Nestled in the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland, Grindelwald is a charming mountain village surrounded by dramatic peaks, lush valleys, and pristine alpine beauty. Known as the “Glacier Village,” Grindelwald is a hub for outdoor adventures, making it a year-round destination for hikers, skiers, and nature enthusiasts.
Overview of St. Moritz:
St. Moritz is a shining gem that has been attracting the world’s elite for over 150 years. This luxury mountain resort town is located at an elevation of 1,800 meters in the Engadin Valley, surrounded by lakes and mountains. What many don’t know is that St. Moritz actually pioneered winter tourism back in 1864 when hotelier Johannes Badrutt made a bold bet with his British summer guests – he promised them sunny winter days and refunded their stay if they didn’t enjoy it. The guests stayed from Christmas until Easter, and winter tourism was born!
The town has since hosted two Winter Olympics (1928 and 1948) and continues to be a playground for celebrities, royalty, and adventure lovers. Beyond its glamorous reputation, St. Moritz also offers world-class skiing to natural springs that have been used since the Bronze Age. Today, it’s one of the most sought-after destinations in Switzerland Tour Packages, combining luxury shopping and outdoor adventures in a setting that gets 300 days of sunshine yearly, making it truly special.
What are the Key Highlights of St. Moritz:
- Lake St. Moritz Magic: Watch horse racing on the frozen lake in winter, or enjoy paddleboarding and sailing in summer – this lake transforms with seasons to offer unique experiences.
- Glacier Express Journey: Hop aboard this iconic red train for what’s called the slowest express ride through the Alps, with beautiful mountain views.
- Olympic Bob Run: Feel your heart race as you experience the world’s oldest and only natural ice bob run, reaching speeds of up to 130 km/h.
- Segantini Museum: Discover the largest collection of works by Giovanni Segantini, housed in a stunning dome-shaped building with panoramic mountain views.
- Luxury Shopping: Walk down Via Serlas, nicknamed the mini Fifth Avenue, packed with high-end boutiques like Gucci, Cartier, and Louis Vuitton.
- Muottas Muragl: Take a funicular ride for the best sunset views over the Engadin Valley and enjoy dinner at the mountain restaurant.
Best Time to Visit St. Moritz:
Visit from December to March for perfect skiing conditions and winter sports. For summer activities and hiking, July to September offers pleasant weather with temperatures around 20°C. The shoulder seasons (October-November and April-May) are quieter but some attractions might be closed.
Travel Tips / Essential Information for St. Moritz:
- How to Reach: Fly to Zurich International Airport and take a scenic 3.5-hour train ride to St. Moritz. Direct trains run regularly from Zurich Main Station (INR 15,000-20,000 round trip).
- Accommodation Costs: Hotels range from INR 15,000 to INR 100,000 per night, with luxury options going higher.
- Local Transport: Free bus service with your hotel guest card. Cable cars and funiculars need separate tickets (INR 1,000-2,000 per ride).
- Keep Cash: Keep cash handy – while cards are accepted widely, some mountain restaurants prefer cash.
- Language Tips: English is widely spoken, but learning basic German phrases helps.
- Weather: Pack layers even in summer – mountain weather can change quickly.
- Safety First: Get travel insurance that covers winter sports if planning adventure activities.
Also Read: Places to Visit in Switzerland
Must Read: Things to do in Switzerland
