St. Moritz

St. Moritz is a high Alpine resort town in the Engadine in Switzerland, at an elevation of about 1,800 metres (5,910 ft) above sea level. It is a municipality in the district of Maloja in the Swiss canton of Graubünden.

History

St. Moritz first became famous for its mineral springs, which were discovered, probably by the Celts, around 3,000 years ago. It was popularised as a spa resort in the 19th century and became a destination for winter sports with the opening of the first skiing facilities in the late 1800s.

Geography

St. Moritz is located in the Upper Engadine and is surrounded by the peaks of the Alps. The town consists of two parts: St. Moritz Dorf (the main part) and St. Moritz Bad (the spa resort part).

Tourism

St. Moritz is a popular destination for the international jet set and is known for its luxurious hotels and high-end shopping. It has hosted the Winter Olympics twice and is often home to world-class events such as the White Turf horse races.

Culture

St. Moritz is home to the Segantini Museum, dedicated to the painter Giovanni Segantini, and the Engadine Museum, which showcases local history and culture. The town also hosts a number of annual events, including the St. Moritz Art Masters and the St. Moritz Gourmet Festival.

Transport

St. Moritz is served by the Rhaetian Railway and has a local bus system. The nearest airport is in Samedan, about 5 km away.

See also

• List of ski areas and resorts in Switzerland
• List of spa towns in Switzerland