Most people picture Davos under snow, but its summer is one of the best-kept secrets in the Alps. Once the lifts close and the slopes turn green, Europe's highest town becomes a walking, cycling, and lakeside base under clear mountain skies — quieter, cheaper, and in its own way more beautiful than in winter.
Hiking
Summer in Davos is, above all, about walking. The same mountains that carry skiers in winter open up hundreds of kilometres of marked trails, from gentle valley and lakeside paths to high alpine routes along the ridges. Several mountain railways run through the summer, so you can ride up and walk down rather than climbing both ways — a gift for casual walkers who still want the high views. Routes range from easy family strolls to serious full-day mountain hikes.
The lake
The Davosersee (Lake Davos), at the Dorf end of town, is the summer's social heart. By midsummer it warms enough to swim, and its shore is made for walking, picnicking, and sitting out on a long evening. A loop of the lake is one of the easiest and most rewarding short walks in Davos.
Cycling and mountain biking
Davos has grown into a strong mountain-biking destination, with marked trails and bike-friendly lifts, alongside road cycling on the passes that the region is known for. The high altitude and long climbs also make it a favoured training base for endurance athletes through the summer.
A quieter town
Summer Davos is calm in a way the winter town never is. Prices are lower, the crowds are gone, and the pace is slow — though as with the shoulder seasons, a few hotels and mountain restaurants close between the busy periods, so it pays to check ahead.
Why it matters
For anyone who first comes to Davos for the forum or the skiing, summer is the season that reveals the town as a genuine year-round place rather than a January phenomenon. It is an ideal time for a return visit, or to extend a stay either side of a winter trip. Browse places to stay or see more year-round ideas, and get in touch if you'd like help planning a summer visit.