Stazersee is a lake in the Engadin at about 1 809 m elevation, nestled in the Stazerwald between St. Moritz and Pontresina. The surrounding forest and calm water make it a top spot for photography—especially in autumn when the trees turn golden and reflect beautifully in the lake.

You can reach it in roughly 20–30 minutes walking from the small public parking near Hotel Waldhaus am See in St. Moritz. The trail is easy and offers plenty of perspectives, from wide landscapes with the lake and forest to detailed reflection shots that mirror the mountain peaks. A wide-angle lens works perfectly to capture the full scene, while a telephoto lets you isolate textures or compress the layers of forest, lake, and mountain. Bringing a drone is highly recommended—up high you’ll catch unique aerial perspectives of the lake, forest, and reflections that you won’t get from the shore.

At the lake, you’ll almost always meet other photographers—Stazersee is one of the most well-known photo spots in the area, and it’s easy to strike up a conversation. Still, don’t just go for the classic shot from the large wooden pier. The smaller piers offer beautiful compositions too, and the view from the opposite side of the lake is equally stunning.

For the best light, aim for sunrise or early morning when the water is calm and reflections are crisp, or at sunset when alpenglow lights up the peaks and warms the forest. Since the lake is within a protected nature reserve, make sure to respect local drone regulations and stay on marked trails.

This lake is a must-visit for landscape photographers who love accessible locations with big visual impact.