One High-Energy Summer Day in Davos for Friends
A fun, social day in Davos built for a group of friends — mountain views, an active alpine ride, lakeside play, culture, shared meals, and upbeat nightlife. Pacing lets you swap a laid-back coffee for more time on the mountain or at the lake.
Highlights
- Ride the Jakobshorn for panoramic alpine views and summer trails
- Stand-up paddle or chill at Davosersee
- Kirchner Museum for a quick cultural pop-in
- Group-friendly meals and lively evening with live music/club vibes
Itinerary
Day 1
A balanced summer day: meetup, quick breakfast, mountain adventure, lakeside fun, museum culture, dinner, and vibrant nightlife — all tailored for a lively group.
Meet at Davos Platz (arrival & quick orientation)
Gather at the Davos Platz railway station so everyone arrives together. Confirm plans, buy any day passes, and split shared costs before you set off.
Tips from local experts:
- Use the station lockers or ask everyone to leave bulky luggage in a single bag to avoid multiple trips — saves time on lifts.
- Buy a Davos Klosters day card at the station ticket counter if you plan multiple cable cars (good group discount if you split costs).
- Meet on the sunny side of the plaza (near the main clock) for easy cell reception and quick headcounts.
Group breakfast — hotel-style buffet to fuel the day
Hearty breakfast buffet (plenty of group seating) to load up before the mountain. Choose family-style plates and share costs for a quick, sociable start.
Tips from local experts:
- Sit near a window for a light, sociable table — ask staff for a long table for 4–6 people if it's busy.
- Order one fruit/juice pitcher to share and split the cost — cheaper than individual juices.
- Get the staff to pack extra pastries for the trail — great as picnic snacks for the afternoon.
Cable car up Jakobshorn — alpine access and summer trails
Take the Jakobshorn lift for panoramic views; pair a short alpine hike or try one of the easy downhill summer-scenic routes. Ideal for group photos and playful races on marked trails.
Tips from local experts:
- Buy round-trip lift tickets as a group at once — ask for group discounts or multi-ride cards to split the bill.
- Pack a lightweight windproof and sunscreen — weather up top changes quick even in August.
- If the group wants more adrenaline, ask about marked flow-trails or a short guided trail ride with a local MTB guide (book in advance).
Casual group lunch in Davos Platz — shared platters
Return to town for a relaxed group lunch with shareable plates — ideal for splitting the bill and catching up after the mountain leg.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask for a single shared bill and multiple cards payment if splitting costs between people.
- Order a couple of shared platters to sample local cheeses and grilled dishes — more sociable than individual mains.
- Reserve a table in advance (12–14 people slots fill quickly in summer weekends) or call ahead for a sunny terrace table.
Kirchner Museum — quick cultural pop-in
A compact, world-class museum showcasing Ernst Ludwig Kirchner's work and Davos' artistic history. Perfect 45–60 minute cultural stop that still keeps the day lively.
Tips from local experts:
- Book a short group entry or check for a late-afternoon reduced-rate slot to keep your schedule tight.
- Use the museum's audio guide or a quick group commentary — it helps everyone connect the art to Davos' story.
- Combine the museum stop with a group photo in the sculpture garden — small and easy to coordinate with friends.
Davosersee — stand-up paddle or lakeside chill
Head to Davosersee for an active, playful afternoon: rent SUP boards or sit lakeside with drinks. Options for group-friendly rentals or relaxing with a frisbee and picnic.
Tips from local experts:
- Check for SUP or pedal-boat rentals in the morning and reserve boards for late-afternoon slots when the water calms.
- Bring a dry bag and one phone on waterproof protection for group selfies; rotate who goes out on the board so everyone gets a turn.
- If some want to skip paddling, split costs by sharing a single rental and switching participants — cheaper and keeps the vibe social.
Aperitivo / early drinks on a sunny terrace
Recharge with a shared aperitivo at a lively terrace — small plates and local beers make pre-dinner socializing effortless and group-friendly.
Tips from local experts:
- Order a round of local beers or an aperitivo platter to share — easier and cheaper than individual starters.
- Pick a terrace table where chatter won't disturb others; ask staff to reserve one if you're a group of 4–6+.
- Use this time to coordinate evening plans (who's going to the club, who wants a quieter bar) and collect cash for any shared tickets.
Group dinner — convivial alpine flavors
Dine at a roomy restaurant with hearty alpine dishes — family-style mains and desserts to share keep the table lively and the splits fair.
Tips from local experts:
- Pre-order a couple of mains to share (fondue or raclette if available) for the full Swiss group experience.
- Ask the restaurant for separate receipts or one shared bill depending on what’s easiest for the group split.
- Save a little appetite for a digestif — the house specialty or a local schnapps is a fun end to a Swiss meal.
Nightlife: live music or club — energetic evening
Finish with upbeat nightlife — a bar with live music or a small club that welcomes lively groups. Dance, trivia, or a live DJ depending on the night's program.
Tips from local experts:
- Call ahead to confirm live music or DJ nights and any group table reservations; some venues have free entry early evening.
- Designate one person to handle the bar tab and settle at the end to avoid awkward splitting during the night.
- Plan a simple meetup point near the venue door for late-night regrouping so no one wanders off alone.
Wind-down & transport home
Head back to Davos Platz station or your accommodation. If using public transport, check last train/timetable; book taxis early on busy nights.
Tips from local experts:
- Agree on a meetup time and check last train/bus times for your direction early in the night to avoid scrambling.
- If splitting a taxi, use a ride app or ask the club to call a local taxi company that handles group fares.
- Keep a list of your accommodation addresses and a printed map snap — phone batteries drop fast after a long day out.
