ℹ️ Click on the + to view the trail info.
🥾 Trail Info 🔽
- 📍 Start & End: The circular hike starts and ends either at the parking area or at the public transport stop “St. Moritz Bad, Campingplatz.” This makes planning especially easy and flexible.
- 🚶♂️ Distance: This circular hike is about 4 km (2.5 miles) long and is ideal for a short trip. It can also be combined with a detour to the slightly more distant Lake Staz, which offers stunning scenery, especially in autumn.
- ⏱️ Duration: The pure hiking time is about 1 hour, but with plenty of photo and video stops you should plan for at least 2 hours.
- 📊 Elevation gain & loss: Ascent: 130 meters (427 ft) | Descent: 130 meters (427 ft).
- 🥵 Difficulty: Easy. A short ascent of about 130 meters (427 ft) makes this hike ideal for beginners and families.
- 🥾 Equipment: Sturdy hiking shoes, warm clothing (especially in autumn), and provisions for a picnic or BBQ. Around the lake you’ll find several designated barbecue spots.
- 🌿 Trail Surface: About 4 km (2.5 mi) of natural path, in autumn covered with golden larch needles.
- 🧑🧑🧒 Family-Check: The route is short and easy making it great for a hike with kids. Thanks to BBQ spots and rest areas you can make the hike feel playful and easygoing.
- 🐕 Hiking with Dog: Dogs are welcome on this route. The loop trail offers lots of nature and space but please stay considerate of other hikers and nearby animals.
- 🚗 Getting There: Accessible by car with plenty of parking available near Ristorante Peppino or at the former Olympic ski jump. The route is also easy to reach by public transport. The public transport stop St Moritz Bad Campingplatz is close by.
- 💰 Costs: Entry to Lej Nair is free. Only the trip itself has the usual costs parking if you drive or tickets if you use public transport.
- 📌 Signposts & markings: The route is well signposted with clear hiking trail markers which makes navigation easy even for first time visitors. Getting lost here is very unlikely.
- 🦌 Wildlife: The area is home to plenty of squirrels, woodpeckers, and various bird species. Some will even eat right out of your hand if you stay patient and calm.
- 🌄 Highlights: Lej Nair is one of the most beautiful hidden gems near St. Moritz. Especially in autumn, the golden landscapes are reflected in the calm water like a mirror. It’s perfect for a relaxing escape and capturing stunning photos.
If you’re looking for a more popular hike after this hidden gem, be sure to check out the 5 Lakes Walk in Zermatt. - 💡 Tips: Visit early in the morning when mist still floats above the lake. Combined with the golden larches, it creates a truly magical atmosphere – a paradise for photographers.
Please note that Lej Nair lies in a protected moorland area. Stay on the marked trails and enjoy the unique landscape without disturbing it. - 🏡 Accommodation & restaurants: Ristorante Peppino, located right next to the parking area, serves regional cuisine. Alternatively, you can bring your own food and enjoy a lakeside barbecue with stunning views.
You can start your autumn hike either at the parking lot by the old Olympic ski jump (Ristorante Peppino) or at the bus stop “St. Moritz Bad, Campingplatz.” If you arrive by bus, simply cross the street and follow the signposts in the direction of the campsite. From there, the yellow hiking trail markers will lead you to the first hidden lake: Lej Nair.
On the ascent, the path is covered with a thick layer of soft larch needles, transforming the forest trail into a golden fairy tale. Especially in autumn, this short hike feels like a trip into a magical world – with every step it softly crackles under your feet, and golden trees line your way to the quiet, black lake: Lej Nair.
The ascent to the first lake, Lej Nair, is around 100 meters (328 feet) in elevation gain and begins just after the impressive pedestrian bridge, which offers a spectacular view. From there, the trail continues gently uphill. Around the lake, several benches invite you to pause and relax. Perfect for enjoying the peaceful surroundings. Especially in the early morning, when everything is still, Lej Nair often reveals stunning mirror-like reflections. An unforgettable sight!
Most of the trail follows the lake in an idyllic setting, and it’s almost impossible to lose your way. After passing the barbecue area and the pedestrian bridge, you’ll reach a small wooden bridge on the right that you need to cross. Along the way, you’ll be accompanied by the gentle sound of a stream flowing into the lake. A particularly peaceful moment along the trail.
The striking wooden bridge stretches across a large part of the lake and offers a beautiful view of the still waters. Numerous benches along the trail invite you to pause, breathe deeply, and fully enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Lej Nair.
After circling Lej Nair, you cross the wooden bridge and continue toward the next lake, the small and hidden Lej Zuppo. Located slightly higher up, it radiates a special kind of magic, even when its surface is frozen. This spot is perfect for a picnic or a relaxed barbecue surrounded by nature.
After circling the lake, you have two options: either continue to the fourth lake, the Hahnensee (Lej da Chöds), or return along the same path back to Lej Nair. The trail then passes Lej Nair once more before reaching a clearly marked junction that leads you to the final lake of this tour – Lej Marsch.
The picturesque Lej Marsch, also known as the swimming lake of St. Moritz Bad, is located right next to the parking area where your hike begins or ends. Like the other lakes along this trail, it offers several barbecue areas and picnic tables. During the summer months, a small kiosk opens, offering refreshing drinks and delicious regional snacks.
Like the other lakes along this route, Lej Marsch features a wooden platform from which you can jump into the refreshing Alpine waters. It’s the perfect way to cool off after a summer hike under the Engadin sun.
After exploring all three lakes, you’ll return to the starting point in just five minutes. In the surrounding Engadin region, many more natural gems await. Including Lake Silvaplana, Lake St. Moritz, Lake Sils, and many more!
Perfect for day trips and scenic walks.
If you are looking for a loop hike in Switzerland then this spring hike in Gais in the Appenzell region is a top recommendation with an easy route you can do all year round.
If you enjoyed this blog, feel free to leave a comment or share your feedback – I’d love to hear from you! 😊
Details and Elevation Profile
Frequently Asked Questions about the Lej Nair Hike
ℹ️ Click on the question to view the answer.
The pure walking time is about 1 hour. Since the trail is so idyllic and offers countless photo opportunities, I recommend planning at least 2 hours. This way, you can fully enjoy the grill spots, viewpoints, and the peaceful nature around Lej Nair.
No, access to Lej Nair is free of charge. Only parking or public transport tickets may involve costs. This makes the hike an affordable outing for both families and solo travelers.
Yes, the loop is easy to manage and, at 4 km (2.5 mi), it is also suitable for children. As mentioned in the blog, the picnic and barbecue spots along the way make the outing especially family-friendly. This way, the walk is not just a hike but also turns into a little adventure for kids.
Yes, dogs are welcome. There is plenty of space and nature for them to explore. It’s important, however, to be mindful of other visitors and the local wildlife, as squirrels and birds are very active around Lej Nair.
Around the lake, you’ll often see squirrels, woodpeckers, and many different bird species. Some of the animals may even come quite close if you remain patient and calm – a highlight especially for children and photographers.
When the golden larches are reflected in the water and morning mist floats above the lake, a magical atmosphere unfolds. This natural scenery makes Lej Nair a true paradise for photographers and those who simply love to enjoy nature.
The trail is well marked and easy to walk. With around 130 meters (427 ft) of ascent and descent, it is also suitable for beginners. Thanks to the clear trail signs, getting lost is almost impossible.
The loop starts and ends either at the parking area or at the “St. Moritz Bad, Campingplatz” bus stop, which makes planning especially easy.
2 thoughts on “Lej Nair – 3 Lakes Hike in the Engadin Autumn Magic”
Thank you, Markus, for that tip! It was an epic day with fog, and the trees were surreal 😍👍
That makes me so happy to hear 😍 Fog at Lej Nair in autumn is something truly special. So glad you had an epic day! 🍂