Davos

Davos sits at 1,560 metres in the Grisons Alps, operating as a functional mountain urban centre rather than a quaint postcard village. Linear development along the Landwasser valley connects two main hubs, Davos Platz and Davos Dorf, via a single main street, the Promenade. High-speed funiculars and cable cars ascend directly from the town floor to five separate skiing and hiking arenas. Expect crisp mountain air, sharp architectural lines, and efficient public transit.

Dining in Davos centers on high-calorie Grisons specialties created for cold mountain weather. Local menus feature capuns, which are Swiss chard leaves stuffed with spätzle dough and air-dried meat cooked in milk and bouillon. Maluns, another regional staple, consists of slow-fried grated potatoes served with regional mountain cheese and applesauce.Bakeries across town bake Bündner Nusstorte, a dense shortcrust pastry filled with caramelized walnuts and honey. For dinner, traditional mountain huts along the hiking paths serve these hearty dishes alongside local alpine cheese plates.

• Reserve mountain huts early

  Book popular huts like Strela Alp or Clavadeler Alp several days in advance for peak lunch hours during high season.

• Alpine kitchen schedules

  Hot food service in mountain restaurants usually closes between 14:00 and 18:00 before evening service starts.

• Sun terrace dining

  Restaurants at Weissfluhjoch fill sun terraces by 11:30 on clear winter days. Grab outdoor tables early.

Davos transformed from an isolated alpine farming valley into a world-famous health resort in the nineteenth century. The introduction of sanatoriums brought international writers, artists, and political leaders seeking treatment for respiratory illnesses.The twentieth century expanded the town's scope from medical recovery to winter sports and global diplomacy. Construction of mountain funiculars opened vast ski arenas, establishing Davos as a premier alpine hub.

1. 1289

   Walser Settlement

   Walser migrants from Valais settle in the high valley, clearing forested land and establishing high-altitude alpine farming communities.

2. 1865

   Sanatorium Era Begins

   Dr. Alexander Spengler identifies the microclimate as beneficial for tuberculosis patients, initiating the transformation into a global spa town.

3. 1971

   World Economic Forum

   Klaus Schwab hosts the first European Management Symposium, founding what became the annual World Economic Forum meeting in Davos.

Choose your location based on transit priorities. Staying near Davos Platz puts you steps from shopping, dining, and the Jakobshorn cable car. Davos Dorf suits ski-focused travellers who want direct access to the Parsenn funicular and the lake train station.

• First-time visitorsDavos Platz — Central walking access to stores, restaurants, Kirchner Museum, and Schatzalp funicular.
• Avid skiersDavos Dorf — Direct bottom-station access to Parsennbahn for quick morning slope access.
• Culture travellersFrauenkirch — Quiet historic atmosphere with access to traditional Walser walking routes.

Davos operates an exceptionally punctual public transport network. The VBD municipal bus system runs frequent routes connecting Davos Platz, Davos Dorf, and outlying side valleys like Sertig and Dischma.

• Your guest Premium Card grants free travel on local bus lines 301 through 312 within zones 400 and 410.

• Rhaetian Railway trains run twice hourly between Davos Platz and Davos Dorf. The ride takes four minutes.

• Regular bus service stops around 19:30. Night buses run Friday and Saturday late hours for CHF 5 extra.

• Special ski buses move passengers between Jakobshorn and Parsenn bases free for pass holders in winter.

Davos pricing reflects top-tier Swiss alpine standards. Transport costs lower significantly if you stay overnight and receive the hotel guest Premium Card.

• Day ski pass: CHF 80–92

  Covers Parsenn, Jakobshorn, and Madrisa lift systems depending on season demand.

• Traditional dinner dish: CHF 26–38

  Price range for local main dishes like Capuns or Maluns in a village restaurant.

• Schatzalp funicular return: CHF 20

  Standard adult ticket round trip without hotel discount card.

• Coffee in mountain hut: CHF 4.80–6.00

  Standard price for an espresso or cafe creme in alpine summit cafes.

• WEF week disruption

  In late January, the World Economic Forum closes central streets and hotels. Non-attendees should avoid travel during these six days.

• High elevation altitude

  At 1,560 metres, air is dry and thin. Drink extra water during your first two days to prevent mild headaches.

• Alpine UV exposure

  Mountain sun reflection off snow creates high UV exposure even on cloudy winter afternoons. Wear glacier sunglasses.

• Digital payment standard

  Credit cards and mobile payment are accepted everywhere from mountain lift stations to small bakeries.

• Sunday shop closures

  Grocery stores and standard retail shops along Promenade close on Sundays outside peak winter tourist months.