Davos in Summer — Friends' Fun & Active 3-Day Weekend
A lively, social 3-day Davos escape for friends: mountain thrills, lake play, local eats, live music and easy group logistics — tailored for summer (July) when trails, lifts and the Davosersee are at their best.
Highlights
- Jakobshorn sunset lift and short ridge hike
- Mountain-biking at Bikepark Davos Klosters
- Stand-up paddle / kayak on Lake Davos (Davosersee)
- Schatzalp gardens & mountain spa chill
- Evenings with live music / event-friendly venues
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival, easy cultural introduction, quick mountain outing and a lively night out to kick off the trip.
Check in and regroup — Hotel Seehof Davos
Drop bags, freshen up and assemble the group. Hotel Seehof is central for group arrivals and a good base for evenings.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask the reception for a single group key or a luggage holding spot if some of you plan on going out before check-in — it makes moving around easier.
- Split the room charges with a group tab at reception if you want one person to settle and everyone reimburse later (cash or card).
- If anyone arrives by train, request directions to unload luggage quickly at the front entrance — saves steps with big bags.
Stroll Davos Platz — orienting walk and iced coffee
A relaxed introductory walk around Davos Platz to get your bearings, grab an iced coffee and scope evening spots.
Tips from local experts:
- Aim for cafés with outdoor seating so your group of 4–6 can snag a long table — evening terrace spots fill quickly in July.
- Use the walk to pick a meeting point for the night (a café or statue) so nobody gets lost in the lively summer crowds.
- If anyone needs groceries or snacks, make a quick stop at Coop or Migros in Davos Platz — great for shared picnic supplies.
Kirchner Museum — quick dose of Davos culture
Explore Ernst Ludwig Kirchner's works for a cultural contrast to the mountains — compact, striking, and perfect for a short group visit.
Tips from local experts:
- Buy timed-entry tickets if available (reduces queue time for a group) and ask about group-discount options at the desk.
- The museum layout is easy to navigate with 4–6 people — pick a gallery to regroup and compare favorite pieces.
- Great photo spots outside the museum with mountain views — good for a group shot before heading higher up.
Jakobshorn lift ride + short ridge walk or easy trail
Take the Jakobshorn lift for sweeping views and a short, playful ridge walk or gentle trail ride — ideal for sunset photos and light activity.
Tips from local experts:
- Check lift schedules in advance; buy group or day passes online to skip ticket queues.
- Bring light layers and a windbreaker — mountain gusts cool down quickly even in July, especially near the summit.
- If someone prefers to bike, ask about local bike shuttles or rentals at the base; helmets and pads are recommended for shared trails.
Dinner & live atmosphere — Bolgen Plaza
Group-friendly spot for dinner and live music or DJ sets — tables for groups, lively vibe and easy drinks service.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a table in advance for 4–6+ people, especially on weekends — ask for a spot near the stage if you want music close by.
- Set a shared tab with one card to simplify splitting bills at the end of the night, or use payment apps to square up quickly.
- Plan transport back to your hotel in a group (walk or short taxi) — it’s often safer and keeps the night going smoothly.
Day 2
High-energy day: mountain biking at Bikepark Davos Klosters, lakeside water time, and a relaxed evening event with room to socialize.
Group breakfast meetup — Hotel Seehof Davos
Fuel up with a hearty breakfast so everyone’s ready for a full outdoor day.
Tips from local experts:
- Request an early group breakfast or packed breakfasts if you plan an early park start — saves waiting time.
- Order extras like fruit, granola and coffee to share; it's the easiest way to cover varied tastes for 4–6 people.
- Check the weather quickly at breakfast — that helps choose the bike lines or the exact lake activity for the afternoon.
Bikepark Davos Klosters — full-morning lift-assisted riding
Hit progressive trails, berms and jumps in the official Bikepark — suitable lines for mixed-ability groups and rentals nearby.
Tips from local experts:
- Book bike rentals and lift passes in advance and communicate skill levels so the shop can set up bikes that suit everyone.
- Go with a buddy system: designate pairs to watch for mechanical issues and to share spares (tube, pump, multi-tool).
- Pack a communal first-aid kit and sunscreen — the sun is strong at altitude and little scrapes are part of the fun.
Group lunch — central and casual
A laid-back midday meal to recharge after riding; choose a restaurant with big tables or communal seating.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a long table for your party; restaurants in Davos can seat groups comfortably if you call ahead.
- Order shareable platters (cheese, rosti, salads) to keep costs down and tasting options high for the whole group.
- If anyone is late, ask the kitchen for a fast express option to avoid holding up the whole group.
Davosersee (Lake Davos) — SUP or kayak session
Switch gears to water: stand-up paddleboarding or a calm group kayak session on Davosersee (great for laughs and photo ops).
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve SUPs/kayaks in advance for a group; summer rental windows are popular and can sell out on sunny days.
- Bring a dry bag for phones and sunscreen; consider a shared waterproof camera to capture paddling antics.
- Pair stronger paddlers with newbies in tandem kayaks to keep the pace fun and inclusive for everyone.
Schatzalp gardens & light spa unwind
Head up to Hotel Schatzalp to wander the historic Alpine gardens and enjoy a chill spa or tea break — perfect recovery after activity.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve access or spa slots in advance for a larger group, and ask for group-changing-room options if available.
- Walk the gardens together for photos — the historic Belle Époque backdrop is ideal for memorable group shots.
- If anyone wants more activity, a short toboggan or scenic trail nearby gives an alternative to spa time.
Evening event — Kongresszentrum Davos (trivia / local gig)
Check the Kongresszentrum events calendar: often hosts summer concerts, trivia nights or community events — great for a group night out.
Tips from local experts:
- Buy tickets in advance for concerts or big events; for trivia nights, arrive early to claim a large table for your team.
- Plan a pre-event meetup spot (hotel lobby or nearby bar) to travel as a group and avoid split arrivals.
- If the event is ticketed, coordinate a single purchaser to hold seats and split costs via app or cash later.
Day 3
Panoramic morning, leisurely shopping and a relaxed farewell before departure.
Parsennbahn ride and panoramic half-day hike
Take the Parsenn lift system for sweeping views and pick an easy panoramic trail for a final active morning together.
Tips from local experts:
- Buy single or group lift tickets in the morning; early rides tend to be less crowded and more photo-friendly.
- Choose a loop hike suitable for the whole group — the Parsenn area has gentle ridge walks with frequent viewpoints.
- Wear good trail shoes and pack a light picnic to enjoy at a scenic viewpoint — group photo opportunity guaranteed.
Farewell brunch — relaxed meal and final catch-up
Sit down for a leisurely brunch to recap highlights, swap photos and settle shared expenses before leaving town.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask the restaurant for a single bill and split options — it’s the fastest way to settle group tabs before departure.
- Order a few shared starters and a round of coffees to keep the table sociable without rushing.
- If someone needs to go early, request a takeaway brunch box from the kitchen so they don’t miss out.
Promenade and local shopping — souvenirs and snacks
Stroll the central Davos shopping streets for souvenirs, local chocolate and outdoor shops — easy wandering with group-friendly stops.
Tips from local experts:
- Look for locally made items (cheese, chocolate, postcards) which are easy to split as small shared souvenirs.
- If anyone wants gear or last-minute outdoor items, the sports shops near the promenade can outfit the group quickly.
- Agree on a 15-minute regroup point and time so the group doesn’t get spread out across multiple stores.
Transfer to Davos Platz railway station — departure logistics
Collect luggage, make final goodbyes and head to Davos Platz railway station together for an easy departure.
Tips from local experts:
- Factor in a 10–15 minute buffer for ticket machines or buying coffee before boarding — Swiss trains are punctual.
- If splitting transport costs to the station, have one person collect fares and settle via app or cash to speed things up.
- Store large luggage under the carriage if the train is busy; smaller items can stay with you on the platform until boarding.
