Davos Klosters – a love affair with natural beauty

When thinking of a summer holiday, the hotlist is normally hounded by familiar destinations – Ibiza, Spain, Greece… but there is  one perhaps not often associated with the warmer months and that is Switzerland – Graubunden in fact. I was recently lucky enough to spend a few days in Davos and St Moritz, and found it not only to eradicate any preconceptions of these being winter destinations, but also to remove the notion that you have to really splash out if you are to have a Swiss vacation. With both locations offering their own unique money-saving schemes (A Davos card and a St Moritz card – I will explain more on this later) you really don’t have to break the bank.
Please see part 1 of my trip below, and the guide to St Moritz will be up soon…

Davos – Travel

Flying with Swiss air is a pleasant experience, the flight is only an hour and 20 minutes, though in good weather like I had, it can be a little quicker. You are given a complimentary snack and hot drink (my 6am flight out I received a traditional swiss pastry and my 6:30pm flight back a cheese and tomato pesto baguette) as well as a Swiss chocolate a little later on. The staff are friendly and the planes nice, clean and roomier than you would imagine.
I flew to Zurich and from there it was a three hour train ride to my accomodation – Davos Hostel. The trains in Switzerland are clean, on time (take note Southern Rail!) and it is well worth upgrading to first class for an extra special experience. The views tumbling past the windows are breathtaking and it’s hard to find a photo which can do them justice.

Accomodation – Davos Hostel

Before it was converted into accommodation, Davos Hostel used to be a Sanatorium but now is a regular favourite with travellers, hikers and holiday makers all looking for a break on a budget. It has a games room (home to many a turbulent air hockey competition during my break), a beautiful rooftop terrace, a restaurant and relaxing area down in the lobby with complimentary wifi. The rooms are relaxed, simple and clean but tech-addicts be warned, they are void of both wifi and a television in an aim to promote communication down in the lobby instead. Whilst I had my reservations at first (how would I survive without instagram?!) it was really nice and a good chance to mingle with and meet others in the main lobby area.
It is conveniently situated just 1km from Davos Dorf train station, 3.5km from Lake Davos. Amenities include complimentary breakfast where there is a good range of cereals, fruit and breads and there is also a casual restaurant for dinner.

For something a bit more luxurious, we recommend you try Davos Luxury Chalets. These are luxurious chalets in the mountains with beautiful views, cosy rooms and can host up to 14 people. It’s an ideal way to discover Switzerland.

Things to do

The beauty of Davos Klosters is one you really have to see to experience. No matter which way you look it is utterly breathtaking, flowers blooming in abundance, trees splattered on snow-capped mountains and the soft sounds of waterfalls fill the air. This makes Davos an ideal candidate for hiking and I would highly recommend bringing your hiking boots and plenty of water. There are many cable cars dotted round the town to take you to the mountain tops for hours of walking pleasure.
But before you do anything in Davos, make sure you get the Davos Card. If you head to Davos or Klosters during the summer and stay for just one night in one of the local Hotels, you will automatically receive the Davos-Klosters card. This provides free travel on the six mountain lifts, regional trains between Klosters and Davos and local buses as well as free entry to Schatzalp, the open-air ice rink and discounts at a range of outdoor amusements.

The Adventure Park

Just a short 25 minute walk from Davos Hostel is the Davos Adventure Park – remember your Davos card as you can get discount on the admission price. Here there is a restaurant (called Chalet Velo), a rope park and bike park, meaning there is plenty to do for all the family and enough to amuse you for a good half a day. Chalet Velo offers a whole range of delicious food (and also the best chips I have ever eaten in my life!) The rope park has 5 unique rope courses with varying levels of difficulty depending on your ability as well as a kiddies play area. It’s a fantastic way to spend a day.

Schatzalp

Schatzalp is a magnificent Hotel situated 300 metres above Davos. It was built in the 1800s as a luxurious sanatorium and was considered one of the most advanced healing centres of its kind. It mostly brought Tuberculosis sufferers through its doors, who came to heal in the clean swiss air and relax. The advancement of modern medicine in the mid 20th century meant it was no longer needed and so was transformed into a luxury Hotel. The best part about this and what makes is well worth a visit, is that when they renovated the building they left a lot of the original aspects, such as the lift, telephone, check in desk and so much more. The place is atmospheric and brimming with history, plus there are super views from the top and a breathtaking botanical garden.

The Town

The town of Davos is quaint yet well equipped. The roads are quite empty and the majority of its shops stock sportwear, paying homage to the towns popularity within the fitness and skiing sector. There are a few bars and restaurants as well as a supermarket, church and other small shops and cafes.
Eau-la-la, their spa and wellness center is also well worth a visit. It is perfect for a massage, treatment or to relax in their outdoor pool and bask in the sunlight with the views of the mountains all around you.
A short walk from this is Davos sports centre. All forms of ice sports are played here, from ice hockey and figure skating to Bavarian curling and rink bandy. The centre also encompasses the ice stadium, the “Valliant Arena” an open air artificial ice rink and large natural rink in the winter as well as a separate ice hockey rink.

Dining 

When in Davos, it is a must you head to Extrablatt, a hidden gem of a restaurant, tucked away between the  bustling Platz and the sleepy Dorf. The outside gives little away and it would be an easy place to just walk by, but as soon as you step inside you’re met by a completely different scene. Charm oozes from every nook and cranny and it is both homey yet spectacular at the same time. If the weather is sunny (as it was during my visit) it is well worth sitting on their outside terrace. You can relax in their soft striped chairs, a glass of swiss wine in hand and watch the sun slowly melt behind the mountains. It really is a breathtaking view to end the day.
Food is varied, but it’s well worth sampling a little of the Davos specialities – and their wine is truly something else.

Davos Lake

Davos Lake is easily one of the most breathtaking places I have ever seen in my life and you can’t miss out on a trip here during your visit to Davos. Shouldered by trees, this 4.5km walk offers panoramic sights of crystal-clear waters with a backdrop of mountains, fields and . The walk round is on flat ground, or you can hire out a boat or pedalo for a different experience on the water.  Davos is a place unlike anywhere I have ever been. Unspoilt, natural beauty oozes from each and every corner and there is so much to discover, experience and enjoy. No matter if you are heading as a quiet break to get back with nature, an energetic hiking holiday, or to go and simply enjoy and photograph the views you won’t be disappointed.
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