Davos Klosters

Yes, Davos Klosters is one of Switzerland's premier alpine destinations. In winter, the six interconnected ski mountains offer 300 km of pistes for all levels, including some of the longest descents in the Alps. In summer, over 700 km of hiking trails traverse stunning alpine landscapes. The Kirchner Museum, the Thomas Mann literary connection, and the unique atmosphere of Europe's highest city add cultural depth beyond the outdoor activities.

In winter, three to five days allows you to explore multiple ski mountains and enjoy the apres-ski atmosphere. In summer, two to three days is sufficient for key hikes, the Schatzalp, Lake Davos, and the Kirchner Museum. If you are a dedicated skier, a full week allows you to cover all six mountains without repetition.

Take an IC train from Zurich HB to Landquart (approximately 1h 20min), then change to a Rhatische Bahn (RhB) train to Davos Platz (50 minutes). Total journey: approximately 2 hours 30 minutes. Trains connect every hour. A second-class ticket costs CHF 56 (free with Swiss Travel Pass). For Klosters, exit the RhB train at Klosters Platz (12 minutes before Davos).

For skiing, January to March offers the most reliable snow and the longest days (March has the most sunshine). December is festive with the Spengler Cup ice hockey tournament. For hiking, July and August have the warmest weather and all trails are fully open. June brings wildflowers, and October offers spectacular golden larch forests. Avoid the "shoulder" months of April-May and November when many facilities close.

The Swiss Travel Pass covers all RhB trains to and from Davos and Klosters, all local buses, and entry to the Kirchner Museum. However, the Swiss Travel Pass does not cover ski lift passes, the Parsennbahn funicular, the Jakobshorn gondola, or the Schatzalp funicular. For skiers, separate lift passes must be purchased.

The World Economic Forum (WEF) is an annual meeting of global leaders in politics, business, and civil society, held in Davos every January since 1971. During the WEF (typically the last week of January), Davos transforms: security is heightened, many roads are restricted, hotel prices surge, and the town buzzes with international media and delegations. Unless you are attending the WEF, ch.tours recommends avoiding Davos during this week, as accessibility and value are significantly reduced.

Davos is larger, higher (1,560 m vs. 1,191 m), more urban, and has a wider range of shops, restaurants, and nightlife. It is home to the WEF Congress Centre, the Kirchner Museum, and direct access to the Jakobshorn ski area. Klosters is smaller, quieter, more traditional, and has a village atmosphere favored by those seeking understated elegance. Both share access to the Parsenn ski area and are connected by a 12-minute train ride. Many visitors stay in one and visit the other.

It is possible but not ideal. The 2-hour-30-minute each-way journey leaves approximately 4-5 hours in Davos for a day trip. This is sufficient for a summer visit (walk around the lake, visit the Kirchner Museum, take the Schatzalp funicular), but not practical for skiing. ch.tours recommends an overnight stay, especially in winter.

Yes. The Madrisa area above Klosters is particularly well-suited for beginners and families, with wide, gentle slopes and a children's ski school. The Rinerhorn area on the Davos side also offers excellent beginner terrain. The Parsenn area has long, cruising intermediate runs that advanced beginners can enjoy. Ski school lessons start from CHF 80 for a half-day group lesson (2026 prices).

Thomas Mann visited his wife Katia at the Waldsanatorium in Davos in 1912, where she was being treated for a lung condition. His three-week visit inspired his masterpiece "The Magic Mountain" (Der Zauberberg, published 1924), set in a fictional sanatorium called "Berghof" above Davos. The Schatzalp sanatorium (now a hotel) is the most commonly cited real-life model. A Thomas Mann walking trail in Davos connects sites related to the novel.

Davos Platz sits at 1,560 meters above sea level, making Davos the highest city in Europe (among settlements with year-round populations exceeding 10,000). The altitude means reliable winter snow and cool summer temperatures, but visitors coming from sea level may notice mild altitude effects such as shortness of breath during the first day. The highest ski point, Weissfluhjoch, reaches 2,662 meters.