Davos

Discover a unique geological wonder near the Flüelapass road, where ancient glacier mills (Gletschermühlen) have been carved into the rock by glacial meltwater over millennia. This natural monument offers an insightful glimpse into the region's geological past, featuring impressive potholes, polished rock formations, and interpretative signage. It's a relatively easy walk from the main road, suitable for families. Access is generally free, and it's best visited during the snow-free months. It provides an excellent educational outing with stunning natural beauty.

Experience exhilarating sledging fun on the Fuxägufer run, a natural sledging track that winds through beautiful winter landscapes. At the top, the cozy Fuxägufer Restaurant offers traditional Swiss cuisine and warm beverages, perfect for a break before or after your ride. The track is family-friendly and provides a great alternative to skiing. Sledges can often be rented on-site or in town. Best visited during daylight hours, prices for sledge rental vary, typically around CHF 10-15. Check local conditions for opening times.

Guided walking tours exploring the rich history, architecture, and cultural heritage of Davos. These tours delve into the town's past as a renowned health resort, its Walser origins, and its development into a modern winter sports destination. Guides provide fascinating anecdotes and insights into local traditions, famous residents, and architectural landmarks. Tours typically last 1.5-2 hours and might have a small fee (e.g., CHF 10-20 per person). Available in multiple languages.

A local art gallery showcasing contemporary art, often from regional Swiss artists but also featuring international exhibitions. It provides a cultural contrast to the outdoor activities, offering a space for quiet contemplation and appreciation of artistic expression. The gallery hosts rotating exhibitions throughout the year. Entry is often free or a small donation is requested. Check local listings for current exhibitions and opening hours.

Discover the enchanting Sertig Valley, a picturesque side valley of Davos, culminating in the traditional Walser hamlet of Sertig Dörfli. This idyllic village offers a glimpse into authentic alpine life with its charming church and historic houses. During winter, a popular activity is to enjoy a romantic horse-drawn sleigh ride through the snow-laden valley, a serene experience that transports visitors back in time. Several local providers offer these rides, typically lasting 1-2 hours, often including a stop at a traditional restaurant like Bergführer for refreshments. Prices usually range from CHF 150-250 for a private sleigh. During summer, Sertig Dörfli serves as a starting point for numerous hiking and biking trails.

The Zügenschlucht (Zügen Gorge) Adventure Trail is a spectacular hiking route through a rugged gorge, offering breathtaking views of the engineering marvel that is the Landwasser Viaduct, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a prominent feature of the Rhaetian Railway. The trail leads through tunnels and over bridges, with information boards detailing the geology and history of the gorge and the railway construction. It's a moderate hike, approximately 2-3 hours long, suitable for families. The viaduct, with its five towering arches, is a truly iconic sight. Access points are near Monstein or Wiesen, with public transport links. The trail is generally accessible from late spring to late autumn.

The Davos Festival is an internationally renowned classical music festival held annually in summer, focusing on promoting young, talented musicians. Over two weeks, Davos transforms into a vibrant hub for classical music, featuring concerts, masterclasses, and workshops in various venues across the town, including historic churches and the Congress Centre. The program often includes chamber music, orchestral performances, and innovative contemporary works, attracting both established music lovers and new audiences. Ticket prices vary depending on the event, typically ranging from CHF 30-80 per concert. It's a significant cultural highlight that enriches the summer offerings of Davos.

Explore the pristine beauty of the Dischma Valley, one of the longest and most untouched valleys in Davos, through guided e-bike tours. Local certified guides lead groups on scenic routes, tailored to various fitness levels, utilizing the assistance of e-bikes to make the alpine terrain accessible to a wider audience. Tours typically last 3-5 hours, covering distances of 20-40 km with significant elevation gain, reaching charming alp huts and offering stunning vistas. Rental e-bikes are available from various shops in Davos, often included in tour packages. Prices for guided tours typically range from CHF 80-120 per person, excluding bike rental, operating mainly from June to October.

The Schatzalp Sledging Run offers a thrilling and scenic winter experience, accessible via the historic Schatzalp funicular. This 2.8 km long natural sled run winds its way down from the Schatzalp mountain, through enchanting forests, back to the valley station. It's known for being well-groomed and illuminated in the evenings, making it popular for night sledging sessions. Sleds can be rented directly at the Schatzalp valley station. The run is suitable for families and offers a fun alternative to skiing. It's one of Davos's most beloved winter activities, providing both excitement and beautiful views. Prices are typically around CHF 10-15 per ride for a sled rental, plus funicular ticket.

Located directly at the base of the Jakobshorn ski area, the Bolgenplaza is Davos's quintessential après-ski destination. This vibrant outdoor bar and entertainment area comes alive every afternoon during the winter season, drawing skiers and snowboarders with lively music, refreshing drinks, and a festive atmosphere. It features a large sun deck, various food stalls offering snacks, and regular live DJ performances. It's the perfect spot to unwind after a day on the slopes, socialize, and experience the energetic side of Davos's winter culture. Prices for drinks are typical for Swiss ski resorts (e.g., CHF 7-10 for a beer).

The Walser Museum in Davos Glaris offers a fascinating insight into the history and culture of the Walser people, who settled in the Davos region centuries ago. Housed in an authentic, historic Walser dwelling, the museum showcases traditional farming tools, household items, clothing, and crafts, illustrating the daily life and struggles of these mountain settlers. It provides a valuable cultural context to the region, highlighting the resilience and ingenuity of its inhabitants. Entry fees are typically modest, around CHF 8-10 for adults. Opening hours vary by season, generally from afternoon to early evening, and it is recommended to check specific times. It's an enriching experience for those interested in local heritage.

Perched on the Schatzalp mountain, this unique botanical garden, established in 1907, boasts over 3,500 species of alpine plants from all mountainous regions of the world. It offers a tranquil escape with stunning floral displays and panoramic views of Davos. Easily accessible via the Schatzalpbahn funicular (note: funicular access is general, not specific to this garden). Open from late May to October, with peak bloom typically in July. Entrance is usually free, but funicular fares apply (approx. CHF 11-19 round trip, subject to change).

Located near Klosters (a short drive from Davos), Madrisa Land is the first experience park in Switzerland designed for children and people with disabilities. It features various attractions like a large trampoline, petting zoo, water games, a treasure hunt, and a giant slide. It's a paradise for families, offering fun and educational experiences amidst a beautiful alpine backdrop. Accessible via the Madrisabahn gondola. Open primarily from June to October, with some winter operations. Gondola fares apply (approx. CHF 20-30 round trip for adults, family discounts available).

The iconic Vaillant Arena is the home ice of HC Davos, one of Switzerland's most successful ice hockey teams. Beyond hosting exciting professional hockey matches during the winter season (from September to April), the arena is also a venue for various events, concerts, and the annual Spengler Cup, an international ice hockey tournament. It offers a thrilling atmosphere for sports fans and cultural enthusiasts alike. Ticket prices vary depending on the event, typically ranging from CHF 30-80 for hockey games.

While Davos has its own sledding, the Klosters area, closely linked, offers spectacular long sledging runs. For instance, the Gotschna-Klosters run descends over 3.5 km from the Gotschnaboden middle station (accessible via Gotschnabahn gondola from Klosters) down to Klosters. These runs are family-friendly and offer an exhilarating way to enjoy the winter landscape. Sled rentals are available at base stations. Often open from December to March, depending on snow conditions. Lift tickets for access are required, or a specific sledging pass.

The largest and most renowned ski area in Davos Klosters, Parsenn offers an impressive 110 km of diverse slopes, accessible from Davos Dorf via the Parsennbahn funicular. It caters to all skill levels, featuring wide blue runs, challenging red slopes, and demanding black runs, alongside extensive freeride opportunities. The highest point is Weissfluhgipfel (2,844m), providing breathtaking panoramic views. A highlight is the 12 km Gotschna-Küblis valley run, one of the longest in the Alps, with a vertical drop of over 2,000m. Modern gondolas and chairlifts ensure efficient transport. Technical Data: ~110 km of slopes (Parsenn area), highest point 2,844m.

Known as the 'Freestyle Mountain,' Jakobshorn is a vibrant hub for snowboarders and freeskiers, accessible from Davos Platz. It features multiple snowparks, including the JatzPark, offering various jumps, rails, and boxes for all levels. Beyond freestyle, Jakobshorn provides excellent red and blue runs and sunny terraces perfect for après-ski. The 'Fuxägufer' is a popular spot for live music and energetic atmosphere. Technical Data: ~50 km of slopes (Jakobshorn area), highest point 2,590m.

A family-friendly ski resort with sunny slopes, Rinerhorn is ideal for beginners and families. It features a kids' park, a toboggan run, and special offers for children. Night skiing and floodlit tobogganing are popular attractions on specific evenings. It's known for its relaxed atmosphere and beautiful natural setting. Technical Data: ~30 km of slopes (Rinerhorn area), highest point 2,490m.

Pischa stands out as Davos's designated freeride and winter hiking mountain. There are no groomed slopes, making it a paradise for off-piste enthusiasts, snowshoe hikers, and fatbike riders. It offers marked and avalanche-controlled freeride routes. A cable car brings guests up to 2,483m, from where they can explore vast untouched powder fields or serene winter hiking trails. Technical Data: No groomed slopes, highest point 2,483m.

A picturesque mountain lake located close to Davos Platz. In summer, it's a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, sailing, windsurfing, stand-up paddleboarding, and rowing. A pleasant walking and cycling path circles the lake (approx. 4 km). In winter, when frozen, it often hosts ice skating, ice hockey, and even ice sailing. A charming lakeside promenade and various restaurants offer scenic views. Access is free, with equipment rental available nearby.

Dedicated to the expressionist artist Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, who lived and worked in Davos from 1918 until his death in 1938. The museum houses the world's largest collection of his works, including paintings, sculptures, and graphic art, providing deep insight into his creative periods in Davos. The striking architecture of the museum itself is also noteworthy. Open year-round, typically Tuesday to Sunday, 11:00-18:00. Entrance fee approx. CHF 15-20.

An exciting rope park offering various courses with different levels of difficulty, suitable for families, children (from 4 years), and adults. It features zip lines, swinging bridges, and climbing elements amidst the trees. Located in a beautiful forest setting near the Flüelapass road. Typically open from May/June to October. Prices vary by course and age, approx. CHF 20-35.

A stunning high-alpine pass road (2,383m) connecting Davos with the Lower Engadine valley. It offers spectacular views, especially in summer and autumn. Popular with motorcyclists, cyclists, and scenic drivers. Several hiking trails start from the pass. The Flüelapass is typically closed during winter months (from October/November to May/June) due to heavy snow, making it a critical access point that requires checking conditions.