Muottas Muragl offers some of the best hikes which are surprisingly easy and let me tell you… Those views are incredible!
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While I’m not usually a fan of funiculars, preferring to hike up instead, I make an exception for the ones in Switzerland. There are so many awe-inspiring day hikes, that your time is better spent taking in the breathtaking views over the Engadine Valley, instead of hiking in trees.
The Muottas Muragl funicular saves you a steep hike to get to the real panoramic views! Plus, it’s a fun ride up the distant mountain summits!
The Top of Muottas Muragl
Even if you’re not a hiker, the alpine view from here is spectacular! But let’s assume that you’re here to hike. The map near the restaurant shows you that you have a lot of choices. The one that I did was to the Lej Muragl, on trail #5 (see map below).
You can either walk back the same way or do a loop as I did. It takes just under 3 hours and is 7km roundtrip with ~several hundred meters of elevation. It’s a relatively easy hike, with most of the elevation gain at the beginning of the hike on a steady, but never too steep incline to the snowy peaks.
I’ve also heard that the Panorama Trail is beautiful, which I can believe, but I haven’t done it. If you choose to do it, it’s 6.4 km long and takes approximately 2 hours. Either way, you won’t be disappointed with the breathtaking mountain landscapes.
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Hiking The Trails At Muottas Muragl
Even if you’re not a hiker, the views from here are spectacular! But let’s assume that you’re here to hike. The map near the restaurant shows you that you have a lot of choices. The one that I did was to the Lej Muragl, on trail #5 (see map below).
You can either walk back the same way or do a loop as I did. It takes just under 3 hours and is 7km roundtrip with ~several hundred meters of elevation. It’s a relatively easy hike, with most of the elevation gained at the beginning of the hike on a steady, but never to steep incline.
I’ve also heard that the Panorama Trail is beautiful, which I can believe, but I haven’t done it. If you choose to do it, it’s 6.4 km long and takes approximately 2 hours.
Related Reading: The Haute Route: Hiking Tour
Just past the sign, you’ll see Il Guot (The Drop). It’s a piece by Timo Linder to mark the centenary of the Muottas Muragl funicular. The mountain railways symbolize water in all its various forms from rain to ice to snow. I got that it was a drop at first glance, but admit to not getting the deeper meaning until I read the sign.
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After Il Guot, you’ll take the actual trail that forks right. It’s well-signed and will indicate Lej Muragl, your lake which is the destination for this hike.
It’s not uncommon to see cows when hiking in the Alps, but this is the first time I’ve seen horses this high up. Maybe they took the funicular? At any rate, they had no interest in hikers!
Across the valley, you’ll see the scree – what’s left of the areas recent glaciers. We all know about global warming and retreating glaciers, but there’s nothing quite like seeing it with your own eyes, so please do your part – end of lecture 🙂
The End Of The Lej Muragl Trail
You know you’ve reached Lej Muragl when this glacier-fed, crystal-clear mountain lake greets you! It makes for a great lunch spot. I was there on a weekend in August at 2:00, and there were ~10 other people there. Not bad, considering I was there during peak season. It was easy enough to find a quiet space and relax in solitude.
When you’re ready to hit the wild trail and explore the beauty of nature again, walk along the lakeshore and you’ll see a sign leading through the valley. This was my favorite part of the trail – incredible views over Engadin St. Moritz!
Related Reading: 20 Best Hikes in Europe for Breathtaking Views
Where to Stay in St. Moritz
I stayed at the incredibly luxurious Kempinski Grand Hotel des Bains in St. Moritz. This was the closest I’ve ever felt to feeling like a princess. I highly recommend the Deluxe Junior Suite, which comes complete with a large sitting room and a walk-in closet! I enjoyed my stay so much that I included it on my list of 10 of the Most Romantic Hotels in Europe! St. Moritz is always a great choice for summer holidays in my book!
Where to Eat in St. Moritz
I had both of my 2 dinners in St. Moritz (I grabbed a quick lunch at a restaurant on top of another funicular railway) at the Kempinski, their delightful food made me want to take some to the hike!
Trust me, once you’re here, you’re not going to want to leave! The enchanting sunset kept luring me to stay just one more night, then one more day to explore beautiful hikes and see panorama views.
Given their 4 restaurants and bar, there are plenty of options for a weekend getaway! For a cozy and romantic evening, I can’t recommend the Restaurant Enoteca in the Kempinski St. Moritz enough. It serves regional Engadin and Mediterranean cuisine. It’s one of the best meals I’ve ever had, in an elegant low-lit setting.
Salad at Restaurant Enoteca
Be sure to check out these other great places to visit in Switzerland!
So that was my relaxing day of hiking in Muottas Muragl. I loved every minute of it. Have you ever hiked in this part of Switzerland?
Note: Thank you to Kempinski Kempinski Grand Hotel des Bains for making my stay possible. As always, all opinions expressed are my own.
