Ten stops featuring quotes from “The Magic Mountain” make the Thomas Mann Trail a literary discovery. It leads from the Waldhotel Davos to the Schatzalp. Along the way, you encounter passages from the novel in a specific sequence along the trail, rather than simply as the subject of a book. Check the current trail conditions before setting out. The architecture of the sanatorium has also been preserved on the Schatzalp.
Davos history, art and winter sports
The Davos Local History Museum is devoted to Davos history, everyday life in the past, local customs and crafts. Its collection is displayed in the Grosses Jenatschhaus. Those interested in art will find a different focus at the Kirchner Museum Davos, which houses the world’s largest collection of works by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner. It includes around 40 paintings, more than 700 drawings and numerous woodcuts. The museum building is also noteworthy: designed by Gigon/Guyer using glass, concrete and steel, it is considered a milestone in museum architecture.
At the Davos Winter Sports Museum, the story ranges from the beginnings of individual sports to the history of ice hockey in Davos. The museum explains how and when the first skis, bobsleds and ice skates arrived in Davos. For more than three decades, it has collected exhibits as well as firsthand stories from eyewitnesses and local residents. The collection includes a trophy donated by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Crystal Globes won by World Cup champions from the region. Sporting equipment, personal accounts and awards offer different ways to explore the history of winter sports.
Lakeside paths and mountain hikes
Lake Davos is a natural mountain lake, fed by meltwater from the surrounding glaciers and by rainwater. For a walk along the shore, you can take the Lake Davos circular trail, which follows gravel paths close to the lake. It is five kilometres long and takes about one hour and 15 minutes. This time is a guide only; trail conditions may vary. Sailing, stand-up paddleboarding and wakeboarding are possible on the lake. As these activities are seasonal, it is advisable to check availability before your trip.
For a different route in the mountains, the Felsenweg trail on Parsenn leads from Weissfluhjoch to the Strelapass. At Rinerhorn, there are easy, family-friendly trails, including a high-altitude trail to the traditional Walser village of Monstein and a trail down to the Sertig Valley. Their named destinations set these options apart: one high-altitude trail leads to Monstein, while the other trail goes to the Sertig Valley. Your choice of route therefore also depends on which destination appeals to you.
Mountain bikers can ride the 45-kilometre Alps Epic Trail. It is the first and, to date, the only mountain bike route in Switzerland to have been awarded “Epic Trail” status by the international mountain biking organisation IMBA. Cycling experience is required, as some sections include steps and rocks. The Bahnentour offers a different concept: five mountain railways transport bicycles, allowing almost 10,000 metres of descent when combined. The route passes through Davos, Jakobshorn and Rinerhorn, among other places; operating details may vary by season.
Seasonal experiences and Monstein beer
The seasonal tobogganing options on the Schatzalp differ considerably. The summer toboggan run is 550 metres long and winds through eight bends and a tunnel. The Schatzalp sledging run is just under three kilometres long, has 18 bends and leads back to Davos Platz. It is lit in the evening and wide enough for children to enjoy a leisurely descent too. The Schatzalp-Strela ski area operates on natural snow and without artificial snowmaking. Check snow and operating conditions for these seasonal activities before your visit.
BierVision Monstein also offers different ways to discover the area. The “Beer ABC” experience includes a guided brewery tour and tastings of brewing ingredients and Monstein beers; arrangements may need to be made in advance. At the brewing seminar, participants brew a real Monstein beer under the brewer’s guidance, and prior arrangements are required. These are two different options: a guided tour with tastings and a hands-on brewing experience.
Discover more destinations: Arosa, Küblis, Klosters Serneus, Klosters Platz, Davos Platz, Pragg-Jenaz, Davos, Conters Im Prättigau, Clavadel, Sankt Antönien, Pany, Valzeina, Fideris, Schiers, Davos Wolfgang, Furna, Grüsch, Seewis Im Prättigau, Luzein, Saas, Jenaz.
Go to the overarching travel overview: Graubünden.
