2-Day Budget Backpacking Guide to St Moritz
St Moritz is legendary for its glitz, fur coats, and private jets, but beneath the surface lies a playground for nature lovers that doesn't have to break the bank. By focusing on the stunning natural landscape of the Engadin Valley and utilizing local infrastructure, you can experience the high life on a backpacker's budget. This guide focuses on the 'St. Moritz Bad' area, which offers more affordable lodging and dining options than the upscale 'Dorf' center.
To survive on USD 55.00 a day here, your best friends will be the local supermarkets and the free activities provided by the surrounding mountains. If you stay at least two nights in many local hostels during the summer, you'll often receive the Engadin Card, which grants free access to mountain railways and cable cars—the ultimate budget hack for high-altitude views.
Day 1: St. Moritz, Switzerland - Alpine Lakes and Village Charms
St. Moritz Lake Loop
Start your trip with a brisk 5-kilometer walk around Lake St. Moritz. This flat, paved path offers the iconic postcard views of the town reflecting in the deep blue water. It is completely free and the best way to get your bearings.
Picnic at the Lakefront
Dining out in St Moritz is expensive. Head to the Coop Supermarket in St. Moritz Bad to grab a fresh 'Wähe' (Swiss tart) or a pre-made salad and enjoy it on a lakeside bench. This is the authentic budget traveler way to eat with a million-dollar view.
The Leaning Tower and Chesa Futura
Walk up into St. Moritz Dorf to see the 12th-century Leaning Tower, a remnant of the old St. Mauritius Church. Nearby, marvel at the Chesa Futura, a futuristic wooden apartment building designed by Norman Foster that blends modern tech with traditional shingles.
Evening Walk in St. Moritz Dorf
Window shop along the Via Serlas, the world's highest shopping street. While the Chanel and Gucci prices are sky-high, the atmosphere is free. End your evening at a local bakery for a slice of Engadine Nut Tart (Nusstorte).
Day 2: St. Moritz, Switzerland - High Altitude Hikes and Cultural Gems
Hike to Lej da Staz
Take the forest trail from St. Moritz Bad to Lej da Staz (Lake Staz). This is a popular spot for locals to swim in the summer. The trail is easy, takes about 45 minutes, and winds through beautiful ancient larch forests.
Heidi's Hut (Heidihütte)
Visit the original hut used in the filming of the 1952 Heidi movie. Located above St. Moritz, it’s a steep but rewarding walk that offers a glimpse into the traditional alpine life without the cost of a museum entry fee.
Berry Museum (Exterior and Garden)
Located in the heart of the village in the 100-year-old Villa Arona, this museum is dedicated to the painter Peter Robert Berry. While entry costs money, the architecture and the surrounding gardens are free to appreciate and offer great photo ops.
Socializing at the Hostel Bar
End your trip by meeting fellow backpackers. The St. Moritz Youth Hostel has a vibrant common area and bar where drinks are significantly cheaper than the hotel bars in the center. It’s the hub of budget life in the Engadin.
Best Time & Weather
For budget travelers, the shoulder seasons (June and September) are ideal. The weather is crisp and clear, perfect for hiking, and accommodation prices drop significantly compared to the peak winter ski season. July and August offer the best swimming weather for the lakes but bring higher crowds. Winter (December to March) is beautiful but extremely expensive and difficult to navigate on an ultra-lean budget.
Currency & Money
Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc (CHF). While credit cards are accepted almost everywhere, including at the smallest kiosks, it's helpful to have a small amount of cash for mountain huts. Tipping is not mandatory as a service charge is included in your bill, but rounding up to the nearest Franc is a common way to show appreciation for good service.
Getting Around
The best way to get around St Moritz is on foot; the town is compact and divided into St. Moritz Dorf (the heights) and St. Moritz Bad (the lake level). There is a reliable bus system that connects the two. Most importantly, if you stay two nights or more in the summer, check if your accommodation provides the 'Engadin Card' which gives you free access to all public transport and mountain cable cars in the region.
