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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
