Lake St. Moritz

Lake St. Moritz (Lej da San Murezzan, St. Moritzersee) sits right beside the resort town of St. Moritz in the Upper Engadine, canton of Graubünden, Switzerland. It is the north-easternmost and smallest lake of the Engadine lake chain, at roughly 1,770 m above sea level. The town centre rises directly above the shore, so most visitors reach the water on foot.

What kind of lake is it?

The lake is up to about 44 m deep and lies along the valley route that links St. Moritz with the other Upper Engadine lakes. Smaller waters such as Champfèrersee lie nearby, while the larger Silvaplanersee is further up the valley.

How do you get there?

From St. Moritz railway station (Rhaetian Railway) it is a walk of a quarter of an hour or so down to the shore. Drivers can leave the car in the town's car parks and continue on foot, and local buses run in season.

What can you do here in summer?

A gentle path loops around the water. Official tourism pages give about 5 km and one hour on foot, while some guides quote around 4.3 km. It is nearly flat, which suits families, runners and relaxed strollers.

The lake is also a wind-sports spot. The Maloja wind draws sailors, kitesurfers and stand-up paddlers. A sailing school operates here, and the St. Moritz Sailing Club rents sailing boats, rowing boats and SUP boards. The lake is not supervised and all activities are at your own risk, so take care when the wind picks up.

What happens on the lake in winter?

The surface normally freezes from December and stays icy into spring; Wikipedia lists the frozen period as December to May. The ice becomes an event arena: the White Turf horse races have run here since 1907, and polo is played on the frozen surface. Walking out onto the ice is one of the resort's most distinctive winter experiences.

When should you visit?

• Summer (June-September): walking, sailing, SUP, kitesurfing.
• Winter (January-February): events on the ice, including White Turf, usually in February.
• Spring and autumn: fewer crowds, though some lakeside services may be closed.

Frequently asked questions

Can you walk all the way around the lake?

Yes. The path is roughly 4.3-5 km and takes about an hour at an easy pace.

How deep is Lake St. Moritz?

Maximum depth is about 44 m.

Can you rent a boat?

Yes. The St. Moritz Sailing Club rents sailing boats, rowing boats and SUP boards, and the local wind makes it a good place to sail.

Does the lake freeze?

Yes, usually from December into spring. White Turf horse racing and polo are held on the ice.