St. Moritz (Summer)

Although it's famous as a jet-set ski resort, this lovely lakeside town is just as beautiful in summer. The surrounding mountains are spectacular even by Swiss standards, and offer endless opportunities for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. The lakes of Sils and Silvaplana have world-class windsurfing action. It's a glitzy town, with furs and diamonds on display in the exclusive shops, and gourmet dining at the luxury hotels. Swiss German and Rhaeto-Romansch are the local languages, but you’ll also hear Italian, English and, increasingly, Russian. Nearby, the resorts of Samedan and Pontresina offer yet more summer fun, and the ...

Although it's famous as a jet-set ski resort, this lovely lakeside town is just as beautiful in summer. The surrounding mountains are spectacular even by Swiss standards, and offer endless opportunities for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. The lakes of Sils and Silvaplana have world-class windsurfing action. It's a glitzy town, with furs and diamonds on display in the exclusive shops, and gourmet dining at the luxury hotels. Swiss German and Rhaeto-Romansch are the local languages, but you’ll also hear Italian, English and, increasingly, Russian. Nearby, the resorts of Samedan and Pontresina offer yet more summer fun, and the Swiss National Park is an easy day trip. From St. Moritz, you can take two of the world’s most famous train rides. The Bernina Express is a spectacular trip over the high passes and down into Italy. The Glacier Express is an equally lofty excursion to Zermatt in the canton Wallis. The Segantini Museum is worth a visit if the weather is bad.

About the Expert

Charlie Morris is the author of the Open Road guidebooks Best of Honduras, Best of Costa Rica, Best of Belize, and Switzerland Guide.