Gentle 2-Day Davos getaway for seniors (accessible, low-impact)
A respectful, comfortable 2-day itinerary in Davos in September (Autumn) focused on accessibility, short transfers, frequent rests, calm dining, and scenic/cultural highlights suitable for seniors. Elevation is high in Davos — pace activities, use taxis/buses for short hops, and pick rooms with step-free access and elevators.
Highlights
- Accessible cultural visit to the Kirchner Museum Davos
- Gentle lakeside promenade at Lake Davos (Davosersee)
- Comfortable cable-car experience to Jakobshorn for panoramic views
- Peaceful visit to Sertig Dörfli (Sertig Valley) with minimal walking
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival, gentle orientation walk, culture visit, calm dinner and early rest.
Check in and settle at an accessible central hotel (Seehof)
Arrive at your hotel, check in, request a ground-floor or elevator-access room with a walk-in/no-step bathroom where possible. Take 30–45 minutes to rest and acclimatize to Davos's altitude.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask reception for a room on the lowest accessible floor near elevators to avoid long walks with luggage.
- Request an extra pillow and a small humidifier if you feel dryness at altitude; many hotels can provide these.
- Confirm wheelchair/rollator access to the restaurant and breakfast room when checking in.
Short taxi transfer to Kurpark (step-free)
A brief, accessible taxi ride to the Kurpark area to minimize walking while still enjoying fresh air and gentle scenery.
Tips from local experts:
- Book a taxi through the hotel reception to ensure a comfortable vehicle and help with luggage/boarding.
- Ask the driver to drop you at the main paved entrance to avoid short steps or grassy paths.
- Keep a light jacket handy — September evenings are cool even after a warm afternoon.
Gentle stroll along Kurpark and Promenade (paved, bench-lined)
A calm 30–40 minute walk on paved paths with frequent benches and shade. Ideal for acclimatization without hills.
Tips from local experts:
- Stick to the paved promenade and use benches every 10–15 minutes to rest and enjoy views.
- Avoid grassy side paths — they can be uneven; the main promenade is flat and well-maintained.
- Carry water and a small snack — altitude can increase thirst and fatigue even in cool weather.
Short accessible transfer to Kirchner Museum Davos
Take a short taxi or accessible bus to the Kirchner Museum; tickets and entry are managed at reception and the route is step-free from the street level.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask the museum staff on arrival about the most direct step-free entrance and accessible restroom locations.
- If you use a mobility aid, notify reception ahead — the museum has limited wheelchair spaces in guided sessions.
- Plan for seating opportunities inside the museum foyer before starting the galleries if you need a moment.
Visit Kirchner Museum Davos (accessible cultural visit)
A calm cultural visit to the Kirchner Museum featuring accessible routes, elevator access between floors, benches in galleries, and climate-controlled rooms.
Tips from local experts:
- The museum has an elevator and seating in many galleries; take your time and ask staff for a quieter route if galleries feel crowded.
- Audio guides are available — request a handheld device and use the seating corners to listen comfortably.
- Watch for short wall texts at knee-/eye-level; staff can provide a short orientation sheet to reduce standing time reading labels.
Return transfer to hotel (rest before dinner)
A short taxi or bus ride back to the hotel to rest and freshen up before an early dinner.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask the driver to help with steps at hotel entrance if needed; many hotels have a ramp or level access.
- Use this time to sit quietly and sip water — short rests after cultural visits help avoid fatigue at altitude.
- If you prefer, request a later check-out reminder and confirm dinner reservation while resting.
Early dinner in the hotel's calm restaurant (accessible seating)
A relaxed dinner in the hotel's restaurant with easy seating, calm ambiance, and staff accustomed to gentle service for guests with limited mobility.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a table near the windows or away from busy walkways for quieter dining and easy access to exit/restrooms.
- Ask for smaller portions or a la carte options if you prefer lighter evening meals to aid sleep at altitude.
- Confirm the location of the nearest accessible restroom before you sit down to avoid extra walking.
Evening rest in the hotel lounge (short, quiet)
Wind down with tea or a short seated rest in the hotel lounge. Keep activities low-key to acclimatize to the elevation and day-night shift.
Tips from local experts:
- Avoid caffeine late in the evening; herbal tea is usually available at hotel lounges.
- Sit near a window for soft natural light and fresh air without stepping outside if it's chilly.
- If you feel any unusual breathlessness or dizziness, inform hotel staff immediately; altitude effects are real even in mild form.
Day 2
A relaxed day with breakfast, a short cable-car outing for panoramic views, lakeside rest, a calm village visit in Sertig Valley, and early return.
Leisurely breakfast at the hotel (sit-down, buffet assistance available)
A relaxed sit-down breakfast with options served at table if buffet use is difficult. Use this time to plan the day with reception for transport needs.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask staff to plate items for you if carrying a tray from a buffet is difficult — many hotels are happy to assist.
- Keep blood sugar stable with a small protein portion first (cheese, yogurt) before setting out for the morning.
- Confirm taxi or bus pick-up times for your morning outing while at breakfast to reduce waiting outside.
Transfer to Jakobshorn base station (short taxi/bus)
A short comfortable ride to the Jakobshorn cable-car base. Taxis can stop at the step-free boarding area for easy entry.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask the taxi to drop you at the designated cable-car entrance to avoid stairs or uneven ground.
- Bring a small sweater — the summit is typically 5–10°C cooler than Davos town in September.
- If you use a mobility aid, inform cable-car staff — accessible cabins and priority boarding are often available.
Jakobshorn cable car to the summit (panoramic but low-effort)
A scenic, accessible cable-car ride to Jakobshorn's panoramic viewpoint. Spend time at the summit terrace and restaurant with seating and toilets available.
Tips from local experts:
- Choose an off-peak weekday morning to avoid queues; cabins have room for a wheelchair and provide level boarding at many stations.
- Sit on the sheltered summit terrace and enjoy views without walking long distances; summit restaurant has accessible toilets.
- Take short 5–10 minute rests on benches at viewpoints — the altitude and thinner air can make even small exertion feel stronger.
Transfer from Jakobshorn to Lake Davos (short taxi/bus ride)
A calm transfer to Lake Davos (Davosersee) for a flat lakeside promenade and an accessible outdoor pause.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask the driver to stop at the paved lakeside promenade entrance to avoid gravel or steps.
- Keep sunglasses and a light windbreaker handy — sun reflects off the lake and morning breezes are common.
- If the group prefers, split the short transfer into two smaller taxis to reduce waiting time.
Lakeside promenade and rest at Lake Davos (paved, bench-lined)
A gentle, mostly level walk along the Davosersee with frequent benches and flat viewing spots. Ideal for photos and a calm outdoor experience.
Tips from local experts:
- Follow the paved promenade only — it is step-free and has frequent seating and shade in September.
- If you feel tired, sit for 10–15 minutes at a bench facing the water; cool air at the lake is refreshing but can be brisk.
- Public restrooms near the main parking and promenade entrances are typically accessible; ask staff for the nearest one.
Return to hotel for a relaxed lunch (accessible restaurant seating)
A calming sit-down lunch at the hotel restaurant to rest from the morning and avoid unnecessary movement in the afternoon heat/cool.
Tips from local experts:
- Request a table near the entrance and accessible restroom to minimize walking after returning from the lake.
- Order lighter options (soups, fish, salads) if you feel full from breakfast or earlier snacks.
- Take a 10–15 minute seated rest after lunch before the afternoon transfer; this reduces any dizziness from altitude.
Transfer to Sertig Dörfli (Sertig Valley) — comfortable scenic drive
A 20–30 minute taxi or accessible minibus ride into the Sertig Valley to the small mountain hamlet Sertig Dörfli — minimal walking required to enjoy the atmosphere.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask the driver to drop you at the main hamlet area where paved access and benches are available to avoid uphill paths.
- Bring a small cushion for the car seat if back support is needed on the winding valley road.
- Confirm return taxi arrangements with the driver or hotel reception before setting off to avoid waits in the valley.
Gentle visit to Sertig Dörfli (historic hamlet, low-impact exploring)
Spend time sitting in the village square, visiting a simple local chapel or café, and enjoying the valley without committing to steep hikes — all on mostly flat, short routes.
Tips from local experts:
- Stick to the village square and immediate lanes; they are mostly flat and paved with benches and a local café nearby.
- If you'd like a coffee, choose a café with indoor seating and ask for a seat by the window to avoid standing in queues.
- Be mindful of the time and altitude — keep the visit to 60–90 minutes and use shaded seating to rest frequently.
Return transfer to hotel and brief rest
A relaxed return to the hotel with time to freshen up and rest before an early evening tea or light dinner.
Tips from local experts:
- Schedule the return taxi to allow a 15–20 minute buffer for traffic on valley roads.
- Use the drive time to relax and avoid standing immediately after the journey; sit quietly for a few minutes before dinner.
- Ask reception for help with any luggage or mobility assistance on arrival.
Light dinner / afternoon tea at the hotel (calm, early)
A quieter final meal of the trip focusing on light, digestible options. Early dinner helps with restful sleep at altitude.
Tips from local experts:
- Opt for warm, easy-to-digest dishes and avoid heavy or very spicy food late in the day.
- If you need medication with food, set an alarm and keep your medication in the hotel room in an accessible place.
- Ask staff for help carrying small items to your table if walking with plates is difficult.
Final short rest or easy promenade near the hotel (optional)
A brief 15–20 minute sit or very gentle walk near the hotel to close the day — keep activity short to avoid overexertion.
Tips from local experts:
- Choose a bench near the hotel entrance or lobby if outside feels chilly in the evening.
- Avoid long walks after dinner; a short air break is enough to aid digestion and relaxation.
- If you feel unwell at any point, notify hotel staff — they are experienced with guests adjusting to mountain elevations.
