This alpine town in Switzerland hosts the World Economic Forum each January, drawing global leaders and executives. In summer, its mountain trails welcome hikers and cyclists.
Davos, a mountain town in eastern Switzerland at 1,560 meters above sea level, has 320 kilometers of ski slopes and marked alpine trails. At the Kirchner Museum, you'll find 1,400 expressionist paintings housed in striking glass cubes. You can swim in Lake Davos, sail its waters, or take a ride on the historic Glacier Express train. Each January, the town becomes the center of global attention when world leaders gather for the World Economic Forum.
Getting to Davos
Trains run hourly from Zurich's main station to Davos, with the journey taking about 2 hours and 15 minutes. During ski season, direct buses connect Zurich Airport to Davos Dorf and Davos Platz. The town extends for 3 kilometers along the Landwasser valley, with two main train stations: Davos Dorf in the northeast and Davos Platz in the southwest.
Winter Sports in Six Mountain Areas
You can ski across six areas - Parsenn/Gotschna, Jakobshorn, Pischahorn, Rinerhorn, Madrisahorn, and Schatzalp - connected by 58 ski lifts. The slopes include 100 kilometers of cross-country tracks, eight sledding runs, and two ice rinks. Take the historic Red Railway from the 1930s to reach Parsenn, where you'll find gentle slopes for beginners and challenging off-piste sections for experienced skiers.
Summer Mountain Activities
Cable cars operate throughout summer, bringing you to the starting points of 700 kilometers of hiking trails. The "Bahnen tour" challenges mountain bikers with its 10,000-meter elevation gain. For day hikes, head to the Sertig, Dischma, or Flüela valleys. At the Adventure Park below Flüela Pass, you can climb through five rope courses set in the forest canopy.
Research and Culture
Several research institutes make Davos a scientific center. The AO Foundation researches trauma treatment, while the Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research works on alpine safety. The Kirchner Museum displays 1,400 works by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner in four glass cubes, reflecting his 20-year connection to Davos.
Lake Davos Activities
At the northeastern end of town, Lake Davos becomes a summer recreation center. You can swim in designated zones, learn sailing, or try windsurfing. Walking paths follow the shoreline through alpine meadows and forest sections.
Local Food and Evening Activities
Along the main street, you'll find restaurants serving Swiss specialties like raclette and fondue. Try the Graubünden regional dishes at Restaurant Gentiana on Promenade 53. For evening entertainment, choose between several bars, the casino at Hotel Europe, or the town's nightclubs.
