Friends, imagine a sun‑bright ridge at 2,600 meters, a glass‑clad museum glowing against snowy pines, and a lake ringed by meadow paths.

Davos, in Switzerland, layers winter sport pedigree with valley walks, mountain wheels, and world‑class art—compact to navigate, rich to explore. Use this guide for smart timing, costs, transit, and family‑friendly picks.

Kirchner Museum

Explore luminous Expressionist canvases where they were conceived. Expect $12–$22 entry; typical hours run late morning to early evening (closed some Mondays). Allow 60–90 minutes. It’s a flat 10–15‑minute walk from Davos Platz; local buses stop within 200 meters. Book timed tickets in peak weeks.

Parsenn Skiing

Ride the historic red funicular to long, forgiving pistes ideal for intermediates, with off‑piste for stronger legs. Day lift passes commonly run $70–$110; multi‑day bundles drop per‑day cost. Start by 9:00 for corduroy laps and fewer queues; reserve rentals ($30–$50/day) the afternoon prior.

Jakobshorn Park

Snowboard‑forward terrain, creative lines, and a sculpted freestyle zone make this mountain a high‑energy choice. Visibility and wind can shift; check the morning report. Mid‑day, duck to south‑facing blues for relaxed carving before a late‑afternoon top‑to‑valley cruise.

Schatzalp Escape

Glide up by vintage funicular to a car‑free slope dotted with forest paths and an Art Nouveau landmark. In summer, roam the Alpinum’s 3,500 alpine species; in winter, toboggan back toward town on a classic run. Funicular tickets are typically $10–$18 round‑trip.

Rinerhorn Quiet

Seek wider spacing and mellow queues. Families love the petting area and trotti‑bike descent in summer; in winter, tree‑lined red runs and playful side hits abound. With a guest card, some local buses/lifts discount or bundle rides; confirm current inclusions on arrival.

Zügenschlucht Walk

Trace a signed geological trail through a narrowing gorge toward Wiesen, with viaduct views and interpretive panels. It’s 2–3 hours one‑way on rolling terrain; wear grippy shoes. Return by train or bus; check timetables before setting out.

Vaillant Arena

Catch top‑flight ice hockey under soaring timber arches. Regular‑season seats often run $20–$55; festive tournaments price higher and sell fast. Doors open early for warm‑ups. Dress in layers—indoor chill lingers above the ice.

Lake Davos

Circle the shore (easy 1–1.5 hours), rent kayaks or paddleboards ($15–$25/hour), or settle at a small bathing cove on warm days. Breezes favor sailing and wind‑assisted rides; mornings are calmer for families. Lakeside cafés and restrooms cluster near the main pier.

Sertig Valley

Follow a pastoral side valley to a storybook hamlet under saw‑tooth peaks. Cycle or bus up, then amble meadow tracks to creek‑fed cascades. Plan a 2–3‑hour loop with photo stops; bring water and a wind layer even on sunny days.

Flüela Pass

Drive or ride to 2,383 meters when the road is seasonally open (typically late spring–autumn). Expect snow walls in early summer and roadside sightings of alpine wildlife. Pull‑outs frame blue tarns and switchbacks—go slow, brake early, and keep eyes on the road.

Mountain Biking

Pick from flow‑centered blue trails to technical reds; the famed Gotschna route drops ~720 meters with 200+ berms and tables. Lift bike tickets generally run $45–$65/day; full‑suspension rentals $60–$100. Helmet and gloves are essential; elbow/knee pads recommended.

Madrisa Land

In nearby Klosters, the high‑alpine adventure park serves slides, nets, mini‑ziplines, pony loops, and farmyard hellos. Family entries often bundle lift + park ($20–$40 per child). Stroller‑friendly seating circles the action; sun hats and water bottles keep breaks easy.

Scenic Rails

Board panoramic coaches for glass‑walled views over glaciers, spiral tunnels, and high viaducts. Reserve seats weeks ahead for prime midsummer or mid‑winter days. Typical segments run $30–$80; bring snacks, a light layer, and a camera strap.

Adventure Park

Clip in for canopy courses below the pass: rope bridges, nets, ladders, and controlled zip segments build confidence and teamwork. Sessions usually cost $25–$50 for 2–3 hours, with a dedicated kids’ line and continuous‑belay safety. Closed‑toe shoes are mandatory.

Winter Extras

Glide the meticulously groomed cross‑country network (100+ km), with guest‑card day tickets often ~$10–$15. Rent sleds for classic downhill tracks on Rinerhorn or Schatzalp. In town, the outdoor ice world links rinks and lanes; entry and rentals typically $8–$18 total.

Practical Tips

- Getting there: From Zürich Airport, trains via Landquart reach Davos in ~2.5–3 hours; driving is ~2–2.5 hours in clear conditions.

- Getting around: Local buses are frequent; many hotels provide guest cards with transit perks. Taxis and rideshares are available for early lessons or late shows.

- Stays: Central hotels and chalets commonly range $140–$300/night (shoulder season lower). Book peak winter and summer weekends well ahead.

- Dining: Expect mountain‑simple plates (soups, rösti, grilled veggies, grain bowls) at $12–$25. Book on‑mountain lunches for 12:00 or after 13:30 to skip rush.

- Packing: Sunglasses, SPF, windproof shell, thin gloves, and a compact first‑aid pouch. At altitude, weather swings quickly—layer smart.

Conclusion

Davos shines when days braid one summit ride, one valley wander, and one art hour—high‑energy, high‑clarity, and wonderfully compact. Which trio calls first: Parsenn corduroy with a Kirchner afternoon, a Sertig picnic stitched to lake laps, or bikes and bridges capped by a timber‑arched hockey night?