Discover Davos | A Visitor's Introduction to Davos

Why is Davos Worth a Visit?

Davos is worth visiting for its unique combination of natural beauty, high-altitude activity, and vibrant urban energy – all in a spectacular mountain setting. Unlike the postcard-perfect charm of other Swiss resorts, Davos has a more modern look, shaped by its historic role as a health retreat in the 19th century. Its slightly utilitarian architecture conceals a world-class infrastructure for sports, events, and leisure. With six ski areas, over 700 km of hiking trails, and a lively cultural scene, Davos is truly an all-seasons destination.

This town has a long history of attracting visitors seeking rejuvenation. The clean, dry air and high altitude made it a popular tuberculosis sanatorium destination in the late 1800s, famously inspiring Thomas Mann’s novel The Magic Mountain. Today, that health-conscious legacy lives on in the town’s spa centres, outdoor activities, and fresh mountain air. Davos is also well known for its accessibility – you can ski, hike, shop, dine, and attend an international conference, all without needing to venture far.

Davos Highlights: Things to See and Do in Davos

Parsenn Ski Area

The Parsenn area is the largest and most popular of Davos’s ski regions, linking the town with neighbouring Klosters. It's famous for long, sweeping runs (including a 12 km descent to Küblis), reliable snow, and a great mix of blue, red and black pistes. The red Parsenn run is legendary among seasoned skiers, while beginners are well catered to further up the mountain. The Parsennbahn funicular takes you quickly from Davos Dorf to the ski area, with plenty of panoramic mountain restaurants at the top.

Jakobshorn

A more youthful and freestyle-oriented mountain, Jakobshorn is a favourite among snowboarders, freeriders, and those looking for a bit of après-ski buzz. With its fun terrain park and laid-back vibe, it’s the perfect complement to the more traditional Parsenn. The mountain is also popular for winter hiking and snowshoeing. In summer, Jakobshorn offers paragliding launch sites and is a hub for alpine hiking.

Lake Davos (Davosersee)

This alpine lake, located just outside Davos Dorf, is a serene retreat and a hub for water activities in summer. You can go paddleboarding, windsurfing, or swimming in the cool, clear waters. There’s a well-maintained path around the lake that’s ideal for walking, jogging or cycling, and the surrounding meadows are perfect for a picnic. In winter, it’s often frozen and surrounded by snowy trails, making for a peaceful scenic walk.

Schatzalp and the Magic Mountain Connection

Accessible by a vintage funicular from Davos Platz, Schatzalp is a sunny plateau that was once home to a famous TB sanatorium. Today it’s a peaceful area for walking and offers gorgeous views of Davos below. The former sanatorium building is now a hotel, and the site inspired Thomas Mann’s novel The Magic Mountain. There’s also an alpine botanical garden here, with over 800 species of mountain plants. In winter, Schatzalp has a small, family-friendly ski area.

World Economic Forum (WEF)

Each January, Davos becomes the centre of global attention when it hosts the World Economic Forum – a gathering of political leaders, CEOs, academics and activists. While most visitors won't attend the invite-only events, the town’s atmosphere changes dramatically, with pop-up pavilions, exhibitions, and media activity. Visiting during WEF week offers a unique buzz, but for a quieter trip, you may want to avoid this time due to road closures and accommodation shortages.

Kirchner Museum

Art lovers shouldn’t miss this impressive museum dedicated to the German expressionist Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, who lived and worked in Davos in the early 20th century. The collection includes bold, colourful paintings, woodcuts and sculptures that reflect both his psychological struggles and his deep connection to the alpine landscape. The minimalist museum building is a striking piece of architecture in itself and offers a peaceful contrast to the hustle of the town centre.

Rinerhorn

Less crowded than Parsenn or Jakobshorn, Rinerhorn is a local favourite and a great choice for families or those looking for a quieter ski or hiking day. In winter, it offers well-groomed pistes, tobogganing runs and night skiing on certain evenings. In summer, Rinerhorn is excellent for hiking and home to a petting zoo and a small mountain playground, making it a hit with younger visitors.

Sertig Valley (Sertigtal)

Just a short bus or drive from the centre of Davos, the Sertig Valley is a picture-perfect alpine scene with a tiny hamlet, a classic wooden church, and surrounding peaks that seem to rise straight out of a fairy tale. This is a peaceful spot for gentle hikes or snowshoe walks. The Bergführer restaurant at the valley’s end serves traditional local dishes and is a great reward after a walk through the valley.

Mountain Biking and Hiking

Davos is one of Switzerland’s best mountain biking destinations, with dozens of marked trails ranging from flowy downhill runs to scenic cross-country rides. The Alps Epic Trail Davos is a highlight – a 45 km singletrail from Jakobshorn to Filisur through stunning alpine landscapes. For hikers, there are over 700 km of trails, including the panoramic Höhenweg above the tree line or gentle walks like the Thomas Mann Weg on Schatzalp.

Davos Congress Centre

Famous as the main venue for the World Economic Forum, the Davos Congress Centre also hosts a wide range of events, from scientific symposiums to concerts and exhibitions. It adds a cultural and intellectual dimension to the town, particularly during the quieter seasons. If there’s a public event happening during your stay, it’s worth checking the programme.

Indoor Ice Rink and Vaillant Arena

Home to the HC Davos ice hockey team, the Vaillant Arena is an architectural gem and a lively spot to catch a Swiss hockey game. The atmosphere is electric during matches, especially when local rivals come to town. The arena also offers public skating sessions and other events in winter. Even if you’re not a hockey fan, watching a game here is a memorable experience.

Practical Advice for Visitors

Getting There

Davos is well connected to Switzerland’s public transport network. The easiest way to arrive is by train via Landquart, with regular services to Davos Platz and Davos Dorf. The journey from Zurich takes about 2.5 hours by train. If driving, note that the mountain roads are well-maintained but can be challenging in winter conditions. Zurich Airport is the closest major international airport.

Parking

Parking is available throughout Davos in public car parks and hotel garages. In peak season, spots can fill quickly, especially in central areas. It’s often easier to leave your car at your accommodation and use the efficient local bus system, which is free with a Davos Klosters Guest Card.

Dining

Davos offers a mix of fine dining, traditional alpine fare and international cuisine. For Swiss specialities, try Hänggi’s Restaurant or Bergführer in the Sertig Valley. La Carretta offers excellent Italian dishes, while Restaurant Golden Dragon in the Morosani Hotel is a local favourite for Asian fusion. Many mountain restaurants offer rustic menus with unforgettable views – ideal for a long lunch on the slopes.

Shopping

The town centre has a range of shops including sports gear stores, Swiss watch retailers, and boutiques selling local crafts. There are also bakeries and delis selling local Graubünden delicacies like Bündnerfleisch (air-dried meat) and the famous Engadiner Nusstorte (nut tart). Davos isn't a major shopping destination, but it covers the essentials and offers a few alpine gems.

When to Visit

Winter (December to April) is the prime time for skiing and winter sports, with January being particularly busy during the World Economic Forum. Summer (June to September) is ideal for hiking, biking, and lake activities. Autumn is quieter but beautiful, with golden larch trees and cool, sunny days. Spring is considered off-season and many hotels and lifts may be closed for maintenance.

Local Events

• World Economic Forum (January): The most high-profile event in Davos, drawing global leaders and media attention.

• Spengler Cup (December): One of the oldest and most prestigious ice hockey tournaments in Europe.

• Davos Festival (August): Classical music in intimate venues, often showcasing emerging talent.

• Swiss Alpine Marathon (July): A high-altitude endurance race drawing serious runners and outdoor enthusiasts.

• Davos X-Trails (August): A trail running festival with multiple distances through stunning alpine terrain.

Exploring Beyond Davos

If you have extra time, nearby Klosters – just 20 minutes away by train – offers a more traditional alpine village vibe with access to the same ski area. The scenic Flüela Pass, open in summer, is a stunning drive with hiking opportunities. For a cultural detour, head to Chur – Switzerland’s oldest city – just over an hour away, offering historic charm and museums. The panoramic Bernina Express train also passes through the region and is well worth the ride.

Whether you come for world-class skiing, peaceful hikes, fresh air, or cultural inspiration, Davos is more than just a venue for global summits. It’s a high-altitude haven where adventure, health, and Alpine living meet. With its wide-ranging attractions, cosmopolitan energy, and stunning mountain setting, Davos stands tall – quite literally – as one of Switzerland’s most intriguing destinations.