Lej Marsch

Lej Marsch is a small forest bathing lake above St. Moritz in the Engadine (Graubünden, Switzerland). In Romansh, "lej" means lake. It sits among trees on the slope toward Champfèr and Surlej, which makes it an easy goal for a walk, a bike ride or a quick swim in the alpine summer.

What will you find at Lej Marsch?

A quiet, wind-sheltered pond ringed by forest. There is none of the infrastructure of the big valley lakes, so the place feels like a woodland retreat. Local trail descriptions note that the water is pleasantly warm by Engadine standards, and the shore suits picnics and barbecues. Thanks to the sheltered position, it is comfortable to linger both in the water and on the bank.

How do you get to Lej Marsch?

The shortest approach starts in St. Moritz Bad. Walk behind the Hotel Kempinski to the Olympic ski jump, then follow the path uphill to the lake. Cyclists take the same way through St. Moritz Bad past the jump.

From the lake you can continue on signposted cycle route No. 65 (Inn Cycle Path) toward Sils, which leads to Lake Champfèr.

Other options:

• the short Surlej – Champfèrersee – Crest'Alta loop (about 4.9 km, 1h25), which can be extended to Lej Marsch;
• the longer Sils – Surlej – Lej Marsch – Lej Nair – Lej Zuppò – Sils circuit (about 19.9 km, around 2h50, 559 m of climbing).

When should you visit?

In summer for swimming and picnics. In winter a trail-running route leads from the Olympic ski jump to Lej Marsch and then down to Lej da Champfèr. When conditions allow, it crosses Lake Champfèr with views of Piz Corvatsch and Piz da la Margna. The regional tourism board advises staying off frozen lakes until trails are officially prepared and marked open.

What else is nearby?

• Lej da Champfèr, on the bike route toward Sils.
• Lej Nair and Lej Zuppò, more small lakes on the longer loop from Sils.
• Silvaplanersee, the large valley lake favoured by sailors and windsurfers.
• The Olympic ski jump in St. Moritz, a useful landmark on the approach.

Frequently asked questions

Can you swim in Lej Marsch? Yes. It is used as a forest bathing lake, and the water is warm for the Engadine.

How do you walk there from St. Moritz? From St. Moritz Bad, go behind the Hotel Kempinski to the Olympic ski jump and continue uphill to the lake.

Can you cycle to it? Yes. Bike routes pass the Olympic ski jump, and you can carry on along route No. 65 toward Sils.

Is it safe to walk on the ice in winter? Only on routes that are officially prepared and marked as open. Do not step onto frozen lakes on your own.