Davos in Summer: 2-Day Friends Getaway — Active, Social, Vibrant
A lively 2-day summer trip in Davos for friends who want active alpine fun, lakeside hangs, live music and group-friendly dining. Built for energetic groups (4–6+), with options for shared costs and easy transport between highlights.
Highlights
- Stand-up paddle / lakeside chill at Davosersee
- Kirchner Museum for quick local culture
- Schatzalp alpine gardens & funicular for panoramic vibes
- Guided e‑bike ride with Davos Klosters Bergbahnen
- Lively evening at Bolgen Plaza (live music & food stalls)
Explore all itineraries in Davos.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival day — easy cultural start, lakeside lunch, active afternoon at Davosersee, sunset cable-car + alpine garden, then dinner and summer live music.
Check-in & quick meet-up at Hotel Grischa
Drop bags, grab a quick coffee in the lobby and set a meeting plan for the day. Hotel Grischa is central and group-friendly for late check-ins.
- MondayOpen 24 hours
- TuesdayOpen 24 hours
- WednesdayOpen 24 hours
- ThursdayOpen 24 hours
- FridayOpen 24 hours
- SaturdayOpen 24 hours
- SundayOpen 24 hours
Tips from local experts:
- Ask reception for a map of free-parking zones and the public transport card — handy for splits in the group.
- Reserve a table in the hotel bar area if you want a relaxed group meeting spot before leaving.
- Store larger bags with reception if anyone wants to head out lighter — common practice and usually free.
Morning culture: Kirchner Museum Davos
A compact but striking modern-art museum dedicated to Ernst Ludwig Kirchner — perfect 60–90 minute cultural boost without group fatigue.
Tips from local experts:
- Buy a timed-entry ticket if a special exhibition is on — keeps the group together and avoids lines.
- The museum is compact; split into two mini audio‑tours so smaller subgroups can breeze through and swap highlights.
- There’s a small museum shop with affordable postcards and prints — great shared souvenirs for the group.
Lakeside lunch & local bites at Bolgen Plaza
Walk to Bolgen Plaza for casual, social dining and summer music vibes — food stalls and tables make splitting bills easy.
- Monday9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Tuesday9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Wednesday9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Thursday9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Friday9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Saturday9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Sunday9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive a bit early for a lakeside table for groups — the best spots fill fast when there’s live music.
- Bring small change for shared tapas-style plates or order a few big sharers so the bill divides cleanly.
- If anyone wants to skip the crowd, there are quieter picnic lawns a 5‑min walk away along the lake.
Davosersee hangout: swim, SUP or lakeside games
Take advantage of warm July weather: swim, rent a SUP, or relax with beach games at the Davosersee shore.
Tips from local experts:
- If you want SUPs or a boat, ask the Bolgen Plaza staff where rental stands are that day — they’ll point you to the nearest vendor.
- Share one SUP or paddle-boat between 2–3 people to split rental costs and keep everyone involved.
- Sunscreen and a picnic blanket are clutch — there are sunny spots and shady trees for alternating.
Funicular up to Schatzalp & alpine garden stroll
Catch the historic funicular up to Hotel Schatzalp for sweeping views and a stroll through the alpine garden — sunset is great for photos.
- MondayOpen 24 hours
- TuesdayOpen 24 hours
- WednesdayOpen 24 hours
- ThursdayOpen 24 hours
- FridayOpen 24 hours
- SaturdayOpen 24 hours
- SundayOpen 24 hours
Tips from local experts:
- Buy return funicular tickets as a group to save time and keep everyone together for the descent.
- Bring a light layer — it can be noticeably cooler at Schatzalp even in July, perfect for sunset photos.
- The alpine garden paths are wide and relaxed — take photos in small squads and swap shots later.
Dinner at Restaurant Schatzalp — scenic group dining
Shared plates, alpine ingredients and a panoramic dining room — ideal for groups who want a memorable mountain dinner.
- MondayOpen 24 hours
- TuesdayOpen 24 hours
- WednesdayOpen 24 hours
- ThursdayOpen 24 hours
- FridayOpen 24 hours
- SaturdayOpen 24 hours
- SundayOpen 24 hours
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a table in advance for a group of 4–6+; mention you want a window with a view if possible.
- Order a few regional shared dishes (cheese or meat platters) to split costs and sample local flavors.
- Ask for a late check on dessert if your group wants to linger — the staff are used to groups celebrating after sunset.
Evening live music & drinks at Bolgen Plaza (summer vibes)
Return to Bolgen Plaza for a lively summer-night atmosphere — DJs and bands often play late; great place for a celebratory nightcap.
- Monday9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Tuesday9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Wednesday9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Thursday9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Friday9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Saturday9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Sunday9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Tips from local experts:
- Check the Bolgen Plaza events calendar in the morning and reserve a table if a band or DJ is on — easier for groups.
- Bring cash for small purchases at stalls; many vendors accept cards but small bills speed up ordering when busy.
- If one person wants to stay late while others head back, Bolgen Plaza is easy to reach via night buses or a short taxi.
Day 2
Active day — e‑bike adventure in the mountains, relaxed alpine lunch, promenade stroll, and a farewell dinner with options for live events or laid-back bars.
Breakfast & plan the day (hotel or promenade café)
Big group breakfast, split payment options, and last-minute kit check before heading out for the e‑bike tour.
- MondayOpen 24 hours
- TuesdayOpen 24 hours
- WednesdayOpen 24 hours
- ThursdayOpen 24 hours
- FridayOpen 24 hours
- SaturdayOpen 24 hours
- SundayOpen 24 hours
Tips from local experts:
- Order a communal breakfast platter to share — cheaper and faster than individual checks for a group.
- Confirm e‑bike sizes and helmet counts now so rentals can be squared away at the meeting point.
- Grab energy bars and a refillable water bottle from reception; mountain rides go by faster when everyone’s fueled.
Guided e‑bike tour with Davos Klosters Bergbahnen
Half-day guided e‑bike ride on scenic trails managed by Davos Klosters Bergbahnen — tailored group pace, gear and downhill fun.
Tips from local experts:
- Book a group e‑bike slot in advance; guides can split the party into manageable subgroups for safety.
- Carry a small daypack with a light rain jacket — summer showers can appear quickly in the mountains.
- Ask the guide for a budget-friendly picnic spot recommendation so you can share a post-ride meal with lakeside views.
Mountain-to-town lunch (Steigenberger Grandhotel Belvédère)
Return to town for a relaxed lunch at a spacious hotel restaurant that welcomes groups — good for splitting bills and lingering.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask for a table in a quieter corner if your group wants to compare ride photos; hotels often accommodate larger parties.
- Order a mix of mains and shared plates so the group can sample without individual bill headaches.
- Take advantage of the hotel's loos and quick recharge options (phone charging, espresso) before afternoon plans.
Promenade stroll & boutique browsing (Davos Promenade)
Digest and wander the Promenade: local shops, chocolate boutiques and quick cafés — easy, sociable and low‑energy.
Tips from local experts:
- Split into 2–3 pairs to shop and regroup after 30–40 minutes — keeps the pace lively and social.
- Stop at a chocolatier for small sample packs to split as a group souvenir.
- Look for outdoor benches facing the mountains for impromptu group photos and relaxed catch-up.
Short break & optional spa or pool chill
Wind down: choose a hotel spa session, a dip in a hotel pool, or a coffee break before evening plans — flexible for any energy level.
- MondayOpen 24 hours
- TuesdayOpen 24 hours
- WednesdayOpen 24 hours
- ThursdayOpen 24 hours
- FridayOpen 24 hours
- SaturdayOpen 24 hours
- SundayOpen 24 hours
Tips from local experts:
- If someone wants spa time, book a 60-min slot early to accommodate group schedules.
- For a budget option, a relaxed coffee on the promenade serves as a mini-recharge for the whole group.
- Rotate who pays for communal treats (coffee round) so costs are shared fairly among friends.
Farewell dinner & live event option at Vaillant Arena or relaxed group meal
If there's an event, Vaillant Arena offers a big-group celebration; otherwise pick a lively group-friendly restaurant on the Promenade for a relaxed final night.
- Monday8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 1:30 – 5:30 PM
- Tuesday8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 1:30 – 5:30 PM
- Wednesday8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 1:30 – 5:30 PM
- Thursday8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 1:30 – 5:30 PM
- Friday8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 1:30 – 5:30 PM
- SaturdayClosed
- SundayClosed
Tips from local experts:
- Check Vaillant Arena's event schedule in the morning — if there's a concert or match, buy group tickets early.
- If you prefer a quieter vibe, reserve a big table at a promenade restaurant and request a shared bill option.
- End the night with a walk down to the lit Davosersee shore for a final group photo — quick and free.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 2 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | - |
| Restaurants | 4 |
| Total Activities | 13 |
| Total Places | 13 |
| Activities Types | Hotel, Culture, Restaurant, Outdoor, Attraction, Nightlife, Meal, Experience, Neighborhood, Break, Event |
Why this experience
Two days with friends in a Swiss alpine town means maximum adventure with minimal friction. You'll hit the Sertig Valley trail in the morning when the light is gold and the wildflowers are peak, grab lunch at a mountain hut where alphorns echo and conversation flows, spend your afternoon swimming in Lake Davos with the peaks as your backdrop, and catch dinner at a buzzy restaurant along Davos Promenade where the energy is young and the wine list is solid. This self-guided itinerary by TheNextGuide packs the essentials—hiking, lake time, and social moments—into two days that feel full without feeling rushed. It's designed for mixed fitness levels; cable cars shorten the climbs, so nobody's left behind.
Before you go
- Best time: Summer (June–August). Warm days (18–25°C), trails are dry, lake is swimmable, longest daylight for evening hangouts.
- Budget: Cable car rides (approximately 40–50 CHF), mountain hut lunch and Promenade dinners (40–70 CHF daily), drinks and social time (20–30 CHF).
- Difficulty: Moderate. One moderate hike (2–3 hours); rest is lake time, cable cars, and Promenade strolls. Adaptable for different fitness levels.
- What to bring: Hiking boots, swimsuit, light layers, sunscreen, backpack for snacks and water, portable speaker optional for lakeside.
- Getting there: Train from Zürich to Davos Platz (2.5 hours). Compact town with bike and gear rentals near the station. Nightlife is concentrated along Promenade and Platz area.
- Accessibility: Good. Cable car shortens trail sections. Lake access is flat. Restaurants and bars are accessible; trails are uneven but manageable for most abilities.
Frequently asked questions
Can we fit real hiking and social time into two days? Yes. The itinerary prioritizes one good hike and then switches gears—lake, restaurants, Promenade time. You're not trying to summit; you're trying to feel the mountains and have a good time together.
What if someone in the group isn't a hiker? Cable cars let them start higher, and shorter loops are built in. The lake and Promenade are equally valid social anchors. Nobody needs to suffer to have fun.
What's included in this itinerary? TheNextGuide maps the hikes, names the best mountain huts and restaurants, suggests the ideal lake spots, and provides timing. You arrange your own transport and make dinner reservations if you want a specific restaurant.
Are there bars and nightlife, or is Davos quiet? Davos is a mountain town, not Zurich. But there are lively cafés and bars, especially along Promenade in summer. It's social without being loud.
Do we need a guide for the hiking? Not necessary. Routes are well-marked, and this itinerary gives clear directions. A guide adds knowledge about alpine ecology or local history if you'd like that layer.
Complete your trip in Davos
For a longer, more ambitious trip, see Davos in Summer — Friends' Fun & Active 3-Day Weekend. And if a couple in the group wants their own moment, there's Intimate 2-Day Romantic Escape in Davos.
Browse all Davos itineraries at TheNextGuide.
