Basking in the warmth of the Engadin valley, Lake Staz is a picturesque open-air swimming venue that draws hundreds of swimmers to its shores throughout the summer. Picnic spots abound by the lakeside. That’s because, unlike the area’s larger, cooler lakes like Lake Sils, Silvaplana, Champfèr, and St. Moritz, the relatively shallow Lake Staz can reach 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) or more. In addition to swimming, there are also hiking and biking trails, as well as cross-country skiing trails and an ice skating rink in the winter. The Hotel Restorant Lej da Staz can arrange a horse-drawn carriage ride, which are available in both the summer and winter.
Located between St. Moritz, Celerina, and Pontresina, Lake Staz is found in a wide, open Swiss glade. If arriving by car, park in the nearby Serletta car park (for a fee) and the hotel can pick you up via its shuttle. Shuttle service is also offered from St. Moritz and the train station.
During the summer, travelers recommend visiting in the early morning hours to take in the fog-cloaked lake. If you’re visiting in the winter, you can enjoy cross-country skiing and ice skating. Hiking, biking, and swimming abound in the summer. Because most visitors prefer either the summer or winter months, spring and autumn are the quietest times in St. Moritz, with April offering the lowest hotel rates.
In addition to four big lakes, St. Moritz, Silvaplana, Champfèrer, and Silser, this lake plateau between Maloja and St. Moritz also boasts a number of smaller mountain lakes such as Lake Staz. In the summer, visitors can enjoy lakeside hikes and watch sailboat races, while in the winter, horse races take place on frozen St. Moritz Lake. Because of the steady Maloja wind here, surfing and sailing are popular activities.