Content Summary
In the Landwasser Valley, Davos is a resort village situated in the Rhaetian Alps of Graubünden. At an elevation exceeding 1,500 meters, Davos holds the distinction of being the highest town in Europe. Funiculars, cable cars, and ski lifts are poised to elevate visitors even further into six distinct mountain areas that offer skiing during winter and hiking and mountain biking during summer.
Over a century ago, the influential Expressionist painter Ernst-Ludwig Kirchner relocated to this town, and his two-decade residence is commemorated at a prestigious museum housing the largest collection of his works. Furthermore, Davos has achieved international recognition for hosting the World Economic Forum each January.
Let’s examine the top attractions in Davos:
1. Kirchnermuseum
The German Expressionist and member of Die Brücke, Ernst-Ludwig Kirchner, spent the final 20 years of his life in Davos. Arriving in 1917 to combat a drug addiction, he was soon creating once again, focusing on the landscapes and inhabitants surrounding him.
The museum established in his honor opened its doors in the 1980s, based on a collection gathered by a local art dealer. In 1992, it was relocated to a sleek, purpose-built facility encompassing four glass cubes.
With over 1,400 Kirchner paintings, this museum boasts the largest compendium of his works globally, demonstrating both his early Expressionist contributions in Berlin, Munich, and Dresden, as well as his later years in Switzerland. Additionally, visitors can view various artifacts from his life, including childhood sketches, letters, and intriguingly, the firearm he used to take his own life.
2. Skiing
Davos is undoubtedly one of Switzerland’s premier destinations for winter sports. The village offers more than 320 kilometers of downhill pistes across six different ski areas, all serviced by efficient transportation to the slopes.
The most expansive and contemporary of these areas is Parsenn, accessible via the Parsenn Red Railway, operational since the 1930s. Parsenn features long, winding trails suitable for beginners and intermediates, while more experienced skiers can seek fresh powder off-piste.
For snowboarding enthusiasts, Jakobshorn presents the ideal mountain, equipped with a snow park and a “monster pipe” for advanced tricks.
3. Schatzalp
A cog railway efficiently transports visitors from Davos to this serene, car-free recreation area situated on the western slopes of the town. Established in 1899 alongside a flourishing Art Nouveau sanatorium, this area transformed into a hotel in 1954. Literary enthusiasts may find it intriguing that Thomas Mann drew inspiration for his renowned novel, “The Magic Mountain,” from this very location.
Numerous walking trails on Schatzalp lead to the Alpinum, a botanical garden that opens during summer and features over 3,500 species of Alpine plants alongside upland varieties from regions as distant as Tibet and New Zealand.
4. Rinerhorn
This mountain area overlooks the picturesque Landwasser Valley and is accessed by bus and chairlifts, both of which are complimentary with a Davos Card. Your experience at Rinerhorn will vary depending on the season of your visit.
During summer, visitors can enjoy scenic hikes through flowery pastures alongside grazing cattle, as well as visiting a petting zoo where children can interact with lambs and baby goats. For relaxation, trotti bikes (a combination of cycle and scooter) can be hired for an exhilarating descent back down the slopes.
In winter, Rinerhorn is favored by skiers seeking less congested slopes, providing numerous excellent off-piste opportunities for the more adventurous skier.
5. Zügenschlucht
At Monstein, visitors can embark on a trail that traverses a three-kilometer gorge. Initially, the landscape features gentle slopes covered in greenery, but as one progresses, the Steig and Silberberg rock formations become more pronounced with steep, rocky terrain.
This pathway is designated a “Geological Trail,” supported by informational panels detailing the gorge’s geology and its significant lead and zinc deposits, which were mined until the 1800s. Above, the Rhaetian Railway hugs the edges of the gorge, passing through tunnels and crossing the magnificent Wiesen Viaduct.
6. Vaillant Arena
Between September and February, securing a ticket for a hockey match in Davos is essential. The Vaillant Arena is an extraordinary venue, evident upon taking your seat. Its wooden vaulted ceiling is supported by elegant cathedral-like structures, making it one of the most remarkable locations to witness a sporting event.
The local hockey team, HC Davos, competes in the Swiss National League and last claimed the NL Championships in 2015. The club is particularly recognized for hosting the Spengler Cup, the oldest invitational ice hockey tournament in the world, which dates back to 1923 and is held around Christmas. Early reservations are advisable to see some of the top players perform on ice.
7. Lake Davos
Situated at the northeastern edge of the town, Lake Davos is surrounded by steep pastures and forest. During summer, this area comes alive with activity as visitors engage in watersports, light hiking around the shoreline, and swimming.
Pedal boats, paddleboards, and kayaks are available for hire, and the lake benefits from prevailing winds conducive to windsurfing and sailing. There are also restaurants located along the water’s edge, and remember to bring snacks for the friendly squirrels that may approach you in the wooded areas.
8. Sertig Valley
Traveling south from Davos, before reaching either Rinerhorn or Monstein, visitors can divert into the Sertig Valley. This tributary nourishes Landwasser, and along the route, stunning Alpine landscapes present an idyllic scene of verdant farmland populated with cows and pigs, transitioning into moorland and forest at higher altitudes.
The journey culminates at the base of the dramatic, snow-capped peaks: Mittaghorn, Plattenfluh, and Hoch Ducan. Along the way, one can encounter the charming village of Sertig Dörfli, established by Walser farmers in the 13th century, highlighted by its quaint chapel dating back to 1699.
9. Flüela Pass
During summer, travelers can embark on an unforgettable mountain drive along Route 28, connecting Davos’ Landwasser Valley with Susch in the Lower Engadin. This road heads east from Davos and is typically closed in winter due to avalanche risks, although it is used by BMW for testing vehicles during that season.
In June, it is common to witness remnants of snow along the roadside, and marmots frequently appear along the path. The highest point is the Flüela Pass, which reaches an elevation of 2,383 meters, nestled between the peaks of Blackhorn and Flüela Wisshorn, both exceeding 3,000 meters. Far above the tree line, the winding road features numerous hairpin turns and a constant vista of towering peaks that can induce a sense of insignificance.
10. BierVision Monstein
A short 15-minute bus ride or drive along the winding mountain road southwest of Davos leads to Monstein, the home of the highest brewery in Europe. BierVision welcomes visitors for tours on Fridays, providing an in-depth exploration of the brewing process while showcasing the brewing vessels and fermentation stages up close.
This experience begins with a guided walk around the village, enabling participants to engage with locals and gain insight into life at this elevation. BierVision produces five beer varieties, including dark beer and Weissbier, available for sampling in the cozy Gambrinus Bar located in the basement. Additionally, visitors can purchase locally made chocolate, cheese, and even a bottle of the brewery’s own whisky.
11. Mountain Biking
The trails surrounding Davos are replete with mountain biking paths during the summer months, seven of which are highly recommended within the MTB community. Of all the routes, the renowned Gotschna Freeride is a must-try.
This six-kilometer trail descends from Gotschnagrat to Klosters, featuring a drop of over 720 meters and presenting over 200 banked curves and jumps. Typically, riders complete this thrilling descent within approximately 20 minutes, regardless of the excitement and challenges along the way.
Notably, this trail is classified as intermediate but is suitable for both seasoned athletes and beginners alike.
12. Madrisa Land
During warmer months, the Sonnenberg Mountain at Klosters features the highest adventure park in Switzerland. Madrisa Land caters to all family members, but younger children will particularly enjoy the park’s slides, harnessed climbing walls, and treehouses. Parents can supervise their children from comfortable seating areas at the park’s perimeter.
Meanwhile, children can partake in pony rides and befriend baby Alpine goats at the farmyard.
13. Train Trips
There is nothing quite like relaxing in the warmth of a train carriage while witnessing breathtaking Alpine landscapes unfold outside. Davos serves as the terminus for two of the most notable railway lines in the world: The Glacier Express and the Bernina Express.
The Glacier Express is renowned as the “Slowest Fast Train in the World,” traversing the Swiss Alps from Graubünden to Valais, revealing stunning peaks such as the Matterhorn along the way. Meanwhile, the Bernina Express winds through the spectacular Bernina Range down to Tirano in Italy.
Audioguides are available onboard, identifying natural landmarks as they appear, and panoramic windows provide views remarkable enough to create lasting memories.
14. Adventure Park Davos Färich
Located beneath the Flüela Pass, the Adventure Park invites participants to harness up and navigate through five distinct courses suspended within the forest canopy. Climbing over ladders, rope nets, swinging bridges, and treetop climbing walls serves as excellent physical exercise while fostering teamwork as groups tackle challenges together.
A dedicated course is available for children, meticulously supervised, featuring a failsafe system designed to ensure their safety while engaging in activities.
15. More Winter Activities
It is essential to mention cross-country skiing, as Davos hosts a stage of the FIS Cross-Country World Cup annually in the Flüela Valley. Notably, when this course is not in use by the world’s elite distance skiers, it is accessible for public enjoyment, free of charge.
This track is one of more than 100 kilometers of meticulously maintained cross-country paths provided for visitors to explore. For those seeking lighter adventures, there are lengthy toboggan runs available, allowing for thrilling rides at top speeds on Rinerhorn and Schatzalp.
Furthermore, in the heart of the village, the Davos World of Ice offers a unique outdoor skating rink, comprised of interconnected ramps and rinks. Market stalls are easily accessible, serving warming cups of mulled wine and hot chocolate for those needing a break.
