Sankt Moritz is not a luxury resort in the beautiful Engadin valley of Switzerland, but the luxury resort of the world. For about 160 years, it has been an amazing place where people gather to experience the finest hotels, restaurants and winter sports anywhere – not to mention the amazing shops and events that take place here. Discover the Attire Club Travel Guide to St. Moritz!
A Sparkling History
Historians have found traces of humans in the region dating back to the Bronze Age. However, the place took its name after Saint Maurice, an early Christian from Egypt who was the leader of the legendary Roman Theban Legion in the 3rd century. Later, many pilgrims used to travel to Saint Mauritius to the church of the springs, where they drank from the blessed, bubbling waters of the Mauritius springs hoping to be healed from illness. In 1519, the Medici pope, Leo X, promised full absolution to anyone making a pilgrimage to the church of the springs. In 1535, the famous alchemist, physician and astrologer Paracelsus spent some time here.
It was only in the 19th century that St. Moritz became a sensation. The modern resort was founded by Caspar Badrutt, who was almost singlehandedly responsible for the origin of several modern winter sporting activities. Through his efforts, St. Moritz became the first modern winter sports resort. The story says that at the end of one season, Caspar challenged some of his English regulars to a bet. The deal was that he would offer them free lodging if they found the place inhospitable and uninteresting during a winter stay. However, if he was able to provide them with a great experience, the guests would have to talk up the experience among their acquaintances for the entirety of the next year. These men were all connected among the aristocracy, not just of Britain, but of other European countries as well. And so, because Badrutt managed to convince them of the exquisiteness of the resort, Sankt Moritz became known as the place to be during the winter.
The Peak of the World
Since then, St. Moritz has become not only synonymous with all things high-end luxury, but also with great fun and events. In 1928 and 1948 it hosted the Winter Olympics and over the years it was also host to over 20 FIBT World Championships, three FIS Alpine World Ski Championships and over 40 Engadin Ski marathons since 1969. It has also been the host of numerous golf, polo and cricket tournaments and the venue for many Sailing and Windsurfing World Championships.
Since the early 1980s, it is promoted as Top of the World. The tourist office of the town registered the tagline as a trademark in 1987.
Speaking of being on the top of the world, in 2011 it was also the host of the unofficial, invitation-only Bilderberg Group conference.
A Dreamy Train Ride
Even though St. Moritz has a secluded location in the heart of the Grisons Alps, it is very accessible and well-connected with the world. There are many ways one can get there. While many people arrive in the resort by car, some arrive on private planes or helicopters, as there is a private airport nearby. Tourists often arrive here by train. The Bernina Express, also known as the Glacier Express travels along a UNESCO World Heritage railway line. The Rhaetian Railway (RhB) takes passengers to the Engadin from the Swiss town of Chur or from the Italian city of Tirano via the Bernina Pass with many stops along the way. The trip is absolutely staggering, with spiral tunnels and breathtaking viaducts – it is for sure one of the most impressive trains ride in the world. Some of these red trains even have a part of the ceiling being transparent, allowing for a better contemplation of the giant mountains, as the trains makes its way deep through the spiraling valleys through the Alps.
Eat Well, Sleep Tight, Chill Out
Sankt Moritz is the home of 5 5-star hotels. This is quite the rarity in the world and stands as proof of the resort’s elegant vibe. The most known places where you can stay are Badrutt’s Palace, the Carlton, the Kulm Hotel and the Kempinski Grand Hotel des Bains. The Bären hotel and the Crystal are also popular destinations.
When it comes to eating, the hotels usually have some rather amazing restaurants, but you can also find other places to eat, whether it is a full lunch or just a snack. Michelin Star restaurants such as Ecco, Da Vittorio or IGNIV are just some of the popular names. If you want to treat yourself to a coffee or a piece of amazing cake, you can make a short visit at the Hanselmann café, which offers some lavish culinary delights, including their famous the caramel-rich, walnut-studded Engadine nut tart.
Shopping in Style
They say you can generally tell who lives in a town by the shops you see on the streets. Well, if that’s true, then some really fancy people come to Sankt Moritz. Walking down the streets, you can all the bigs represented: Hermès, Dolce & Gabbana, Bally, Chopard, Billionaire and more. Not to mention that there is an array of impressive luxury stores that offer lesser-known, exclusive products – at matching prices, of course. Clothes are not the only things you can buy in St. Moritz though. For example, you can also get the newest Maserati if you walk on the Via Maistra.
Elite Culture
From a cultural perspective, there is a lot you can experience as well. In the past, many famous names have stopped by here, from Thomas Mann to Herman Hesse and even Friedrich Nietzsche stopped here. In 1883, he wrote to an acquaintance “Well, my dear old friend, I am once more in the Upper Engadin. This is my third visit to the place and once again I feel that my proper refuge and home is here and nowhere else”. Nietzsche also felt that he could be “almost” happy in the Engadin, and, after his return from his third trip to St. Moritz, he wrote his fundamental world, Thus Spoke Zarathustra.
When it comes to modern art, in 2017 the Neue Zürcher Zeitung wrote that St. Moritz “is gaining increasing attention as a hotspot on the international art scene”. And, indeed, it is quite impressive how much art one can find in such a small town: from galleries and museums to the stunning architecture of the buildings, one really can feel immersed in art upon arriving in St. Moritz.
Authentic Leisure
When you want to take a breath and do something to break from the everyday, St. Moritz has a lot to offer: from its state-of-the-art casino (at 1850 meters above sea level, the Casino St. Moritz is the highest casino in Europe) to a series of spas and health centers and, of course, the skiing slopes which are always in bloom during the winter. Those who want to get the drawing book fantasy can even book a carriage ride drawn by horses.
Many hotels are also open during the summer, when it is quieter than during the winter. Those who want to walk around the lake or take calming trips in the nearby forests and enjoy the greenness of the Alps will find a lot to do in the summer here as well.
A Change of Mind
The deep religious roots of St. Moritz are also visible in the churches you will come across when visiting the town. These complete the overall atmosphere of the resort and allow one to contemplate, pray and think.
And, who knows, maybe Leo X was right and a trip to St. Moritz can wash one’s wrongdoings away. If not in full, it is most likely to make one feel fresh or (completely) changed.
Fraquoh and Franchomme
P.S. We want to hear from you! Have you been to St. Moritz or are you planning to go? Would you prefer going during the winter or the summer? Why? Share your feedback, questions or thoughts in the comments below! For more articles on style, fashion tips and cultural insights, you can subscribe to Attire Club via e-mail or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram!