This easy walk circles the large lake right in front of St Moritz and a second smaller lake, Lej da Staz or Stazersee, nestled in the forest. It’s a wide paved and gravel path, suitable for all abilities and possible with a stroller.
Nice any time of year, but especially in October when the golden larch trees turn bright yellow. We also suggest this as a sunrise or sunset stroll for a special moment.
| Region: | Engadin St Moritz, southeast Switzerland |
| Starting point: | St Moritz city |
| By car: | Parking: Via Dimlej, St Moritz (46°29’51.1″N 9°50’53.5″E) From Zürich 1hr50 |
| By train: | Train station: St Moritz From Zürich 2hr40 |
| Trail: | 5 km (longer option below) |
| Time: | 90 mins |
| Difficulty: | easy • 60 m up/down |
| Condition: | wide paved and gravel path, strollers ok |
| Elevation: | highest point 1850 m |
| Open: | year round |
| Prices: | free |
| Extras: | restaurants, swimming, picnic area |
| More info: | engadin.ch • webcam • forecast |
Trail map
A: Direct to Lake Staz
The short version of this hike starts at the St Moritz train station and hikes directly out to Lake Staz. It takes about 90 mins walking time round trip. It’s a wide gravel path, suitable for strollers and easy walking.
View trail map on Komoot
B: Two lake loop
If you have more time, I suggest a longer loop around both lakes. It takes about 2h30. You can start at the St Moritz train station or parking area on the west side of the lake.
View interactive map, print map, download GPX on Komoot • SchweizMobil • OutdoorActive
How to get there
This lake walk is located in St Moritz, a city in southeast Switzerland.
By car:
You cannot drive directly to Lake Staz. Instead park along Lake St Moritz, like the small metered parking lot on Via Dimlej near the St Moritz bus terminal (46°29’51.1″N 9°50’53.5″E). This lot is the closest you can park to Lake Staz. There is more metered parking in St Moritz-on Via Sela on the south side of the lake (46°29’19.5″N 9°50’19.3″E).
By public transport:
Take a train or bus the main St Moritz train station. The lake is directly across from the train station.
Planning your day
Best time to go
You can do this walk any time of year, even in winter. We suggest visiting in mid October to enjoy the golden larch trees, which turn bright yellow.
If you can get up early, we highly recommend visiting Lake Staz at sunrise. You won’t be alone as this is a popular spot for photographers. Sunset is also a great time to visit, watching the light fade over the mountains.
Where to eat
There are a few restaurants along the lake. At Lake Staz, you’ll find the Lej de Staz Hotel Restaurant (see on map). Near St Moritz, there is Pier 34 next to the lakeside path, where you can also rent SUP and boats (see on map). For a more luxurious environment, try Waldhaus-am-see, which has a beautiful dining area with big panorama windows overlooking the lake (see on map).
At Lake Staz, there is a picnic area with fire pits and wood (see on map). If you need picnic supplies, there is a Coop grocery near the lake at Via dal Bagn 18, 7500 St. Moritz.
Photo story of trail
Starting the trail
We parked on the south side of the lake in St Moritz-Bad and walked clockwise around the lakes.
Lovely reflections in late afternoon mid October.
Passing by Waldhaus-am-See hotel where we stayed once, very nice!
Looking back at St Moritz from the far side of Lake Moritz.
To get to Lake Staz, follow the path uphill away from Lake Moritz, following signs to “Lej da Staz”.
If you don’t want to walk up to Lake Staz, follow signs to St. Moritz-Bad, which continues the loop along the water.
Walking around Lake Staz
After about 10 mins in the forest, you’ll reach Lake Staz shown here.
The similar view in mid October.
Keep following the path around the lake, towards the restaurant in the distance.
Here is the Lej da Staz restaurant. You can swim from the dock that I’m standing on to take this pic.
Picnic area near the restaurant with fire pit.
View from picnic area.
Same view in October.
Continue looping around Lake Staz, now following signs to
Completing loop around Lake Moritz
As you walk back to Lake Moritz, you’ll get this view. This pic was taken in mid October, about 17:00 in the evening.
Now continue follow the path around Lake Moritz until you get back to your car or bus stop.
FAQ
What to wear
This is an easy walk that can be done with any comfortable walking shoe. Dress appropriate to the weather forecast, bringing layers like a fleece and windbreaker/rain jacket as needed. On hot days, it’s fine to wear shorts as the trail is wide enough that grasses will not brush against your legs.
What to bring
I would bring water but you don’t necessarily need to bring food or drink as there are restaurants along the way for refreshments.
Can you swim in the lakes?
You can swim in both lakes, which can get up to 20C in summer. But please mind the signs that indicate where swimming is allowed. On Lake Moritz, you can also rent SUP, paddle boats and other watercraft. More info.
Where to stay in St Moritz?
We have enjoyed Waldhaus am See, which is directly on Lake Moritz, which made it very easy to view sunrise and sunset at the lake. We suggest selecting a hotel that participates in the Mountain Railways Inclusive offer, that includes mountain railways (and sometimes public transportation) in the region.
Can you walk this trail in winter?
Yes, this trail is maintained as a winter walking trail that does not require snowshoes. Learn more.
