Davos Travel Guide

Plan your itinerary in Davos, Switzerland with this detailed guide. Discover the top attractions, hiking/biking routes, food and drink scene, where to stay, and tips for safety and health.


Introduction to Davos

Davos is a charming town located in the heart of the Swiss Alps, in the Graubünden canton of Switzerland. Also known as the “Magic Mountains,” Davos is a picturesque alpine resort town that is famous for its exceptional skiing conditions during the winter season. The town is divided into two parts - Davos Platz and Davos Dorf which are connected by a train line. Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast, cultural traveler or a foodie, Davos has something to offer everyone who visits.

List of Places to Visit in Davos

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Davos Museum: This museum features interactive exhibits showcasing Davos’ cultural heritage and history.
  2. Kirchner Museum: The museum features the work of Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, a German expressionist painter that lived in Davos.
  3. Wintersport Museum: It features an extensive collection of vintage skis, sleds, and other winter sports equipment.

Natural Attractions of Davos: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Parsenn Ski Resort: This popular ski resort boasts over 240 kilometers of slopes and is the largest ski resort in the Davos Klosters area.
  2. Jakobshorn Ski Resort: This ski resort is a favorite among snowboarders and free-riders and features a snow park and half-pipe.
  3. Lake Davos: Surrounded by mountains, Lake Davos is a popular spot for fishing, swimming, and boating during the summer months.
  4. Swiss National Park: A short drive from Davos, the Swiss National Park is a protected area with 170 km of hiking trails and breathtaking views.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Davos

  1. Scaletta Pass: This challenging trail leads hikers through high alpine terrain and offers a stunning view.
  2. Davos Jatzhütte Trail: This trail offers breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and valleys below.
  3. Sertig Valley Trail: One of the most popular trails in Davos, it is accessible all year round.

Best Things to Do in Davos: Activities and Tours

  1. Skiing and Snowboarding: With slopes catering to all levels, skiing and snowboarding is a must-do activity in Davos during the winter months.
  2. Ice Skating: There are several ice skating rinks in Davos, including one that is open year-round.
  3. E-Bike Tours: Explore Davos on an E-bike. Several tour companies offer guided tours that are suitable for all skill levels.
  4. Paragliding: Take a tandem paragliding trip above the Swiss Alps and enjoy the stunning views.

Week-Long Itinerary for Davos

Day Activity
1 Skiing or Snowboarding in Parsenn Ski Resort
2 Visit the Davos Museum and Kirchner Museum
3 Hiking in the Swiss National Park
4 Ice Skating at one of the ice skating rinks
5 Explore Davos on an E-bike
6 Paragliding over the Swiss Alps
7 Relax and enjoy local cuisine and a visit to the spa

Food and Drink Scene of Davos

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Capuns: Swiss chard leaf rolls stuffed with homemade dough, dried meat, and cheese.
  2. Bündner Nusstorte: A traditional Swiss nut tart made with walnuts and honey.
  3. Maluns: Grated potatoes cooked in butter and served with cheese.

Local Beverages

  1. Bündner Rheinquell Mineralwasser: A natural mineral water from the Swiss Alps.
  2. Bündner Bergblüten Gin: A gin distilled in Graubünden with 16 local herbs and flowers.

Where to Stay in Davos: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  1. InterContinental Davos: A luxurious hotel located in Davos Platz.
  2. AMERON Davos Swiss Mountain Resort: A modern 4-star hotel that’s perfect for families.
  3. Youth Hostel Davos: An affordable hostel located in Davos Dorf that offers shared dorms and private rooms.

What to Buy in Davos: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Swiss chocolate
  2. Swiss Watches
  3. Swiss Knives
  4. Alpine cheese

Local Culture and Customs of Davos

Davos celebrates its Swiss-German heritage with several cultural events throughout the year. The most famous festival is the Spengler Cup, an international ice hockey tournament that takes place every year.

Best Time to Visit Davos

The best time to visit Davos is in the winter months (December to April) for skiing and snowboarding. However, Summer (June to September) also offers great weather for hiking, biking and enjoying the outdoors.

Do’s and Don’ts of Davos

Do:

  1. Wear warm, waterproof clothes during the winter months.
  2. Try the local cuisine.
  3. Take advantage of Davos’ natural beauty by taking hikes or exploring the outdoors.

Don’t:

  1. Drink tap water.
  2. Litter in the outdoors.
  3. Forget to tip your server.

Safety and Health

Safety in Davos

Davos is a very safe destination. However, it’s important to be prepared for outdoor activities and follow basic safety precautions.

Health in Davos

Switzerland has excellent health care, and there are several medical clinics in Davos in case of an emergency.

Getting to Davos: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Davos

  1. Zurich Airport - 2-hour drive
  2. Basel - 3-hour drive
  3. Milan - 3-hour drive

Bus Stations Near Davos

  1. Zurich Bus Station - 2-hour drive
  2. Chur - 1-hour drive

Other Options

  1. Train: The train is the most convenient option for getting to Davos, and the train station is located in the center of town.
  2. Car: Rental cars are available at all major airports, and it’s possible to drive to Davos, but be prepared for narrow, winding roads.

How to Get Around in Davos

There is a public transportation system in Davos that includes buses, trains and cable cars. Alternatively, renting a car or an E-bike is also a great way to get around. Taxis are also readily available in town.

Where to Go Next from Davos: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. St. Moritz - A luxurious mountain town to the east with high-end shopping and world-class skiing.
  2. Arosa - A picturesque alpine village located an hour’s drive from Davos that is famous for its natural beauty and, especially, its skiing.
  3. Zurich - Switzerland’s largest city and a hub for international travel, located two hours from Davos.

Conclusion

Davos is a perfect destination for anyone seeking an outdoor adventure or a cultural experience. Switzerland’s pristine beauty and the warmth of its people will leave you with unforgettable memories. Plan your trip today and experience all the magic that Davos has to offer!

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