Are you about to embark on your first-ever visit to the glamorous mountain town of Davos, Switzerland?
Whether you’re a solo traveler, going with family or friends, we’ve got plenty of tips and advice for you.
From cultural attractions to wild nightlife scenes and adventure activities, get inspired with our essential guide on how to make it an unforgettable trip.
With so much magic hidden away in the Swiss Alps, let’s take a look at why Davos should be top of your list during any European visit.
At a height of 1560 m, Davos is the highest larger town in Europe. It lies in a beautiful Alpine valley, right in the heart of Switzerland’s canton Graubünden.
Today, Davos is most well-known for its ski areas, with ski runs that go for up to 12 km, and over 700km of marked walking trails, making it one of Switzerland’s top walking destinations.
This picturesque ski resort town tucked away in the Swiss Alps, is more than just a destination for avid skiers and snowboarders.
Dubbed as the “Magic Mountain” by German writer Thomas Mann, Davos annually hosts the World Economic Forum, an event that brings together some of the world’s most influential leaders to discuss and strategize around pressing economic issues.
Moreover, the town of Davos is split into two parts with Davos Dorf in the northeast and Davos Platz in the southwest. A walk from one end to the other takes about 45 minutes.
In the town center, you can find a wide range of restaurants, cafés, and accommodations, as well as numerous boutiques for excellent shopping. At night, plenty of bars, discos, and casinos are there to entertain everyone.
Despite the chilly temperatures, Davos in winter is a hot spot for both recreational and intellectual pursuits.
Bonus Davos tips: If it gets too cold, visit the big indoor swimming pool “Eau-la-la”.
It has a wellness area with a sauna, a great heated outdoor area that feels like a big hot spring with a built-in whirlpool, and a relaxation area to ease tiredness from all the hiking, ice skating, or sledding. This is the perfect place to get a massage before you go to bed.
Davos is a winter sports metropolis. It is popular among skiing and snowboarding fans all around the world.
There are six well-equipped ski resorts in this region: Jakobshorn, Parsenn, Pischa, Madrisa, Rinerhorn, and Schatzalp.
Schatzalp is the first-ever ski resort in Europe, and Picha, Madrisa, and Rinerhorn are smaller ski resorts ideal for families.
Smaller ski resorts are brought together into one vast winter sports arena and connected by a train that runs along the valley.
Moreover, at altitudes between 1124 and 2844 m, you will find 300 km of slopes, 75 km of cross-country ski tracks, 8 sledding runs, two artificial ice-skating rinks, and 58 ski lifts.
There is also Europe’s largest natural ice rink and the new “Ice Dream” for ice hockey, skating, and Bavarian curling.
So, some of the activities and things to do in Davos during winter are the following:
With its pristine lakes, wildflower-strewn meadows, and panoramic trails, Davos promises breathtaking views and an opportunity for adventure.
It is no surprise then that this idyllic town has gained popularity as a summer retreat.
In addition, the Rinerhorn mountain area, facing the stunning Landwasser Valley, in summer, offers walks in a flowery pasture in the company of cattle.
If you are there with children, you can take them to the petting zoo where they can handle lambs and baby goats. To rest those feet you could hire Trotti bikes (cycle-scooter hybrids) to freewheel back down the slope.
There is also Flüela Pass, which connects Landewasser Valley with Susch in the Lower Engadin. In 2015, the Flüela Pass road made fourth place out of the 25 top world-class roads.
However, don’t be surprised if there’s still snow on the side of the road even in June – neither of the marmots, which are a common sight along the edge.
There are many more places to visit in Davos that are worth your attention and stay, but in short, the things you can do during the summer are:
Davos is a hub for business, politics, and innovation that attracts thousands of visitors every year.
For those planning their first trip to Davos, it is important to know that the town is packed full of opportunities to explore and discover its beauty and tranquil surroundings.
However, we have some tips to help you make the most of your first-time visit:
If you’re planning to explore the beautiful region of Davos, it’s crucial to stay prepared for changing weather conditions.
From sunny days to chilly evenings, Davos can experience fluctuating temperatures. That’s why it’s best to dress in layers, allowing you to adapt seamlessly to any weather changes.
If you’re planning a trip to Davos, Switzerland, it’s important to remember that the town is located at a very high altitude.
To avoid potential health issues and make the most of your visit, it’s important to acclimate to the altitude before diving into any strenuous activities.
Check the schedule of events and conferences hosted throughout the year and plan your visit accordingly.
With advanced planning, you can ensure that you don’t miss out on any of the exciting opportunities offered in this picturesque location.
For your trip to Davos, you can choose between two options for getting around: public transportation or hiring a limo service.
If you’re a first-time visitor to the area, we highly recommend the latter for a stress-free experience. Sit back, relax, and let professionals handle your transportation needs.
A professional chauffeur who knows everything about the area will provide you with a comfortable and safe ride, and will also give you recommendations on where to go and what to do.
Experience authentic Swiss cuisine during your stay in Davos.
Indulge in traditional favorites like fondue, raclette, and Alpine specialties that will tempt your taste buds.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to savor the local flavors and make your trip unforgettable.
Davos, situated in the Graubinden Alps, is a beautiful ski region that requires some effort to reach.
The closest airport is Zurich, and from there, Davos can be reached easily by car or train. For those who prefer train travel, trains from Zurich to Davos run every hour, from underneath the airport. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes.
However, for those who would rather avoid public transport, it is highly recommended to hire a private chauffeured car service.
The vehicle will wait for you at the airport and bring you all the way up to your resort.
Especially convenient for families with children. It’s the perfect solution for those who want to sit back, relax, and take in the stunning Swiss countryside.
Clearly, Davos is a paradise, not only for life-long skiers but also for anyone looking to discover the beauty of the Swiss Alps and its rich cultural offerings.
With the right knowledge and understanding of Davos’ unique atmosphere, first-time visitors can experience everything it has to offer in comfort and contentment.
Therefore, if you need help getting to Davos or around the city, EdelSwiss has the best solution for you!
We offer the best limousine service around, with a professional driver who will be at your disposal and provide you with a luxurious, safe, and relaxing ride.
So, if you want to get to know Davos in style, feel free to contact us and book your ride.
Thank you for reading!