Lai da Palpuogna is a pristine lake nestled in the mountains of Bergün in southeast Switzerland. It was voted the most beautiful lake in Switzerland (though it has a lot of competition for that).

You can drive directly to the lake, so it's a nice outing for non-hikers and families with small children.

It's particularly beautiful gorgeous in the second half of October when the larch trees turn golden yellow.

For photos, I slightly prefer the side of the lake opposite of the road, but it depends on what time of day you are there.

How to get there

See location on map.

This lake is just off the road that goes over the Albula pass, a nice stop if you driving between Zürich/Chur and St Moritz. If you are staying in the Bergün area, it would be a nice day trip.

The spot is not well marked and only a few parking spots along the road. So have your map open so you know when to slow down and look for a place to park.

By public transport, you can take a train to Preda. Then a about a 20 min hike up to the lake.

What to do

From the road, it only takes a couple minutes walking to reach the water. It's a popular place for photographers, who you'll see in the early morning and golden afternoon with their tripods.

If you have time, we suggest the easy walk all around the lake, about 40 mins. There are benches around the lake and a few picnic areas with fire pits.

• Get a trail map and more tips on SwissFamilyFun.com

Experience the beauty of St Moritz on this easy walk around the lakes right next to town.

Trail: easy • 90 mins • 5km • 70m up and down • see trail map

Starting at the St Moritz train station, cross the street to the lakeshore. Then follow the wide dirt path along the left side of the lake, following signs to Lej da Staz. When you reach the second lake, you can walk around it. Then follow signs back to the St Moritz train station.

For a longer walk, you can loop around both lakes, which takes about 2h30. See trail map.

➡️ Learn more on SwissFamilyFun.com

Lej da Staz is a small lake close to St Moritz, surrounded by a beautiful forest and tall mountains. You can only get there by walking so it has a relaxing, peaceful atmosphere.

Next to the lake, there are a few picnic areas, a popular spot with families.

• Learn more on SwissFamilyFun.com

Trail Description

From the St Moritz train station, walk across the street to the lakeside path along the Lake Moritz. Walk along the north shore of Lake Moritz, following signs to Lej da Staz.

After leaving Lake Moritz, you walk briefly through the forest until you emerge at Lake Staz, about 30-40 mins walking time from St Moritz.

You can walk around Lake Staz, then join your earlier trail back to St Moritz. Or for a longer walk, you can walk around both lakes, about 2.5 hours.

How to get there

By public transport, take a train to St Moritz.

By car, there is a small metered parking lot on Via Dimlej near the St Moritz bus terminal. If that is full, you can park on Via Sela on the south side of the lake, which makes for a longer walk. 

When to visit

In mid October, the golden larch trees around this lake are bright yellow and make for stunning photos, especially at sunrise and sunset.

We stayed at the nearby Hotel Waldhaus, which made it easy to visit the lake at sunrise and quickly be back at the hotel for breakfast with gorgeous views across the St Moritz lake.

See trail map and learn more about visiting Lake Staz.

Hotel Restaurant Waldhaus am See is an idyllic hotel and restaurant located on the lakeside of Lake Zurich. It offers chic, comfortably furnished rooms, recently renovated in a more modern style.

We paid a little extra for a lake view and thought it was definitely worth it. For families and groups, they have two floor rooms with 4 beds, as well as apartments with 2 bedrooms, kitchen and living space.

The hotel also features a delightful restaurant that serves traditional Swiss cuisine with Mediterranean influences, accompanied by breathtaking views of the lake. In fall, we definitely recommend their "wild" menu, which features local game and harvest flavors.

What we like

• spectacular lake views from restaurant (& rooms)

• easy access to Lake Staz walk

• close to St Moritz train station

• newly renovated but retains alpine charm

➡️Check availability & current prices.

Location: Via Dimlej 6, 7500 St. Moritz

Website: www.waldhaus-am-see.ch

This restaurant is located directly on Lake Staz, making it a convenient dinner place if you want to watch the sunset from this lake. This restaurant boasts a delicious traditional alpine cuisine like capuns, pizzocheri, fondue and raclette.