Kulm Hotel - St. Moritz

The Kulm Hotel in St. Moritz, Switzerland, stands as one of the world’s most enduring symbols of hospitality, blending history, luxury, and innovative service. More than just a place to stay, it represents the birthplace of winter tourism in the Alps. 

Since its founding in 1856 by Johannes Badrutt, the hotel has played a pioneering role in attracting international travelers, particularly those seeking the beauty of Swiss snow. Today, perched majestically on the shores of Lake St. Moritz with sweeping mountain views, the Kulm Hotel remains a preferred destination for royalty, elite travelers, and winter sports enthusiasts.

The Kulm Hotel’s story is inseparable from the rise of Alpine tourism. Johannes Badrutt, its visionary founder, was instrumental in establishing St. Moritz as a winter destination. In the late 19th century, he famously invited English guests to return in winter, promising sunshine and crisp, clean air. 

The wager paid off not only did they find his promise fulfilled, but they fell in love with the snow-covered landscape and skiing. That moment sparked a tradition that transformed St. Moritz into a global hub for winter sports, with the Kulm Hotel at its heart as the birthplace of Swiss winter tourism.

The Kulm Hotel’s architecture is a harmonious blend of Alpine tradition and modern elegance. Its exterior showcases a classic Alpine façade, with sturdy stonework, grand windows, and pitched mountain rooftops. Inside, guests encounter refined interiors featuring rich wood paneling, classic furnishings, and curated artwork that radiates sophistication. 

Regular renovations ensure the property remains at the cutting edge of modern hospitality while preserving its historic soul. Every corner of the hotel is designed to offer comfort wrapped in timeless luxury.

With more than 150 rooms and suites, the Kulm Hotel offers an array of accommodations that balance privacy, comfort, and breathtaking views. Each room is equipped with state-of-the-art amenities from smart-room technology and plush bedding to marble bathrooms with luxury fixtures. 

Select suites feature private balconies overlooking Lake St. Moritz and the Engadin Valley. The design fuses Swiss classicism with contemporary touches, creating interiors that are both warm and indulgent. Options range from deluxe rooms to the opulent presidential suite, often favored by royals and celebrities.

Culinary excellence is one of the hotel’s defining features. Its restaurants span the spectrum from Swiss specialties to haute cuisine. Among them, The K by Mauro Colagreco, helmed by the Michelin-starred chef, offers inventive dishes crafted with the finest local ingredients. Traditional dining experiences are also available, featuring Alpine classics such as fondue and raclette. 

Meanwhile, the hotel’s bars and lounges serve rare vintages and creative cocktails, making them an inviting retreat after a day on the slopes. Dining at the Kulm is not only about exquisite flavors but also the refinement of atmosphere and attentive service.

The Kulm Spa St. Moritz epitomizes alpine wellness. Spanning over 20,000 square feet, the spa offers both indoor and outdoor pools with panoramic mountain views, along with saunas, steam rooms, and serene relaxation areas. 

Treatments range from traditional massages and luxury facials to therapies rooted in Alpine botanicals. The spa’s holistic approach transforms the hotel into more than an accommodation it becomes a sanctuary for rejuvenation.

For winter sports lovers, St. Moritz is unrivaled, and the Kulm Hotel is its cornerstone. Guests enjoy seamless access to world-class ski slopes, ice rinks, and snowboarding trails. Activities range from alpine and cross-country skiing to bobsleigh runs at the legendary Olympia Bob Run. 

The hotel’s ski concierge service ensures a hassle-free experience, arranging equipment, professional instructors, and transfers to the slopes. With Engadin’s famous blue skies and pristine landscapes, every winter adventure becomes unforgettable.

Beyond leisure, the Kulm Hotel serves as a premier venue for international events, business gatherings, and private celebrations. Its conference rooms and ballrooms are equipped with cutting-edge technology and supported by gourmet catering services. 

Many global corporations choose the hotel for strategic meetings, attracted by its combination of luxury amenities and tranquil Alpine setting. Lavish weddings are also a hallmark here, with Lake St. Moritz and the Alps providing a storybook backdrop.

The Kulm Hotel has deep ties to Olympic history. When St. Moritz hosted the Winter Games in 1928 and 1948, the hotel became a hub for athletes and dignitaries. Today, memorabilia displayed within the property preserves that legacy, reinforcing its status as both a luxury retreat and a guardian of sporting heritage.

In the modern era, the Kulm Hotel has embraced sustainability. It employs eco-friendly technologies, including renewable energy heating systems, rigorous waste management, and efforts to minimize carbon emissions. These initiatives align with the global movement toward responsible travel, allowing guests to indulge in luxury while contributing to environmental preservation.

The hotel’s consistent excellence has earned it prestigious awards, frequently ranking among Europe’s best hotels in publications such as Forbes Travel Guide and Condé Nast Traveler. Its reputation is bolstered by personalized service, impeccable facilities, and an unmatched guest experience. Over the decades, the Kulm has hosted royalty, world leaders, and celebrities, cementing its global standing.

Staying at the Kulm Hotel is far more than checking into a luxury room. It is an immersion in history, culture, and the natural beauty of the Swiss Alps. Guests may stroll along Lake St. Moritz, watch the sunrise over the Engadin peaks, and then retreat to the spa or savor fine cuisine. All of this is delivered with the Swiss precision and hospitality that has become legendary.

The Kulm Hotel St. Moritz stands as a timeless emblem of elegance, history, and innovation. Since the 19th century, it has not only witnessed the birth of winter tourism but has continued to define it for modern travelers. With its world-class facilities, Michelin-starred dining, luxurious spa, and proximity to premier winter sports, the Kulm remains an unparalleled choice for discerning guests. 

More than a hotel, it is an icon an enduring symbol of the beauty and grandeur of the Swiss Alps, offering an experience of luxury that transcends generations.