After savoring all the things to do in St. Moritz, from gliding down its world-class ski slopes to basking in the luxury of its high-end boutiques and spas, day trips from St. Moritz invite you to discover more of Switzerland’s enchanting landscapes and cultural gems. These excursions offer a glimpse into the pristine natural beauty and rich history that lie just beyond this glamorous resort town.
Venturing from St. Moritz, the allure of Switzerland unfolds with a diverse array of things to do, including hiking through the breathtaking Engadin Valley, exploring the historic streets of Chur, or marveling at the Bernina Express’s panoramic views. Each journey from St. Moritz is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the unparalleled beauty and cultural depth of the Swiss Alps.
Selecting where to stay in St. Moritz not only positions you perfectly to enjoy the town’s renowned amenities and recreational activities but also makes embarking on these memorable day trips convenient. The right accommodation ensures a luxurious retreat after a day of adventure, offering both comfort and access to the best of St. Moritz and its surroundings.
Discover Best Day Trips from St. Moritz, Switzerland
1. Bernina Express to Tirano, Switzerland
The Bernina Express offers a scenic train journey from St. Moritz to Tirano, Italy, crossing the majestic Swiss Alps. The route showcases breathtaking landscapes, including glaciers, mountains, and viaducts.
Distance: Approximately 61 km
Travel Time: The train ride takes approximately 2.5 hours one way
Transportation: Train
Main Attractions: Panoramic views of the Swiss Alps, glaciers, and viaducts
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Bernina Express: $70-$100 (depending on the class and season)
Budget: Approximately $80-$150 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Landwasser Viaduct, Alp Grüm, Ospizio Bernina
Travel Tip: Book your tickets in advance and try to get a seat on the panoramic carriages for the best views.
2. Lake Como, Italy
Lake Como, known for its deep-blue waters and lush green mountains, is a popular destination in Italy. The area is dotted with picturesque towns like Bellagio, Varenna, and Como, each offering unique charm and beauty.
Distance: Approximately 120 km
Travel Time: About 3 hours by car or train
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com), Train
Main Attractions: Picturesque towns like Bellagio, Varenna, and Como, boat tours
Best Time to Visit: Spring to Autumn
Entrance Fees:
- Boat Tour: $15-$25
- Villa Carlotta: $12
Budget: Approximately $60-$120 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Bellagio waterfront, Villa Carlotta gardens, Varenna hillside
Travel Tip: Consider a boat tour to fully appreciate the beauty of the lake and its surrounding villas and gardens.
3. Davos, Switzerland
Davos, another renowned Swiss resort town, offers a range of activities from skiing and snowboarding in winter to hiking and mountain biking in summer. It’s also known for hosting the annual World Economic Forum.
Distance: Approximately 70 km
Travel Time: Around 2 hours by car or train
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com), Train
Main Attractions: Skiing, hiking, Kirchner Museum
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Kirchner Museum: $15
- Ski Pass (Winter): $60-$80 per day
Budget: Approximately $50-$100 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Parsenn Mountain, Lake Davos, Schatzalp
Travel Tip: Visit the Kirchner Museum to explore the works of the Expressionist painter Ernst Ludwig Kirchner.
4. Lugano, Switzerland
Lugano, in southern Switzerland’s Italian-speaking Ticino region, blends Swiss culture with Italian flair. It offers Mediterranean-style squares, grand buildings, and the beautiful Lake Lugano.
Distance: Approximately 180 km
Travel Time: About 3 hours by car or train
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com), Train
Main Attractions: Lake Lugano, Parco Ciani, MASI Museum
Best Time to Visit: Spring to Autumn
Entrance Fees:
- MASI Museum: $10
- Boat Tour: $20-$30
Budget: Approximately $70-$130 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Monte Brè, Parco Ciani, Lake Lugano promenade
Travel Tip: Spend time exploring Parco Civico, a beautiful park on the shores of Lake Lugano, and visit the Museo d’Arte della Svizzera Italiana (MASI).
5. Zurich, Switzerland
Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city, offers a mix of cultural and historical sites, including the Old Town (Altstadt), Bahnhofstrasse for shopping, and numerous museums and art galleries.
Distance: Approximately 200 km
Travel Time: About 3 hours by car or train
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com), Train
Main Attractions: Old Town (Altstadt), Bahnhofstrasse, museums
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Kunsthaus Zurich (Art Museum): $18
- Swiss National Museum: $10
Budget: Approximately $80-$150 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Lake Zurich, Uetliberg Mountain, Lindenhof
Travel Tip: Explore the vibrant area of Niederdorf in Zurich’s old town for its cafes, boutiques, and galleries.
6. Chur, Switzerland
Chur, the oldest city in Switzerland, presents a charming old town with narrow streets, historic buildings, and a variety of shops and restaurants. It’s also a gateway to the Swiss Alps with numerous hiking and skiing opportunities.
Distance: Approximately 70 km
Travel Time: About 1.5 hours by train
Transportation: Train
Main Attractions: Old Town, Chur Cathedral, Rätisches Museum
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Chur Cathedral: Free (Donations welcome)
- Rätisches Museum: $8
Budget: Approximately $40-$70 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Old Town streets, Chur Cathedral, Rhine Gorge
Travel Tip: Visit the Chur Cathedral and the Rätisches Museum to learn about the region’s history and culture.
7. Livigno, Italy
Livigno, a small Italian town near the Swiss border, is known for its ski slopes, snow parks, and duty-free shopping. In summer, it’s popular for mountain biking and hiking.
Distance: Approximately 40 km
Travel Time: About 1.5 hours by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Ski slopes, snow parks, duty-free shopping
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Ski Pass: $40-$70 per day
- Shopping: Varies (duty-free prices)
Budget: Approximately $50-$100 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Livigno Valley, Carosello 3000, Mottolino Fun Mountain
Travel Tip: Take advantage of the duty-free shopping, and if you’re visiting in winter, try the unique experience of night skiing.
8. Engadin Valley, Switzerland
The Engadin Valley, with its beautiful landscapes, offers outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and skiing. Picturesque towns like Samedan and Scuol are worth visiting for their traditional charm and thermal baths.
Distance: Approximately 20-50 km (depending on the destination)
Travel Time: Within 1 hour by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Hiking, skiing, traditional villages
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Engadin Bad Scuol (Thermal Baths): $30
- Ski Pass: $50-$70 per day
Budget: Approximately $40-$100 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Samedan, Scuol, Lake Sils
Travel Tip: Don’t miss the opportunity to relax in the mineral-rich waters of the Engadin Bad Scuol thermal baths.
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Sources:
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