A Summer Stroll through St Moritz in Switzerland, St Moritz, Switzerland

St Moritz in the Swiss Alps may be considered a glitzy, glamorous place to stay but its special quality is its unique accessibility to all.

St Moritz achieved worldwide fame as a haven for winter sports during the latter part of the nineteenth century. But 3,000 years before that it had already become well known as a spa following the discovery of mineral springs. Surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of the Grison Alps and the blue lakes of the Upper Engadine Valley this pretty Swiss town has much to offer its visitors during the summer months. Its legally protected emblem, the sun, reflects a reputation for plenty of sunny days. Since 1930 this simple emblem has been associated with the town and appears everywhere – even on the froth of my coffee.

The architecture of the town is a fascinating mix of epochs and eras and little has changed since the Swiss architect Nicolaus Hartmann left his distinctive mark on the town. In 1903 Hartmann inherited the independent construction and engineering company established by his father (same name) in St Moritz. Hartmann’s works and designs are still very much a part of St Moritz, a testimony to the company’s ‘built to last’ philosophy. Hartmann was responsible for the town’s Rhaetian Railway station. The latter is the hub for two famous alpine train journeys – the Glacier Express and the Bernina Express line, a UNESCO route. The façade of the railway station is mirrored in that of the Grace La Margna Hotel that overlooks it. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).