4-Day Budget Guide to Davos: Backpacking the Swiss Alps
Davos might be world-famous as the playground for the global elite during the World Economic Forum, but for the savvy budget backpacker, it offers an incredible gateway to the Swiss Alps. By utilizing the local guest card system and leaning into the hostel lifestyle, you can experience high-altitude beauty without the high-altitude price tag. This guide focuses on maximizing value in one of the world's most expensive countries.
The key to surviving Davos on a budget is the 'Davos Klosters Premium Card.' Staying just one night in a local hostel grants you this pass, which offers free local public transport and deeply discounted mountain cable cars. Pair this with supermarket meal-prepping and you have a recipe for an affordable, adventure-packed mountain getaway.
Day 1: Davos Platz - Arrival and Lakeside Vibes
Arrival at Davos Platz
Start your journey at the Davos Platz railway station. Instead of expensive taxis, use the local bus system which is incredibly efficient and easy to navigate with a backpack.
Check-in at Davos Youth Hostel
Drop your bags at the Davos Youth Hostel, located in a renovated former sanatorium. It offers one of the best views in the city and, most importantly, provides the guest card that makes budget travel here possible.
Davosersee (Lake Davos) Walk
Take the local bus to the Davos Dorf end of town to visit this stunning Alpine lake. A flat, 4km walking path circles the entire lake, offering crystal-clear water views and crisp mountain air entirely for free.
Sunset Picnic at the Promenade
Skip the sit-down restaurants. Head to the local Coop or Migros supermarket to grab some Swiss cheese, bread, and chocolate for a budget-friendly sunset dinner overlooking the valley.
Day 2: Davos Dorf - Peaks and Culture
Hiking the Jakobshorn
Use your guest card for a discounted ride or choose to hike up the trails from Davos Platz. The views of the Sertig Valley from the top are legendary and cost nothing once you are on the trail.
Kurpark Davos
Relax in the central Kurpark. This beautifully landscaped garden is the perfect spot for a mid-day rest. It often hosts free open-air concerts during the summer months.
Kirchner Museum Architecture
While the museum has an entry fee, the building itself is a masterpiece of modern glass architecture. Wander around the exterior and the nearby residential streets to see traditional Grisons-style wood houses.
Budget Socializing at Pizzeria Piz Piz
For one of the most affordable hot meals in town, grab a takeaway pizza or a kebab here. It is a popular spot for locals and seasonal workers to grab a quick, filling bite.
Day 3: Nature - Alpine Valley Exploration
Sertig Valley Bus Journey
Board the free local bus (Line 8) for a scenic 20-minute ride deep into the Sertig Valley. This is one of the most picturesque glacial valleys in Switzerland, featuring jagged peaks and traditional hamlets.
Sertig Waterfall Hike
Follow the easy, well-marked path from Sertig Sand to the base of a thundering waterfall. It’s a great spot for photos and a quiet place to enjoy a packed lunch away from the town center.
Biervision Monstein (Exterior)
Take the bus toward the tiny village of Monstein. It houses the highest brewery in Switzerland. While tours cost money, the village itself is a stunning example of a traditional Walser settlement.
Hostel Kitchen Cook-off
Embrace the true backpacker spirit. Most Davos hostels have excellent communal kitchens. Join fellow travelers in cooking a big pot of pasta to keep your daily food spend under $15.
Day 4: History - Botanical Wonders and Views
Hike to Schatzalp
Save money on the funicular by hiking the 'Thomas Mann Way' up to Schatzalp. It takes about 45-60 minutes through shaded forest paths and is famous for its literary history.
Alpinum Schatzalp
Visit the botanical garden which hosts over 5,000 species of high-altitude plants from around the world. The entrance fee is very modest, and the views back down over Davos are spectacular.
Souvenir Window Shopping
Walk the length of the Promenade between Davos Dorf and Platz. Enjoy the window displays of luxury watches and fashion, then head to a local bakery for one last 'Bündner Nusstorte' (nut tart) slice.
Departure from Davos Dorf
Head to the Davos Dorf station for your return journey. This station offers a different perspective of the valley as you wind your way back down toward Landquart.
Best Time & Weather
For budget travelers, the shoulder seasons of June and September are ideal. The weather is mild enough for hiking, all trails are open, and hostel prices are significantly lower than during the peak winter ski season or the WEF summit in January. Summers are generally pleasant with temperatures between 15°C and 22°C, though mountain weather can change rapidly.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the Swiss Franc (CHF). While Switzerland is increasingly card-friendly, carrying a small amount of cash is useful for small bakeries or remote mountain huts. Tipping is not mandatory in Switzerland as a service charge is included in the price, but rounding up the bill is a common way to show appreciation for good service.
Getting Around
Davos is remarkably easy to navigate thanks to its linear layout. The local bus network (VBD) is the primary mode of transport. Best of all, if you stay in commercially operated accommodation (including hostels), you receive the Davos Klosters Premium Card, which allows you to use all local buses and the trains between Filisur and Klosters for free.
