Davos

Davos is the highest town in the Alps at 1,560 m and combines alpine nature, strong sports infrastructure, and an international atmosphere. Families come here for mountain trails, snow activities, beautiful valleys, and simple logistics that work even with younger children. The town stretches along the Landwasser River and has two centres – Davos Platz and Davos Dorf – linked by the lively Promenade.

How do you get around Davos and is a car necessary?

Reaching Davos is straightforward. The main route runs from Zurich via Landquart, and the Landquart-Davos Platz rail line is especially scenic, passing through narrow valleys and arriving directly in the town centre. Trains stop at Davos Platz and Davos Dorf, giving easy access to hotels, lifts, and restaurants.

Within Davos, buses run frequently, and many hotel guests receive the Davos Klosters Premium Card, which includes local transport. For families who want to reach Sertig Valley, the Monstein area, or family parks in Klosters, renting a car still gives more flexibility and saves time, especially early in the morning or after full days outdoors.

Tip from the Itinerary Expert: I always recommend having a car in Davos – it makes spontaneous stops at viewpoints, valleys, and small villages much easier than relying on bus timetables.

When is the best time to visit Davos?

Winter (December-March)

In winter, Davos turns into a classic alpine resort with long ski slopes, snow parks, and family-friendly areas for all levels. The town offers skiing, snowboarding, and quieter options like winter walks and snowshoeing. January can be noticeably busier because of the World Economic Forum, when Davos becomes a meeting point for global political, business, and cultural leaders.

Tip from the Itinerary Expert: For families, February and early March are often the sweet spot – still plenty of snow, but usually fewer crowds and better chances to find good-value accommodation.

Summer (June-September)

Summer in Davos feels calm and green. The Promenade is quieter, views are clear, and streets are easy to navigate with children. Families enjoy bike trails, nature paths, picnic spots, and alpine lakes, with lifts and cable cars making mountain access simple even for those who do not want long hikes.

Spring in Davos felt magical – even the train ride looked like a postcard.

Top Attractions in Davos: What Should You See First?

1. Kirchner Museum Davos

Kirchner Museum Davos holds the world’s largest collection of works by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, who spent the last decades of his life in Davos. The building itself – a minimalist glass structure of four interconnected cubes – is a key architectural landmark. Inside, families find colourful alpine landscapes, drawings, engravings, and changing temporary exhibitions. The atmosphere is calm, and the combination of art, modern architecture, and surrounding mountain views makes it a compact but memorable stop. Plan around 1-1.5 hours, which works well even with school-age children.

2. Beervision Monstein

Beervision Monstein is located in the small Walser village of Monstein, reached by a scenic mountain road or organised bus tours. The brewery is known as a high-altitude production site and offers tours where visitors learn about local brewing and taste Monstein beer in different stages of fermentation. For families, Monstein itself is a highlight: wooden houses, quiet streets, panoramic views, and short walking paths create a relaxed atmosphere away from the busier town centre.

3. Parsenn

Parsenn is the largest ski area in Davos, with long, wide slopes, modern lifts, and usually very good snow conditions. It suits mixed-level families: beginners find gentler sections, while experienced skiers enjoy long red runs that often lead right back towards the town. Arriving early in the day helps to avoid waiting times at the funicular and gives a calmer start to the skiing day, even outside peak holiday periods.

4. Jakobshorn

Jakobshorn is particularly attractive for snowboarders and freestyle fans thanks to its snowpark and monster pipe. In summer, it becomes the starting point for major bike routes such as the Alps Epic Trail. The summit terrace offers excellent photo opportunities: open wooden decks, big alpine skies, and sweeping views over Davos and the surrounding peaks. It is also an easy place to let children move around safely while adults enjoy the panorama.

5. Nostalgia Train Davos-Filisur

The Nostalgia Train between Davos and Filisur is a favourite with families. This vintage train travels through gorges, across viaducts, and along the Landwasser River, turning a short journey into a relaxed sightseeing experience. It is a gentle alternative to more demanding activities and works well as a half-day outing.

6. Hotel Schatzalp

Hotel Schatzalp stands above Davos in an Art Nouveau building originally created as a sanatorium. Today it is known for its terraces, easy walking paths, and a summer toboggan run. The area around Schatzalp provides accessible viewpoints and light walks, making it a pleasant stop for families who want mountain scenery without long hikes.

What Natural Landscapes Can You See Around Davos?

Zügenschlucht Gorge

Zügenschlucht Gorge is one of the most dramatic landscapes near Davos. The trail leads through narrow passages, tunnels, and bridges, with the Rhaetian Railway crossing the gorge high above on viaducts. The walk is partly shaded and very suitable for warm days. Some sections can be rocky and damp, so sturdy footwear is important, especially with children. The combination of cliffs, forest, and passing trains creates a sense of adventure without long distances.

Gwunderwald Nature Trail

The Gwunderwald Nature Trail is a 13 km educational route designed for families of different ages. It includes themed sections, playful learning points about forests and wildlife, as well as picnic areas and several small restaurants along the way. For children, the “Wonder Trails” make hiking feel like a game: they move from station to station, collecting impressions rather than focusing on the distance. Adults appreciate that the route mixes light walking with clear opportunities to rest and eat.

Alps Epic Trail

The Alps Epic Trail is one of Switzerland’s most impressive single trails and is especially popular with mountain bikers. It starts at Jakobshorn, continues via Sertig, and crosses several mountain areas before descending into Zügenschlucht and finishing in Filisur. Although known primarily as a bike route, experienced hikers can enjoy portions of the trail as well, choosing sections that match their fitness level and available time.

Sertig Valley

Sertig Valley is frequently described as one of the most picturesque places in the Davos region. Surrounded by peaks and meadows, it is ideal for relaxed walks, family picnics, and photography. Many travellers combine a visit to Sertig with a lift ride or a section of the Alps Epic Trail, using it as a softer, more open counterpart to the steeper terrain higher up.

What Family Activities Does Davos Offer?

Madrisa Land

Madrisa Land is a large family adventure park on Sonnensberg Mountain above Klosters. It offers themed zones, animals, slides, and seasonal attractions, designed to keep children active outdoors for several hours.

Family Bike Trail

The Family Bike Trail is a technical course where families learn basic cycling techniques and then test them immediately on short mountain circuits. It is a good option for children who already feel confident on a bike and want to try off-road terrain in a controlled environment.

Schatzalp Summer Toboggan Run

The Schatzalp Summer Toboggan Run is about 2.5 km long with a 240 m drop. The ride is fast, scenic, and best suited to school-age children and teenagers. Sleds can be rented at the station, making it a simple add-on to a visit to Schatzalp.

Davos Adventure Park – Ropes & Bike Park

Davos Adventure Park on the Flüela Pass combines suspension rope courses and bike elements. Routes vary in difficulty, and there is a dedicated section for younger visitors. It is a good place for children to challenge themselves in a supervised outdoor setting.

What Should You Try in Davos Restaurants?

Families will find plenty of cosy mountain restaurants both in town and on the slopes. There are options at Schatzalp, on Parsenn, on Jakobshorn, and in traditional areas such as Monstein. Typical choices include alpine dishes like different versions of rösti, barley soup, and cheese specialities, along with mountain meals enjoyed on panoramic terraces – ideal during hikes or ski breaks. In Monstein, many visitors combine local beer tastings with simple regional snacks, making it a relaxed stop after exploring the village or visiting Beervision Monstein.

Tip from the Itinerary Expert: On sunny days, popular mountain terraces fill quickly. Arriving early for lunch or booking where possible gives you the best chance of front-row views for photos.

3-Day Davos Itinerary for Families

Day 1 – Jakobshorn (Jakobshorn) & Sertig Valley (Sertig Valley)

Morning (10:00-13:00) | Jakobshorn Summit

From Davos Platz station, walk about 5 minutes to the Jakobshorn cable car and ride to the top (allow around 20 minutes including waiting time). Spend roughly 1.5 hours on the panoramic terraces and on easy paths around the summit station. This area is also the starting point of the Alps Epic Trail. Have lunch from 13:00-14:00 at the mountain restaurant near the top.

Afternoon (14:00-17:00) | Sertig Valley

After lunch, drive about 15 minutes or take the bus from Davos Platz to Sertig. Walk for 1-1.5 hours through the open valley, stopping for photos and short rests. The landscape is open and relaxed, which works well for families. Aim to be back in Davos by around 17:00.

Evening (17:00-18:00)

Have dinner on the Promenade and choose any family-friendly restaurant near Davos Platz. This keeps transfers short at the end of the day.

Day 2 – Zügenschlucht Gorge (Zügenschlucht Gorge) & Nostalgia Train (Davos-Filisur)

Morning (10:00-12:30) | Zügenschlucht Gorge

In the morning, drive about 10 minutes to the start of the Zügenschlucht trail or use the regional train to reach the gorge area. Walk the shaded path for around 2 hours, passing tunnels, bridges, and viaducts. Good shoes are important because some parts are rocky and may be damp.

Lunch (12:30-13:30)

Return to Davos Platz (10-15 minutes by car or train) for a simple lunch in town.

Afternoon (13:30-16:00) | Nostalgia Train Davos-Filisur

In the afternoon, take the Nostalgia Train from Davos to Filisur. The one-way journey is about 25 minutes and offers wide views of the Landwasser valley and impressive viaducts. Spend a short time in Filisur if you wish, then return to Davos by around 16:00.

Evening (16:00-18:00)

Enjoy a relaxed walk along the Promenade and finish with dinner at one of the nearby restaurants.

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Day 3 – Monstein Village (Monstein) & Beervision Monstein (Beervision Monstein)

Morning (10:00-12:00) | Monstein Village Walk

Drive about 15 minutes from Davos to Monstein, a traditional Walser village with wooden houses and wide mountain views. Explore the village on foot for 1-1.5 hours, taking breaks for photos and short rests for the children.

Lunch (12:00-13:00)

Have lunch in Monstein if a suitable place is open, or return to Davos for a wider choice of restaurants.

Afternoon (13:00-16:00) | Beervision Monstein

After lunch, join a tour at Beervision Monstein. Learn about alpine brewing and taste different stages of Monstein beer production. A full visit usually takes 1.5-2 hours and can be combined with another short walk around the village.

Evening (16:00-18:00)

Drive back to Davos (around 15 minutes) and enjoy a final dinner with mountain views, either on the Promenade or at one of the hotels above the town.

A perfect Davos moment – quiet lake, fresh air, and the mountains all to ourselves.

Traveller Reviews – Davos 

Michael Turner – July 2023

I came to Davos with my two kids and was surprised how easy everything felt. Jakobshorn gave us huge views within minutes, and the quiet summer streets made the town feel almost private. The Nostalgia Train was a highlight. The only challenge was how fast the weather changed, so layers were essential.

Anna Roberts – February 2019

Our family loved the mix of snow and calm atmosphere. Parsenn was perfect for a full day of skiing, even for beginners. In the evening, the Promenade was peaceful and great for choosing dinner spots. Prices were high, but the overall quality of the trip made it worth it.

David Chen – August 2021

We walked through Zügenschlucht Gorge, and it became the kids’ favourite memory. The railway high above the cliffs looked spectacular. Some parts of the path were wet and slippery, so good shoes really helped. After the hike, Davos felt like the right balance of nature and comfort.

Laura Smith – January 2024

Davos during the World Economic Forum feels completely different – busy, energetic and interesting to observe from the outside. We stayed mostly near Davos Dorf and enjoyed long winter walks along the river. Restaurants were full, so booking ahead was necessary.

Daniel Hughes – June 2018

The Gwunderwald Nature Trail surprised us with how engaging it was for children. They kept running from one themed station to the next, and we spent almost half a day there without noticing the time. Snacks were crucial – the kids got hungry quickly with so much exploring.

Emma Collins – March 2022

We visited Kirchner Museum on a snowy afternoon. I’m not usually very interested in art, but the building and the quiet atmosphere were a pleasant break from outdoor activities. The museum is small, so an hour was enough. My teenagers found the architecture more impressive than the exhibits.

Jason Miller – September 2023

Monstein was a peaceful escape. The children loved the wooden houses and open views, and the brewery visit gave us a fun look into local traditions. Parking was tight, so arriving early helped. For us, it was one of the most photogenic spots around Davos.

Sarah Johnson – December 2024

We came mainly for skiing but fell in love with the winter scenery around Davos Platz. Everything felt close – lifts, cafés and shops. Lift lines grew quickly after 10:00, so starting early made the whole day smoother and more relaxed.

Christopher Adams – May 2019

Davos in spring is incredibly calm. We used the quiet season to explore the Promenade, cycle part of the valley and simply enjoy the clean mountain air. Some attractions were not yet open, but the stillness was exactly what we needed as a family.

Olivia Brown – October 2021

We rode the Nostalgia Train to Filisur, and it felt like stepping into a film scene. The viaduct views amazed even our teenager. The return ride was crowded, so we waited for a later train. It was worth it for a better window seat and quieter carriage.

Tips from the Itinerary Expert

• Start mountain lifts before 10:00. From my trips to Jakobshorn and Parsenn, mornings are the only time you truly avoid queues. After 10:30, the lines can grow fast, especially in winter and during major events. Early starts also give the clearest views and calmer slopes.
• Choose Monstein for quiet family time. When Davos feels busy, I drive to Monstein. The Walser village is calm, scenic and perfect for photos. Parking is limited, so arriving early saves stress and lets you enjoy the atmosphere without rushing.
• Bring proper shoes for Zügenschlucht Gorge. Parts of Zügenschlucht are damp and rocky. Good shoes make the walk much safer for children. On a day with light rain, the path was still manageable, but the grip soles made a clear difference.
• For the Nostalgia Train, sit on the left side. On the Davos-Filisur Nostalgia Train, I always choose the left side when leaving Davos – the views of viaducts and the Landwasser valley are wider and more open from that angle. Window seats are worth planning for.
• Use mid-day breaks at family parks. At places like Madrisa Land, crowds tend to drop around lunchtime. I often plan more active attractions between 12:30-14:00, when many families are eating. Children get more space and waiting times are shorter.
• Choose summer afternoons for Schatzalp tobogganing. The Schatzalp Summer Toboggan Run feels faster and smoother once the track has warmed up. Morning rides can be noticeably slower. Aim for mid-afternoon if you want a bit more speed and excitement.
• Combine Gwunderwald with meals on the trail. On the Gwunderwald Nature Trail, several restaurants and grilling spots are located directly along the route. I usually pack light snacks and plan a sit-down lunch halfway, which keeps the children motivated for the full 13 km.
• Visit Kirchner Museum during bad weather. When the weather turns rainy or very cold, Kirchner Museum is an ideal break. It’s compact, so families do not get tired, and the quiet galleries offer a calm reset before heading back outdoors.
• For skiing weeks, book restaurants early. During busy winter periods and World Economic Forum dates, many restaurants along the Promenade fill up early. After spending 40 minutes once looking for a free table, I now reserve by early afternoon.
• Always keep flexible clothing. Weather in Davos changes quickly between Davos Platz, Davos Dorf and higher stations. I always bring an extra layer for the children – clouds and wind can arrive suddenly even on bright days.

Insights from the Itinerary Expert

I last visited Davos in June 2023, and what impressed me most was how easily the town combines peaceful alpine scenery with activities that genuinely work for families. Mornings on Jakobshorn felt almost cinematic – wide skies, open terraces and paths where children could walk freely without feeling overwhelmed. In contrast, the shaded paths of Zügenschlucht Gorge offered a dramatic but still manageable adventure for school-age kids.

I appreciate how Davos gives you clear choices. When the town felt lively, I would simply drive to Monstein for quiet mountain views or take the Nostalgia Train for a relaxing ride with unforgettable panoramas. Even indoor breaks have their own charm: a short visit to Kirchner Museum fits well on cold or rainy afternoons and does not exhaust children.

Of course, Davos is not perfect. Weather can change suddenly, and queues at popular lifts build quickly after 10:00. With a bit of planning – early starts, flexible layers and choosing calmer spots around lunchtime – the experience becomes smoother and far more enjoyable.

Davos is a remarkable place: scenic, varied and surprisingly easy for families. If you feel inspired by its mountains, valleys and calm alpine rhythm, the Itinerary Expert will gladly help you create a personalised route for Davos and for Switzerland as a whole.

Price Overview – Davos 

FAQ – Davos (English)

Is Davos suitable for families with children of different ages?
Yes. Trails like Gwunderwald Nature Trail and activities such as the Schatzalp Summer Toboggan Run and Madrisa Land are designed for a wide range of ages and energy levels.

When is the best season to visit Davos for outdoor nature activities?
Summer (June-September) offers quiet promenades, accessible mountains and many family-friendly trails. Winter is ideal for skiing and snow activities but can be busier.

Do mountain attractions have age restrictions?
Family parks like Madrisa Land welcome most ages, and the Schatzalp toboggan run is suitable for school-age children. Some adventure elements may have height or age limits, which are clearly indicated on site.

How early should we arrive at cable cars and ski lifts?
It is advisable to arrive before 10:00. After mid-morning, queues increase significantly, especially in winter and during major events such as the World Economic Forum.

Is the Nostalgia Train appropriate for families with younger children?
Yes. The journey between Davos and Filisur is short, scenic and calm, with easy seating and impressive viaduct views, making it a comfortable option even with younger children.

What nature locations are easy for children to walk?
Sertig Valley and Gwunderwald are both good choices, with gentle terrain, clear paths and multiple rest points, so families can adapt the route length to their needs.

First-hand: Is the Zügenschlucht Gorge safe with kids?
When I walked Zügenschlucht with children, some sections were wet and rocky but still manageable with proper footwear. The shaded trail felt adventurous without being too long or difficult.

First-hand: Is Davos too crowded during major events?
During my January visit, the town was noticeably busier around the World Economic Forum, especially on the Promenade. Outside those days, Davos felt calm and easy to navigate, even with children.

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