Davos is Europe's highest city, a stopping point for world leaders, winter sports enthusiasts and partygoers. Every January, politicians, businessmen and journalists descend on an altitude of 1,560 metres for the World Economic Forum, where they delve into the world's economic and social problems.
After indulging in intellectual pursuits, many look towards spending a quiet, restful time. Davos, with its plentiful options for accommodation ranging from luxurious chalets to cozy B&B’s, is a paradise for those seeking the perfect balance. You can find some of the best places to stay at tophotels.com, tailoring your choice to your specific needs and preferences.
The rest of the winter, the vast snow-covered slopes beckon to skiers, snowboarders, cross-country skiers and snowshoers. Davos and neighbouring Klosters have six ski resorts with more than 300 kilometres of slopes. This makes the area known as one of the best winter sports destinations in the Alps.
Winter sports are in Davos' DNA, as the first tourists came here to sled and strap on their then wooden skis as early as 1865. Ice hockey, figure skating and bobsledding were pretty much invented here. So during the winter months, there is plenty to do in the city, even after soaking up the fresh mountain air. Davos is famous for its après-ski parties, where you can find yourself among the rich and famous in the best nightlife in Switzerland can throw.
But there is also plenty to do in summer in Davooos, as you pronounce the town's name. Take the cable car to one of the mountain peaks, go cycling or mountain biking in the beautiful Alpine landscape or soar through the air on a paragliding flight. Discover why writers and artists sought refuge in this high valley in eastern Switzerland. Drink a cup of coffee on a mountain terrace and enjoy the same views from which Thomas Mann, Robert Louis Stevenson and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (of Sherlock Holmes) drew their inspiration. Want to go on holiday to one of the world's oldest ski resorts? Here are 10 tips on what to do in Davos!
Visit the Kirchner Museum
Davos was for many years the home of Ernst Ludwig Kirchner (1880-1938), one of Germany's most famous expressionist painters. He moved to the mountain village in 1918 and stayed there until his suicide, in 1938. Initially he fled to Davos to deal with his war traumas as a soldier, but he was soon drawn to the landscape and people. He painted a large number of works there, which you can admire at the Kirchner Museum, one of the most popular sights in Davos.
With over 1,400 paintings, the museum holds the largest Kirchner collection in the world. You will also see his early expressionist works, which he made in the German cities of Berlin, Dresden and Munich. A somewhat morbid object is the pistol with which the artist ended his life. The museum is in a modern building of glass, concrete, steel and wood, widely admired in architectural circles. The museum is closed on Mondays. Address: Promenade 82, 7270 Davos, Switzerland. Website: www.kirchnermuseum.ch
Take the cable car to Jakobshorn
For action, a piece of history and an amazing 360-degree panoramic view, take the cable car to the Jakobshorn, Davos' 2590-metre-high 'house mountain'. A mountain with a legendary history, as the first chairlift was opened here in 1934. There is plenty to do on the Jakobshorn in both summer and winter.
At the summit, you have two restaurants where you can gaze at the Swiss mountain landscape with a snack and a drink. You can hike, mountain bike or devour all your energy on a challenging trail run. In this 4.8-kilometre trail run, you climb 1,000 metres to the mountain peak. In summer, a race is held for this exhausting run. In winter, the Jakobshorn is a popular ski resort with 55 kilometres of slopes ranging from blue to black. The mountain is especially known as a hotspot for snowboarders and freestylers. Set aside at least 2 hours to enjoy the beauty of the area. Website: www.davosklostersmountains.ch
Skiing on the slopes of Parsenn
As a winter sports village, Davos has left a firm footprint in history. As early as 1865, the first winter sports tourists came to the village and it is where sledding and bobsledding began. So it is not surprising that Davos has become one of Switzerland's best winter sports resorts. The village is surrounded by six ski resorts with more than 300 kilometres of ski runs, all well-maintained and easily accessible by ski lifts. For cross-country skiers, there are 100 kilometres of trails, while you can also traverse the mountains via 150 kilometres of winter hiking trails and snowshoe trails.
Most famous is Parsenn, the 12-kilometre ski run that connects the northern mountain village of Küblis with Davos. It is one of the longest ski runs in Europe and is considered the birthplace of skiing in Switzerland. In 1895, this run was discovered by accident by four lost English tourists. More than 90 years ago, a cable car was built, turning the Parsenn into a classic ski mountain, with Switzerland's oldest ski race. The slopes in the area are suitable for both beginners and experienced skiers, and there are several restaurants where you can unwind. Website: www.davosklostersmountains.ch
Relax at Lake Davos
In summer, Lake Davos(Davosersee) is the place to relax. It is a small picturesque lake just north of the village, surrounded by forests and mountain meadows. There are plenty of opportunities for water sports, from surfing and sailing to kayaking and paddleboarding. You can rent pedal boats or take a cooling dip in the water, which reaches a temperature of 20°C in summer. Around the lake are several restaurants and at Bachi's Strandbad(www.bachis-strandbad.ch) is a sunbathing area where you can sunbathe and relax.
Nostalgia on the Schatzalp
Schatzalp is another famous mountain in Davos, and mainly because of a large hotel built here in 1954. The famous German writer Thomas Mann wrote his masterpiece here The Magic Mountain and the hotel shone in several Hollywood films, including Youth (2014) and From the Land of the Moon (2015). So a fun trip for nostalgics, but there is also plenty to do.
You can visit the Alpinum, a botanical garden with more than 5,000 plants from mountainous regions. They come from mountain peaks around the world, including the Alps, the Himalayas, the Pyrenees and the Caucasus. In summer, you can whiz 500 metres down the toboggan run. In winter, it is an ideal ski area for families and skiers who want to take it easy, with gentle slopes. You can reach Schatzalp by cable car, which has been around since 1899. Website: www.schatzalp.ch
Davos winter sports museum
In such a prominent winter sports resort as Davos, a Winter Sports Museum is of course not to be missed! Here you can see the development of winter sports from the pioneering days to the present day through original objects and authentic stories. Marvel at the first wooden skis and bobsleds to come to Davos and find out why ice hockey became a passion in the town. The collection also includes elegant leather figure skates from the 1930s, dated winter sportswear and trophies won by local heroes. A fun museum for true winter sports enthusiasts. Address: Platz CH, Promenade 43, 7270 Davos, Switzerland. Website: www.wintersportmuseum.ch
Take a paragliding flight
Want to do something exciting in Davos? Experience the breathtaking scenery on a paragliding flight, soaring free as a bird among the mighty mountains of the Alps. Once you put your feet off the ground, there is no turning back. The first time, the adrenaline is still coursing through your body, but soon you won't want for anything else when all you hear around you is the faint sound of the wind. The Jakobshorn is the best place to paraglide, landing at the valley station of the cable car after the flight. It's no problem if you've never done it before. There are several tour operators in Davos that offer tandem flights, where you float through the air together with an experienced pilot.
Go hiking in Davos
Davos is a paradise if you like hiking, with no less than 700 kilometres of well-maintained and marked hiking trails. You can be at one with nature here, hiking past quiet mountain lakes, alpine meadows with wild flowers and splashing waterfalls. It almost goes without saying that you can enjoy phenomenal views along the way. There are walks and treks for every level of difficulty, from rugged trails over steep slopes to gentle flat paths for the whole family.
You can take a hike of a few hours, or spend several days touring various mountain huts. A great winter hiking trail is the Hohe Promenade, a one-hour walk that you can easily take from the centre of Davos. The trail starts at the historic Hotel Seehof and offers impressive views over the rooftops of Davos and the surrounding mountains. It ends at the Davos Ice Stadium, perhaps the most beautiful ice hockey stadium in the world. A list of hiking trails in and around Davos can be found on the tourist office's website: www.davos.ch
Take the kids to Madrisa Land
Buy a ticket for Madrisa Land if you want to do something in Davos with the kids. This is Switzerland's highest amusement park, at 1900 metres, open all year round. In summer, kids can have fun bouncing, sliding, swinging and splashing around. Attractions range from a bouncy castle and a snake cave to a giant slide where you whiz down 100 metres. Following the animals of the 'Madrisa gang', you can solve puzzles or take a ride on a pony. You can also spend the night there, in tree houses or tipi tents. The adventure park is located on Mount Madrisa, the 'house mountain' of neighbouring Klosters. Website: www.madrisa.ch
Visit the highest beer brewery
A short drive along a winding mountain road south of Davos leads you to Biervision Monstein, Switzerland's highest beer brewery. At an altitude of 1625 metres, it brews five speciality beers, using water from the mountains, Swiss hops and organic malt. The brewery has been located on the site of a former dairy since 2000. During a guided tour, you can see how the beer is made and, of course, taste your beers in the atmospheric cellar. There is also a small whisky distillery on the premises and you can buy local specialities like cheese and chocolate. Website: www.monsteinerbier.ch
What to do in Davos: practical tips
Staying overnight in Davos
Davos has a wide range of accommodation, which is of course to be expected in such a prominent ski resort. The town has a good number of 4-star hotels, but you can also find cheaper family hotels, guesthouses, flats and chalets. Some hotels are in a special location on one of the mountain peaks, which can only be reached by cable car. As in many other Swiss ski resorts, accommodation in Davos is relatively expensive, especially during the World Economic Forum, which usually takes place in January. Hotels are therefore quickly fully booked.
One of the most luxurious places is the AlpenGold Hotel, nicknamed 'the golden egg', just outside the centre of Davos. The gold-coloured facade already hints at what you can expect at this exclusive 5-star hotel high in the Graubünden Alps. The hotel has 216 spacious rooms with stunning views over the mountains and the valley. There is an indoor pool, outdoor pool and wellness centre with sauna, spa, steam room and fitness centre. The hotel has several bars and restaurants, including Studio Grigio on the top floor. This is one of the highest restaurants in the Alps. Guests can rent ski equipment there or use the hotel's own ski school. ► Book an overnight stay at the AlpenGold Hotel here
Next to the Parsenn cable car and on Davos' most famous street, the Promenade, you will find the historic Hotel Seehof Davos. This elegant 5-star hotel has welcomed guests from all over the world since 1869, making it one of the oldest hotels in the Alps. Only in winter can you spend the night in a special way in Iglu-Dorf Davos Klosters, an igloo hotel at an altitude of 2620 metres.
Eating and drinking in Davos
Davos is known for its vibrant nightlife, with more than 40 bars and clubs. In fact, many say it is the best city in the Swiss Alps for après-ski partying. Regardless of the time of year, you can party late into the night here.
Legendary is the Jatzhütte(www.jatzhuette.ch) in the Jakobshorn ski area. It is perhaps Switzerland's most famous ski hut, with full moon parties and the cult drink 'Kafi Sex'. You will have an unforgettable experience in the hot tub at 2560 metres, where you can enjoy the snowy mountain landscape while bathing in 39 °C. Everyone comes to this bar, from students to bankers, and flirting is guaranteed.
For a chic night out and spotting sportsmen and celebrities, head to the popular Pöstli Club(www.morosani.ch). No other nightclub in Davos has such a long queue. A dress code applies, so don't forget to swap your ski suit for neater clothes. A culinary highlight is Golden Dragon China Restaurant(www.hotelgrischa.ch), recommended by Michelin. In a harmonious setting of wood, leather and stone, you can enjoy authentic Chinese cuisine here.
Travelling to Davos
Davos is located in eastern Switzerland, not very far from the border of Austria and Liechtenstein. From Amsterdam, it is about a 10-hour drive. The fastest route is via Stuttgart and the Swiss city of St Gallen (937 kilometres). Note that a toll vignette is compulsory for the highways in Switzerland. This is available at border crossings, petrol stations and post offices, or can be ordered on the internet.
The train journey from Amsterdam to Davos takes about 11½ hours, with changes in Basel and Landquart. The nearest international airport is in Zurich, to which you can fly from Schiphol Airport in an hour and a half. From Zurich, you can catch a train to Davos, changing trains in Landquart. This is a 3½-hour train journey. For timetable and ticket information, check the Schweizerische Bundesbahnen (SBB) website(www.sbb.ch). If you have more money and less time, you can take a taxi at Zurich airport (travel time 2 hours).
If you are in Switzerland for longer, you can also reach Davos in a special way by train. This is because the city is the terminus of two of the world's most famous railway lines: the Glacier Express and Bernina Express. The Glacier Express calls itself 'the slowest express train in the world' and connects the fashionable ski resort St. Moritz to Zermatt, the ski village at the foot of the Matterhorn. The spectacular Bernina Express is the highest rail link in Switzerland and connects Davos with Tirano in northern Italy. ► Read more about extraordinary train journeys in Switzerland here