Gentle Davos: 3-Day Senior-Friendly Touring (September)
A relaxed, accessible 3-day visit to Davos designed for seniors: short transfers, step-free options where possible, frequent rest breaks, calm dining and gentle scenery. Best visited in September (mild weather, fewer crowds).
Highlights
- Schatzalp funicular and alpine garden
- Kirchner Museum Davos
- Relaxed lakeside time at Davosersee
- Quiet visit to Sertig Dörfli
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival, light orientation and a calm cultural introduction to Davos.
Arrival at Davos Platz (train or taxi) and short transfer
Arrive at Davos Platz railway station. Short, level transfers are available from the station to nearby hotels; staff can help with luggage. Take a taxi for a door-to-door, step-free transfer if preferred.
Tips from local experts:
- Request assistance at the station (SBB staff can help with luggage and platform access) and use the barrier-free ramps/elevators at Davos Platz.
- If you have mobility aids, reserve a taxi in advance—local taxis are accustomed to short, level drop-offs to hotels.
- If arriving by train, choose a seat on the lower level of the carriage for easier boarding; platform staff often help with boarding ramps.
Check in and rest at Hotel Seehof (or similar central hotel)
Settle into your room, store luggage if early, and rest in the lobby or room to acclimatize to the altitude. Many central Davos hotels have elevators and step-free access.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask at booking or check-in for a ground-floor or elevator-served room to avoid stairs.
- Mention any dietary requirements or mobility needs so the hotel can prepare accessible dining/seating.
- Take 20–30 minutes seated outside (or on the hotel terrace) to adjust to the mountain air; hydration is important at Davos altitude.
Calm lunch at the hotel (early, quiet seating)
Enjoy a relaxed lunchtime in the hotel's restaurant—quiet atmosphere, table service and short distance from rooms to minimize walking.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask for a quieter corner table away from kitchen noise and high-traffic areas.
- Request a smaller portion or a gentle local dish if you prefer lighter meals at altitude.
- Verify step-free access between your room and the restaurant; many hotels have barrier-free routes and lifts.
Gentle stroll along the Davos promenade and town center
Short, flat promenade walk near the center with frequent benches and cafés for rests; a good way to get oriented without steep climbs.
Tips from local experts:
- Stick to the main promenade and pedestrian streets where surfaces are even and benches are frequent.
- Carry a small umbrella or lightweight jacket—September mountain weather can change quickly and shade is limited.
- Plan a short café stop halfway (pick an accessible café with step-free entry) to rest and enjoy views.
Kirchner Museum Davos — calm cultural visit
Visit the Kirchner Museum to see expressionist works in a compact, accessible museum. Elevators and seating areas are available; galleries are quiet in mid-afternoon.
Tips from local experts:
- Aim for the museum's mid-afternoon opening hours to avoid school groups; ask staff about benches and accessible routes inside.
- Use the cloakroom services to store walking sticks or small bags, and sit frequently on the benches provided in galleries.
- If you have hearing or vision needs, request available large-print guides or staff assistance; the museum is used to accommodating visitors.
Early, relaxed dinner at Kongresszentrum Davos café/restaurant
Enjoy an early dinner at the Kongresszentrum’s restaurant or a nearby calm eatery; the conference centre offers step-free access and quiet dining spaces.
Tips from local experts:
- Dine early (17:00–18:00) to avoid crowds and to make evening routines easy.
- Ask for a ground-floor table near the entrance if you prefer short walking distances from taxis or hotel transfers.
- If you need a low-salt or soft-diet option, call ahead—conference centre kitchens can usually accommodate requests.
Day 2
A scenic, mostly step-free mountain experience with lakeside calm and a peaceful mountain village visit.
Leisurely hotel breakfast
A sit-down breakfast with time to hydrate and plan the day; choose a table near the buffet to minimize standing and queuing.
Tips from local experts:
- Choose a table near the window for daylight and calm views—helps with orientation and reduces dizziness.
- Ask staff to plate items for you if standing at a buffet is difficult.
- Drink water first to help with altitude; avoid heavy exertion immediately after breakfast.
Schatzalp funicular and Alpine Garden visit (gentle elevation by funicular)
Take the funicular to Hotel Schatzalp and its alpine garden. The funicular avoids steep hiking; the grounds have paths with benches and panoramic views.
Tips from local experts:
- Use the Schatzalp funicular (Standseilbahn) rather than walking uphill; funicular entrances are step-free and staff help with boarding.
- Take frequent short rests on the terraces—altitude can tire you sooner than expected; carry water and wear a light windproof layer.
- If walking short distances on site, choose the main paved paths; request a map from reception showing the easiest, low-stair routes.
Lunch at Hotel Schatzalp (quiet dining with mountain views)
Relaxed lunch in the hotel restaurant with panoramic views — calm atmosphere and lift access back to the funicular.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a window table when booking to enjoy the view without crowding or long walks.
- Ask staff for an accessible route to the restaurant from the funicular platform if mobility is limited.
- Request a mild, early lunch option; healthy, smaller portions are easier at altitude and help maintain energy.
Short taxi or bus transfer then relaxed time at Davosersee (Lake Davos)
A short, mostly flat lakeside visit with bench seating and gentle views—ideal for sitting, birdwatching or a small, flat loop walk.
Tips from local experts:
- Take a taxi or a direct bus to the lake to avoid additional walking; parking/stop points are near flat access points.
- Sit on the lakeside benches and avoid prolonged standing; there are sheltered spots if wind picks up in the afternoon.
- If you plan a small walk, choose the paved lakeside path which is even and low-stress for mobility aids.
Gentle visit to Sertig Dörfli — scenic village without steep climbs
Short drive to Sertig Dörfli, a picturesque alpine hamlet with easy, flat routes around the small village and cafés for rest.
Tips from local experts:
- Use a short taxi ride to reach the village center and ask the driver to drop you at the most level access point.
- Choose cafés with step-free entrances and indoor seating; bring a light layer as mountain afternoons can be cool.
- Stay on the main village path; it’s cobbled in places—use rubber-soled shoes for steadier footing and consider a walking pole if helpful.
Early dinner in Davos (return to hotel for calm dining)
Return to Davos and enjoy calm dinner close to your hotel to minimize evening travel. Early seating reduces noise and waiting.
Tips from local experts:
- Book an early table and request a seat near an aisle for easy access to exits and restrooms.
- If you are sensitive to altitude, choose lighter dishes and avoid heavy red meats late in the day.
- Confirm that the restaurant has step-free restroom access if mobility is a concern.
Day 3
A short, accessible mountain panorama and easy-town finish before departure.
Breakfast, check-out preparations and luggage assistance
Leisurely breakfast and assistance with luggage and transport arrangements for departure. Allow extra time for altitude-related delays.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask the hotel to bring luggage down to reception to avoid stairs; confirm taxi timing at breakfast.
- Have a final glass of water and a light snack before travelling—mountain air increases dehydration risk.
- Keep travel documents and any altitude medication handy in a small day bag to avoid rummaging during boarding.
Jakobshorn panoramic cable car ride (short accessible experience)
A short cable car ride up Jakobshorn for wide mountain panoramas. Many lifts have level boarding and offer seating at the top for rests and photos.
Tips from local experts:
- Use the lower-capacity morning hours for easier boarding and more seating availability in the cabins.
- Ask lift operators for help boarding if you use a rollator or walking aid; cabins on Jakobshorn lifts often have step-free access.
- Limit time at the top to gentle strolls near the station and sit on benches—altitude and sun exposure can tire you quickly.
Short, accessible visit to Kongresszentrum Davos or Davos town shopping (souvenir & rest)
Return to town center for calm shopping and a final visit to the Kongresszentrum exhibition areas or shops with seating and step-free access.
Tips from local experts:
- Focus on one or two shops with benches inside (bookshops or museum shops are usually best) to avoid long walks.
- Ask shop staff to bring items to a seat for you if you wish to inspect heavier souvenirs.
- Use public toilets in the Kongresszentrum which are typically more spacious and accessible than small shop facilities.
Calm lunch near the station and departure
A final lunch close to Davos Platz station to minimize last-minute walking, followed by a short, assisted transfer to the station for departure.
Tips from local experts:
- Choose a restaurant close to the station and request a table near the exit for an easy transition to departure transport.
- Order a light, early lunch and inform staff of your departure time so service is prompt and relaxed.
- Confirm taxi or shuttle pickup 15–20 minutes before you need to board the train to avoid rushing.
