St. Moritz: The Crown Jewel of the Swiss Alps

• HelloGrüezi
  [groo-ay-tsee]
• GoodbyeAdieu
  [ah-dyoo]
• YesJa
  [yah]
• NoNein
  [nine]
• Please/You're welcomeBitte
  [bih-tuh]
• Thank youDanke
  [dahn-kuh]
• Excuse me/SorryEntschuldigung
  [ent-shool-dee-goong]
• How are you?Wie geht es dir?
  [vee gayt es deer]
• Fine. And you?Gut. Und du?
  [goot oond doo]
• Do you speak English?Sprechen Sie Englisch?
  [shpre-khen zee eng-leesh]
• I don't understandIch verstehe nicht
  [ikh fer-shtay-uh nikht]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseIch möchte die Speisekarte sehen, bitte
  [ikh merkh-tuh dee shpy-suh-kahr-tuh zay-en, bih-tuh]
• I don't eat meatIch esse kein Fleisch
  [ikh ess-uh kine flysh]
• Cheers!Prost!
  [prohst]
• I would like to pay, pleaseIch möchte bezahlen, bitte
  [ikh merkh-tuh buz-ah-len, bih-tuh]

• Help!Hilfe!
  [hil-fuh]
• Go away!Gehen Sie weg!
  [gay-en zee vehg]
• Call the Police!Rufen Sie die Polizei!
  [roo-fen zee dee poh-lee-tsay]
• Call a doctor!Rufen Sie einen Arzt!
  [roo-fen zee iyn-en ahrts]
• I'm lostIch habe mich verirrt
  [ikh hah-buh meekh fer-eert]
• I'm illIch bin krank
  [ikh been krahngk]

• I'd like to buy...Ich möchte kaufen...
  [ikh merkh-tuh kow-fen]
• I'm just lookingIch schaue nur
  [ikh shou-uh noor]
• How much is it?Wie viel kostet es?
  [vee feel koss-tet es]
• That's too expensiveDas ist zu teuer
  [dahs ist tsoo toy-er]
• Can you lower the price?Können Sie den Preis senken?
  [ker-nen zee den prees zeng-ken]

• What time is it?Wie spät ist es?
  [vee shpeht ist es]
• It's one o'clockEs ist ein Uhr
  [es ist iyn oor]
• Half past (10)Halb (10)
  [halb (10)]
• MorningMorgen
  [mor-gen]
• AfternoonNachmittag
  [nahk-mit-tahk]
• EveningAbend
  [ah-bent]
• YesterdayGestern
  [ges-tern]
• TodayHeute
  [hoy-teh]
• TomorrowMorgen
  [mor-gen]
• 1Eins
  [eyns]
• 2Zwei
  [tsvay]
• 3Drei
  [dray]
• 4Vier
  [feer]
• 5Fünf
  [foonf]
• 6Sechs
  [zeks]
• 7Sieben
  [zee-ben]
• 8Acht
  [ahkt]
• 9Neun
  [noyn]
• 10Zehn
  [tsayn]

• Where's a/the...?Wo ist ein/der...?
  [vo ist iyn/dehr]
• What's the address?Was ist die Adresse?
  [vahs ist dee ah-drehs]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Können Sie mir zeigen (auf der Karte)?
  [ker-nen zee meer tsay-gen (owf dehr kahr-teh)]
• When's the next (bus)?Wann kommt der nächste (Bus)?
  [vahn kohmt dehr nehk-stuh (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Eine Fahrkarte (nach ....)
  [ey-nuh fahr-kahr-teh (nahkh ....)]

St. Moritz, nestled in the Engadin valley, was first inhabited by the Celts who recognized the area's natural beauty and resources. Evidence of early settlements dates back to the Bronze Age, indicating the long-standing allure of this alpine region.

In the 15th century, the healing properties of the iron-rich springs at St. Moritz were discovered. These waters attracted visitors seeking health benefits, establishing St. Moritz as a spa destination. The first recorded mention of these springs dates back to 1466.

The late 19th century marked the birth of winter tourism in St. Moritz. In 1864, hotelier Johannes Badrutt made a bet with his summer guests that they would enjoy winter in St. Moritz just as much. His gamble paid off, and the guests returned, sparking a winter tourism boom that transformed the town into a renowned winter sports destination.

St. Moritz hosted the Winter Olympic Games twice, first in 1928 and again in 1948. These events significantly boosted the town's international profile, showcasing its world-class facilities and breathtaking alpine scenery. The 1928 Winter Olympics were particularly notable for being the first held in a non-mountainous region.

Throughout the 20th century, St. Moritz evolved into a luxurious resort town, attracting celebrities, royals, and wealthy tourists. The construction of high-end hotels, gourmet restaurants, and exclusive shops solidified its reputation as a playground for the elite.

St. Moritz is not only about sports and luxury but also culture. The town hosts various cultural events, such as the annual Festival da Jazz and the St. Moritz Gourmet Festival, which draw artists and connoisseurs from around the globe. These events highlight the town's vibrant cultural scene and commitment to the arts.

St. Moritz is located in the Engadin valley in Switzerland. The nearest international airports are Zurich Airport (approximately 3 hours by train) and Milan Malpensa Airport (around 3.5 hours by car). From Zurich, you can take a direct train to St. Moritz, which offers a scenic journey through the Swiss Alps. Alternatively, you can drive or take a bus from major Swiss cities. Private transfers and shuttle services are also available.

St. Moritz is well-connected by an efficient public transport system, including buses and trains. The local bus network is extensive and covers most areas within the town and neighboring villages. The Engadin Bus service operates regular routes, and the Rhaetian Railway connects St. Moritz with other towns in the region. Taxis are readily available but can be expensive. For more flexibility, consider renting a car, especially if you plan to explore the surrounding areas.

The official currency in Switzerland is the Swiss Franc (CHF). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops in St. Moritz. ATMs are plentiful and can be found throughout the town. It is advisable to carry some cash for small purchases or in places where card payments may not be accepted, such as at local markets or smaller establishments.

St. Moritz is generally a very safe destination for tourists. However, it is always prudent to take standard precautions. Petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur, particularly in crowded areas and during peak tourist seasons. Avoid leaving your belongings unattended and be cautious when using ATMs. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists in St. Moritz, but it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. St. Moritz has a well-equipped police station and medical facilities, including clinics and a hospital. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available throughout the town for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress warmly and in layers, as the weather can change rapidly. High-quality outdoor clothing is recommended. Avoid overly casual attire in upscale settings. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. While there are no strict religious dress codes, modesty is appreciated in religious sites. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding and be punctual, as Swiss transport runs on time. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Grüezi' (hello in Swiss German). A firm handshake is a common greeting. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies such as fondue and raclette. Don't rush your meals, as dining is a leisurely activity in Switzerland.

To experience St. Moritz like a local, visit the local markets and shops for unique Swiss products and souvenirs. Engage with the locals, who are often friendly and willing to share insights about their town. Don't miss out on the regional activities like skiing, hiking, and the famous Cresta Run. For a unique experience, take a ride on the Bernina Express, a scenic train route offering breathtaking views of the Alps.