Hints & Tricks

One week of summer holidays in Davos

What can you experience in Davos in one week? We have put together recommendations for all preferences. In addition to hikes through gorges and to see the local ibexes, the selection also includes cinema evenings and bike tours. You'll get useful tips for an unforgettable summer holiday. Are you ready for a week full of adventures in the Canton of Grisons?

Davos Klosters Mountains logo in blue round button | © Davos Klosters Mountains
Davos Klosters Mountains
29.05.2024
Man and woman standing on a rock, looking into the horizon  | © Davos Klosters Mountains

Holidays in the Swiss mountains

What awaits you?

Blick auf das Wasser des Davoser Sees, auf der linken Bildseite der Holzsteg.  | © Marcel Giger / snow-world
3 people sitting on rocks and enjoying the view | © Davos Klosters Mountains
© Andrea Badrutt

Day 1: Arrival in Grisons

Journey to Davos

Davos, located in the Canton of Grisons, can be easily reached by train or by car. From Landquart, the journey takes you through the Prättigau region. After crossing Wolfgangpass, you’ll arrive in Davos at 1,560 meters above sea level, and the first thing you’ll see is the beautiful Lake Davos.

First, you’ll drop your luggage off at your accommodation. Don’t forget to get the Davos Klosters Premium Card when you check in at your hotel or holiday flat. With this guest card, you will benefit from many advantages, such as free local bus rides and discounted prices for cable car tickets. Now you’re ready to explore the region!

Spending the day at Lake Davos

To get some exercise after your trip here, a walk around the beautiful Lake Davos is always a good idea. Would you like to give wakeboarding or stand-up paddling a try? Go for it! Your holidays just started, so just enjoy the day at the lake with lots of sun and ice cream. The sunbathing area at “Strandbad” is the perfect place for guests and locals to relax.

Dinner tip

At “Bachi´s Strandbad”, you can end the evening with a view of the water. A burger or homemade Spätzli will satisfy your hunger.

Blick auf die wunderschöne und traditionelle Kirche von Monstein.  | © Davos Tourismus / Raphael Koch
Rinerhorn gondola transports our guests to the Jatzmeder mountain station. | © Davos Klosters Mountains
Das Walserdorf Monstein liegt in einer traumhaften Berglandschaft eingebettet. | © Davos Toursimsus / Raphael Koch

Day 2: Monstein

Hike to the traditional Walser village

The hike from Rinerhorn to Monstein is a perfect start to your holiday. You can slowly get used to the altitude and discover the beautiful mountain world.

The hike starts at the Rinerhorn mountain station. After a coffee on the sundeck of Jatzmeder Restaurant, you are ready to get going. The beautiful trail will lead you through mountain forests and past babbling brooks. You will mostly stay at the same altitude, except for a short descent just before Monstein. From the top, you’ll already see the traditional Walser-style houses surrounded by a lovely landscape. The fresh spring water of the area is also used to brew the local Monstein beer. Have you tried it? After a refreshment stop at a restaurant, the bus will take you back to Davos.

Highlights

  • Every Friday from 4.00 pm to 7.00 pm, you can tour the brewery in Monstein
  • Families with children will enjoy the petting zoo and playground on Rinerhorn.
  • You can find more tips for families in our article “7 tips for family holidays”.

Dinner at Bräma Restaurant

Formerly called "Hänggi´s", the restaurant was very popular in Davos and is now run as Bräma Restaurant by new owners. The excellent cuisine combines diversity and regionality.

Blick in die Zügenschlucht, die vom Bach Landwasser durchflossen wird.  | © Frederic Petignat
Der Nostalgiezug mit der Krokodil-Lokomative fährt über das Viadukt in der Zügenschlucht.  | © Andrea Badrutt
Zvieri snack spread out on table cloth | © Davos Klosters Mountains

Day 3: Zügenschlucht gorge

Excursion to the wild canyon

An excursion to Zügenschlucht gorge is a must when on holiday in Davos. Gushing water and impressive rock formations accompany you on the way. During the tour, you can also see the impressive Wiesner Viaduct.

Hiking through Zügenschlucht to Filisur station

The hike begins at Davos Monstein station and passes the mining museum. This is where the hiking trail into the wild gorge starts. Over the years, the river Landwasser has left impressive traces in the rock and shaped the landscape. A nice place to take a break is the "Züga-Beizli" at Davos Wiesen station. Before you reach Filisur station, you will cross the gorge on the Wiesner Viaduct, an imposing structure. As you continue on the trail, you will come across signs for the nature trail, which provides information on the flora and fauna of the region.

Highlights

  • A great experience not only for train fans: the return journey on the nostalgia train. An impressive journey through the wild “Zügenschlucht” gorge awaits.
  • The first part of the hike takes you along the mobility trail. Here you can learn exciting facts about the former transport route through the “Zügenschlucht” via audio.

Dinner: barbecue spots in Davos

There are some enjoyable barbecue spots in Davos, equipped with wood and grills. All you need to do is bring your own food. The barbecue area by Lake Davos at the so-called "Hawai Bay" is particularly popular.

Der Panoramaweg führt den steinigen Hang entlang in Richtung Höhenweg Parsenn.  | © Davos Klosters Mountains
Am Hang des Schiahors ist gegen den Himmel die Lawinenverbauung erkennbar.   | © Davos Klosters Mountains
Panoramic trail beween Klosters and Davos with great views. | © Davps Klosters Mountains

Day 4: Summit hike

Ascent to Schiahorn

Are you ready for your first summit climb? You have probably seen Schiahorn many times during your stay in Davos. With the avalanche barriers, it is easy to spot from the village. Gross Schiahorn boasts an altitude of 2,709 metres above sea level as well as beautiful views of Landwasser valley.

Hike to Gross Schiahorn

Many trails lead to the summit. The start at Weissfluhjoch is particularly beautiful – you can walk around the summit and get to know it from all sides. Take the Parsenn cable car up to Weissfluhjoch. From there, walk towards Hauptertäli and along the rock trail to Strelapass. You can take a break at Strelapass Restaurant before the ascent begins. The trail now leads steeply up to the summit. Soon you’ll have made it and can enjoy the magnificent view. Take the same trail back to the Panorama Trail and continue to the Höhenweg middle station. After the hike, you can stop for refreshments at the restaurant and then take the cable car back to Davos.

Highlights on Parsenn

  • On Wednesdays, you can go on a guided tour up to Schiahorn together with a hiking guide. Spots are limited, so be sure to book this unique experience in advance.
  • The Panorama Trail does not end at Höhenweg. Those who can’t get enough of the mountain panorama can continue on the Panorama Trail to Gotschnagrat. From there, the cable car takes you down to Klosters.
  • In this article, you will find more great peaks to explore.

Dinner at the cosy Montana Stube

The "Montana Stube" is a traditional restaurant with good cuisine in Davos village. The fried "Mistkratzerli" are highly recommended.

A beautiful path leads to the Grüenhorn with a view of the Casanna.  | © Davos Klosters Mountains
Billy goat on rocks  | © Davos Klosters Mountains
A ibex with mighty horns stands on a rock at Parsenn. | © Sabine Pegoraro
An ibex climbs over a rock and looks up to the mountain. | © Davos Klosters Mountains

Day 5: Wildlife watching

Ibex tour on Parsenn

Ibexes are not only part of the Canton of Grisons’ coat of arms, they are also characteristic of the Parsenn area. Would you like to observe these shy animals? Then join us on an ibex tour!

With the Parsenn cable car to the ibexes

For the day tour, you will meet a hiking guide from "Pur erleben" at 8.00 a.m. at the Parsenn valley station. You won't regret getting up early – promise! After a first overview of the day's schedule, you're ready to see the ibexes. In summer, the animals prefer to stayat  higher altitudes. Lunch will be a picnic at a nice location. You will experience an active and unforgettable day and return to the valley with many beautiful memories.

Packing list for the day trip

  • Photo camera and binoculars
  • Picnic lunch
  • Enough to drink
  • Sturdy shoes and weather-appropriate clothing
     

Evening events in Davos

Kulturplatz in Davos offers a wide range of cultural events. In addition to the latest cinema films, relevant topics are highlighted with lectures as well as theatre performances.

Tip for dinner: "Restaurant Giovadin" is known for its delicious cordon bleu. The restaurant at Hotel Strela impresses its guests with a diverse menu.

A biker enters the bend of the technical trail on the Jakobshorn.  | © Davos Klosters Mountains
Mountain biker on the road in the Alps  | © Davos Klosters Mountains
Mountain Biker on rocks | © Davos Klosters Mountains

Day 6: Mountain biking in Davos

Biking on Jakobshorn

Are you a mountain biking enthusiast? In Davos and Klosters, there are many trails and routes to explore. If you're in Davos for the first time, it's worth taking advantage of the Trail Days. Every Friday and Saturday, a bike guide takes you on a day tour of the trails in the region.

Biking on Jakobshorn

You’ll start your biking day with a few descents on the technical trail. In the upper part, there are some rocky sections to master. On the lower part, the flow trail leads you through the forest and round bends. If you feel confident enough, you can tackle the Jakobshorn—Sertig trail, a beautiful trail in the picturesque Sertig valley. Luckily, there are cable cars, so you can do several runs in one day.

Highlights for bikers

Dinner in the evening sun

"Chalet Velo" at Färich Adventure Park is the ideal place for a pleasant and relaxed dinner. Bikers, families and friends all enjoy the good food and cosy atmosphere. At the entrance to Flüela Valley, you can sit outside and treat yourself to a delicious pizza from the restaurant’s wood-fired oven.

©  Photo Davos Sounds Good
The famous Bolgen Plaza in the middle of a lush green meadow at the bottom of the Jakobshorn. | © Davos Klosters Mountains
Several cars parked in front of cinema screen  | © Davos Klosters Mountains

Day 7: Events

Concert at Bolgenplaza

After six days of activities, the last day of your holiday can be a little more laid-back. How about sleeping in, followed by a delicious breakfast at Kaffee Klatsch in Davos? If you prefer a little more action, we recommend a scooter ride on Rinerhorn – a fun experience that allows you to enjoy the mountains one last time.

Live concert at Bolgenplaza

In the afternoon, you can sit on the sundeck of Bolgenplaza and listen to live music while sipping on a cool drink. Numerous concerts with great musicians take place in July as part of the Davos Sounds Good Festival.

Evening programme promising fun

Party Davos style: If you want to go out, you should visit the Tijuana Bar or the Music bar Rotliechtli. Fresh drinks and good sound are waiting for you. And while there: The traditional “game of nails” on the "Nagelstock" is a must!

Dinner tip: "Restaurant Ochsen" is famous for its dishes cooked on hot stone. The restaurant is worth a visit for meat lovers and vegetarians alike.

Summer event highlights

The last day of your holidays in Davos always comes much too quickly. We hope you enjoyed your stay here. We look forward to your next visit to the Grisons mountains and wish you a relaxing summer!

Your Davos Klosters Mountains Team