunch, or take the Bernina line and let someone else do the driving.