Tour of the side valleys
Intro
This tour of the Davos Klosters region takes in five of the picturesque side valleys that lead off the main Prättigau and Landwasser valleys.
Description
These remote areas were settled centuries ago by the Walsers: you’ll find their characteristic scattered communities of wooden houses and barns, and as you explore you’ll also get to know the traditional Walser culture. The tour extends for 99 kilometres through a landscape of pristine beauty, and ranges in altitude from 814 metres (Küblis) to 2,007 metres (Dürrboden).
Here you find detailed information on route: PDF Tour of the side valleys
Hereafter, we present 10 suggestions for excursions along the tour.
Tipp 1: Lake Partnun
Enough driving, time for outdoor action! After a refreshing dip in the Partnunsee lake and a relaxed barbecue at the picnic site, choose your next adventure. Perhaps tackle the new family rock climbing area with over 20 secured routes; brave Graubünden’s first via ferrata (fixed-cable climb) on the dramatic south face of the Sulzfluh (2,817 m); or set off on the thrilling Panorama Ride mountain bike trail.
Tipp 2: Erika mountain restaurant
Time seems to stand still at the Walser hamlet of Schlappin. This is the finish point of a gorgeous walk up the pristine Schlappin valley following the cascading river (approx. 2 hours from Klosters; or 2.5 hours via the Madrisa high trail). You’ll find ancient wooden houses, lush alpine pastures, dramatic peaks reflected in the still lake – and delicious food at the cosy Erika mountain restaurant.
Tipp 3: Madrisa-Land
Inspired by local legends, Madrisa-Land is a world of family adventure that welcomes all children – including those who are visually impaired or have physical disabilities. Attractions range from the “legend park” with giant slides, climbing wall and zip wire to an animal collection, archery trail, descents on monster scooters and the chance to spend the night in the first tree hotel in the Swiss Alps.
Tipp 4: Alp Garfiun
Regulars rave about the famous Garfiun barley soup, the exquisite chocolate cake and the delicious fondue dinners in the cosy restaurant. Alp Garfiun, located in a side valley above Klosters, is a local institution, but there’s no motorised access: come up on foot, by bike, in a horse-drawn carriage or in winter on cross-country skis. The venue is barrier-free, and also has a sun terrace and playground.
Tipp 5: Adventure Park Davos Färich
You’re promised a big blast of adrenalin at the Färich Adventure Park, seven minutes’ walk (or a short bus ride) from Davos Dorf on the road to the Flüela Pass. The rope park has five routes with different levels of difficulty including a course for young children. The mountain bike park boasts a wide range of features including tables, pump track, jumps and North Shore structures. High thrills guaranteed!
Tipp 6: Schatzalp
The beautiful hotel on the Schatzalp was built in art nouveau style as a sanatorium, said to be inspiration for Thomas Mann’s masterpiece “The Magic Mountain”. Non-residents can also enjoy the glorious views of the valley – over a fondue at the panoramic restaurant, for example, or a raclette at the Strela Alp restaurant a short walk uphill. The Alpinum, with 10,000 alpine plants, is well worth a visit.
Tipp 7: Grialetsch
Run by the Swiss Alpine Club, the Grialetsch SAC hut is a traditional alpine cabin by a small lake at an altitude of more than 2,500 metres. The remote location promises a sublime experience of the still majesty of the Graubünden mountains. An ideal base for spectacular hikes, the hut is also one of the stops on the four-day Kesch Trek. Access: a full day’s walk from Davos, or two hours from Dürrboden.
Tipp 8: Sertig valley
Dramatic mountains, an impressive waterfall and the pretty hamlet of Sertig Dörfli complete with 17th-century church make the Sertig valley one of the most idyllic in Switzerland. In early August, this uplifting landscape offers a charming backdrop for the popular Sertigschwinget, a traditional Swiss wrestling contest. Travel here by car or PostBus – or best of all, in a romantic horse-drawn carriage.
Tipp 9: BierVision Monstein
Monstein is a picturesque village at an altitude of 1,625 metres, with typical Walser houses and barns, two churches, two restaurants and unmistakable charm. The community is also home to the highest brewery in Switzerland: BierVision Monstein, located in the former village dairy. Crystal-clear spring water from Monstein, Swiss hops and organic Graubünden malt combine to make a sensational beer. Cheers!
Tipp 10: Wiesen Viaduct
This elegant viaduct invariably impresses visitors – including the painter Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, who immortalised it in 1926. The Rhaetian Railway’s tallest stone bridge carries the red trains a giddy 88 vertical metres above the bottom of the gorge. Davos Klosters makes an ideal base for day-trips on the world-famous Glacier Express and Bernina Express, along lines that form part of UNESCO World Heritage.
An enjoyable tour includes the careful planning of the same. Please inform yourself in advance at the local information center about the route and weather conditions. Depending on the season and weather conditions, this route may be blocked or interrupted
