A city for thinkers, thrill seekers and explorers - all bundled into one of the highest cities in the Alps

Davos has welcomed wanderers for centuries. It’s known as Tavau in Romansh - the language of the people who founded the town in the Middle Ages. Several centuries later, it was reinvented as a mountain health resort that cared for the likes of Robert Louis Stevenson and became a centre for speed skating and ice hockey in the snow-laden winters. Come summer, the mountain slopes shed their snow and it’s the turn of the hikers and bikers. Walking holidays to Davos are your chance to explore some of the 700 kilometres’ worth of trails around here – as well as the local rail network which includes the incomparably scenic Bernina Express.

Davos: the little city determined to change the world

Davos has always been a little place with big ambitions, going from Middle Age village to star-studded health resort to a darling of the ski world. These days, it hosts the World Economic Forum and is home to world-class research centres for everything from allergies to avalanches. And yet it still feels like a small town. You can walk from one end of Davos to the other in less than an hour… if you manage to resist the art galleries, restaurants, spas, historic forest cemetery and lake in-between, that is.

Easy escapes into nature

You don’t have to go far to get out into nature. The Landwasser river runs through Davos and the lake glimmers at the city’s northern edge - peacock-blue waters filled with sailing boats, wakeboarders, pedalos and paddle boarders. Stroll the water’s edge to admire the forested foothills and mountains layered beyond. Footpaths and a funicular clamber up to the Schatzalp alpine gardens, which showcase herbs, kitchen vegetables, wildflowers and botanical plants from around the world - as well as beautiful views and walking trails, of course.

Walser valleys and historic wine routes

For adventures a little further afield, jump aboard the buses and distinctive scarlet trains that chug through the green valleys. You can choose from easy valley rambles such as Sertig - where the Walser people settled in the 13th century, building distinctive wooden farmsteads that are still working farms today - or choose a more challenging hike to see the lakes set high in the wild glacial valleys.

The long-distance Via Valtellina route also runs through Davos. This vital pack mule route once kept towns en route supplied with wine from the Valtellina region over the Italian border. The section that runs south from Davos leads through peaceful valleys and – if you’re feeling energetic – to the Scaletta Pass, the highest point of the route at just over 2,000 metres. These trails are also a hit with mountain bikers; in fact, the Davos region is one of the best places for mountain biking in Switzerland.

The Flüela Valley: from families to sunset chasers

Davos Adventure Park lays out zip lines, high ropes and tree-top challenges amongst the forests at the mouth of the Flüela Valley, along with pump tracks and a skatebowl. Continue up the valley, and you’ll come across a high mountain pass that marks the drainage divide between the Rhine and Danube rivers. It’s spectacular up there at any time of day, but really shines at sunrise and sunset.

The Flüela Pass is also the start of walks to the Jöriseen lakes – bright turquoise jewels set into dramatically bleak mountain plateaus. Alternatively, hop on a bike and pedal to the scenic hut at Alp Sardasca, cutting down a three-hour hike to a 1.5-hour bike ride. Best of all, the zoom back downhill only takes 45 minutes.

Why book a summer holiday in Davos with Inghams?

At Inghams, we do walking holidays differently. With no fixed itinerary, you have more time in your destination and the freedom to walk as much or as little as you like, discovering some of the Graubünden region's best walking routes and activities at your own pace.

With over 85 years of outdoor travel experience, our holiday packages to Davos include flights, transfers, and accommodation, so you can relax and leave the small details to us. Our experts can help you choose the best holiday for you, and our team overseas can give you the inside scoop on how to spend your time away with us.

Added value

Half price rail, bus and boat travel with the Swiss Half Fare Card (worth over £100 per person)

Free Premium Card - resort card offering some free and some discounted travel on local mountain railways, lifts and buses

Free travel on Swiss Transport Network for children up to 15 years incl.

Inghams telephone rep service from a representative based in Switzerland

Hotels in Davos

  • from£909pp
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    5 Rating

    We rate all of our accommodation based on their facilities, service level, character and customer feedback. Our ratings may vary from the official star rating.

  • 113 rooms
seehof davos exterior (1).jpg

This Davos institution has been welcoming guests since 1869 - a beautiful hotel offering traditional architecture, contemporary facilities, and a relaxing stay. It's close to the Parsennbahn lift, and has a lovely spa where you can unwind at the end of the day. 

Swiss Half Fare Card

The Swiss transport network is an excellent combination of trains, mountain railways, cable-cars, boats and buses that make it a pleasure to get around and explore at your own pace. 

Swiss Half Fare Card included for all Inghams guests

The Swiss Half Fare Card is included in the price of your holiday and is sent to you as part of your rail transfer tickets. This card can be used around Switzerland for up to 50% discount on various modes of transport - so make sure you keep it with you. It also gives free travel to children from 6 to 15 years old, when accompanied by a parent with the Family Card.

Things to do
  • Cable-cars
  • Cycling
  • Golf
  • Horse-riding
  • Museum
  • Shopping
  • Walking

Clavadeler Alp cheese factory or the Monstein brewery are within easy reach, whilst options for day trips include an enthralling 'Bernina Express' train ride down to Tirano in Italy, the historic city of Chur and the world-famous resort of St Moritz!

Davos Schatzalp Alpine Botanical Garden

The Alpine Botanical Garden Schatzalp contains various gardens. All are located around the hotel and forest Schatzalp. Forest and mountain pastures are approx. 118 acres with the gardens covering 5 acres. The alpine gardens are names including belle époque, historical, Thomas Mann square and 'Guggerbachtal' (valley of the Guggerbach river), each with a different collection of plants and representing various areas of life.

In total, the gardens are home to over 5,000 species of plant from all over the world, with a focus on flowers such as Edelweiss, Enzian, Peonies, Larkspur, Monkshood, Spurg, wild Geranium, Bellflower and many other species from high altitude landscapes of our world. There are many hiking trails in summer from mid-June to October, when the garden is blossoming. 

Premium Card 

The Davos Klosters Premium Card is great for walkers and nature lovers offering free or discounted fares on public transport or lifts and discounted participation in numerous activities and events in the region. It adds excellent value to your Davos holiday and includes:

  • Free travel (2nd class) on the Rhaetian railway between Klosters Dorf and Filisur
  • Free or discounted local bus travel
  • Discounted use of mountain railways/lifts
  • Discounted participation in various activities on the Davos Klosters guest summer programme
  • Free or discounted entry to various attractions throughout the area

Subject to change.

Lift and cable-car approx. opening times

  • Parsenn, Davos (normally open from around 2 Jul - 16 Oct)
  • Parsenn, Klosters (normally open from around 24 Jun - 16 Oct)
  • Jakobshorn (first section normally open from around 16 Jul - 23 Oct)
  • Rinerhorn (normally open from around 4 Jun - 23 Oct)
  • Madrisa (normally open from around 25 Jun - 23 Oct)

Subject to change.

Other things to do in and around Davos

'Davos Klosters Active’ programme of discounted fee activities and hikes throughout summer including weekly guided bike tours, tennis, windsurfing, a tour of highest-altitude Monstein brewery, E-biking, bowling, dairy visits (subject to change, some supplements may apply for equipment etc. and some activities will be payable locally) 

  • Davos Sounds Good’ jazz festival with some free concerts (approx. 4-12 July)
  • Davos Music Festival: classical music by young artists (approx. 31 July -15 Aug)
  • Swiss alpine Marathon (approx. 25 July)
  • Selection of lively cafés, bars and restaurants
  • Several museums, art galleries and golf course
  • Alpine flower garden up at the Schatzalp 
  • Good shopping along the Davos ‘Promenade’
  • Kirchner Museum in Davos
  • Davos Heritage Museum with original wooden mill
  • Efficient transport links to the historic city of Chur, Arosa and St.Moritz
  • ‘Davos Klosters Active’ programme of various activities and hikes throughout summer

Discount Travel Card included for all Inghams guests

Save up to 50% with your travel card on trips of your choice across the Swiss transport network. Included in the price of your holiday, and is sent to you as part of your rail transfer tickets.

Exploring on the Swiss Transport Network

Switzerland's excellent public transport network of mountain railways, cable-cars, steamboats and buses makes it a pleasure to explore the sights, at your own pace.

Evening bus service is available.

Car hire is available.

Excursions

BOOKABLE LOCALLY

Graubünden Pass

5 days within 14 days, from Sfr131 (2nd class)

This pass gives you 5 days unlimited FREE travel on regional trains and buses, a great value way to explore further afield including:

  • Day trips to nearby places of interest of Arosa, Lenzerheide, historic Chur and St. Moritz
  • A journey on the wonderful Bernina Express train route to Tirano in Italy (seat reservation extra)

Bernina Express to Tirano - a UNESCO world heritage site*

An UNESCO world heritage railway from Sfr70, daily
A wonderful rail excursion over the Bernina Pass via dramatic mountain passes, cool glaciers, and the sunny Poschiavo valley to Tirano in Italy (seat reservation extra).

Mountain village of Arosa*

From Sfr34, daily
Take a train ride to the mountain village of Arosa, perhaps stopping in the old town of Chur on the way back.

Glamorous St. Moritz*

From Sfr23, daily
Visit this world-famous and lively resort, which lies on a sunny terrace of the beautiful Engadine Valley - the train journey is spectacular!

*Bookable locally - price for guidance only. Prices shown include Travel Card discount.

Please note that we act at all times as selling agent for the suppliers of activities & excursions.

Prices and supplements are correct at time of publishing but may vary up or down; correct prices will be advised at the time of booking.

Walking

There are approx. 700km of marked walking trails in the Davos/ Klosters region, offering a fabulous range of walks to suit all abilities and tastes. The vast walking area which covers both sides of the valley is accessed easily by cable-car or funicular from the resort centres.

Easy Take the mountain railway from Davos to Schatzalp to visit the Alpine botanical garden. There are gentle walks at the teop, great views and you can choose to walk back down through the forest. Or take the pleasant stroll along the Landwasser rier from Davos Platz to pretty Frauenkirch.

Alternatively, walk the Höhe Promenade - 1 hour from Davos Dorf to Davos Platz or vice versa. Flat tarmac path on a higher level above the promenade giving you a good overview of Davos and its surroundings. Take hazelnuts to feed the squirrels and birds.

Moderate From Klosters, head up on the Madrisa gondola and up to Mässplatte for a beautiful view of the Prattigau valley.

Alternatively, hike the Rinerhorn to Monstein route – 3 ¼ hours. A beautiful walk with many opportunities to spot some wildlife (walk no.82). Look up to the NüllischGrat ridge for chamois before descending to the very Swiss village of Monstein. Stop off at the Monstein brewery and sample their homemade beer, bread, cheese, meat and selection of drinks. Return to Glaris (Rinerhorn) by Post bus (no. 10) and then back to Davos by the no. 1 bus or train.

Slightly challenging Take the Parsenn lift from Davos Dorf and walk across the peaks following the well-recommended ‘Panoramaweg’ path, descending later via the Gotschna cable-car into Klosters. For more experienced hikers, catch the postbus to Tschuggen and walk up to the protected area of Pischa, where you can cross the ridge at Hüreli and then head down to Lake Davos. On the way, you will see the only place where you can see Davos and neighbouring Klosters at the same time.

Good to know

Walking trails: Around 700km of walking trails and easy access to neighbouring villages and lifts

Terrain: Diverse mountainous terrain from Alpine meadows and forests to rugged peaks

Best time to go: start of June to mid September. It can get hot in July and August but heading up the lifts is a great way to cool off

Recommended for: Walkers of all abilities, families, nature, activities

Fly into: Zurich (approx. 2 hours)

Transfer time: approx. 2 hours 45 mins (from Zurich) by train (journey will require changes of train)

Rep service: Telephone

Resort card: Swiss Half Fare Card included for all hotels

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