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Lake · St. Moritz, Grisões
St. Moritzersee
A lake about 1.6 km long, at 1,768 m, between St. Moritz Dorf and St. Moritz Bad, with a path around it. Frozen in winter, it hosts the White Turf horse races and snow polo.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About St. Moritzersee
The St. Moritzersee, Lej da San Murezzan in Romansh, occupies the valley floor between St. Moritz Dorf and St. Moritz Bad, at 1,768 m. It is about 1.6 km long and 600 m wide, and the Inn river crosses it on its way to Celerina.
A flat path circles the lake and passes the station, the hotels of Bad and the forest edge. On the east side, a trail climbs through the woods to the Lej da Staz, a small pine‑surrounded lake popular for swimming in summer.
In winter the lake freezes and becomes a stage for events. The White Turf, horse races on the snow held since 1907, usually takes place on February weekends, with flat racing, trotting and skikjöring, in which the horse runs without a rider and pulls a skier — a discipline born there. Snow polo usually takes place in January or early February.
Events depend on ice thickness and may change date or be canceled. Anyone planning a trip around them should check the year's calendar.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1 h 30 min for the walk around; half a day including the Lej da Staz.
Best time
In the European summer, from June to September, to walk around and see the mountains reflected in the water. In winter, from January to March, the lake is usually frozen and snow‑covered, and the White Turf races typically take place in February.
How to get there
St. Moritz station is on the north shore of the lake. From Dorf you can walk down in a few minutes; from Bad, the lakeside path starts near the hotels.
Tip
For the White Turf, book accommodation in advance and bring clothing for standing for hours in the cold. Do not walk on the ice outside the areas cleared by the organizers.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about St. Moritzersee
How long does it take to walk around Lake St. Moritz?
About 1 h 30 min on foot, along a flat path by the shore.
When does the White Turf take place?
It usually takes place on weekends in February, on the frozen lake. Its running depends on the ice: check the year's calendar.
Can you swim in Lake St. Moritz?
The water is cold. For swimming, the most popular spot in summer is the Lej da Staz, a smaller lake to the east, linked by a trail.
What is skikjöring?
A race in which a horse, without a rider, pulls a skier. The discipline was born on Lake St. Moritz and is part of the White Turf.