Once in Davos, it’s impossible not to notice the surrounding mountain peaks. The local landscapes are not only a feast for the eyes but also help you deeply feel the atmosphere of the region. All tourists — especially photographers — dream of reaching the mountaintops on their very first day in Davos. In this article, we’ve prepared 5 locations with the best views of the town and the surrounding Alps.
The Magic Mountain – Schatzalp
Schatzalp, or “the magic mountain” as locals call it, stands at 1,861 meters and is one of the most accessible peaks, especially for those just beginning their exploration of the region. A funicular in the center of Davos takes you to the top in just 4 minutes, offering scenic views of the town and the Landwasser Valley on the way.
At the summit, you’ll find a historic Art Nouveau hotel of the same name, built in the early 20th century, as well as an alpine botanical garden. An interesting fact — this is the setting of Thomas Mann’s famous novel The Magic Mountain, which gave the mountain its nickname. The view from Schatzalp is especially beautiful in summer and early autumn, when the slopes are bathed in warm light and colorful leaves. The viewing platform overlooks central Davos, the lake, and the surrounding hills.
Jakobshorn
Jakobshorn is one of the most famous and popular viewpoints in the region. Its peak rises to 2,590 meters and is easily reached by cable car from Davos Platz.
At the top, visitors are treated to southwest-facing views of Davos — especially stunning at sunset. There’s also a panoramic restaurant with a terrace, perfect for enjoying coffee and relaxing after the ascent. The mountain is home to a ski resort with trails of varying difficulty, so even beginners can give winter sports a try. In addition, it’s a favorite location for paragliders, and in the summer it becomes a starting point for hiking routes of all levels — suitable for both new and experienced travelers.
The Parsenn Mountain Range
The Parsenn mountain range is considered a traditional ski area by locals. It’s home to one of the longest ski runs in Europe. There are several scenic viewpoints here, and one of the best can be reached by the Parsennbahn funicular, with its base station near Davos Dorf. The upper station, Weissfluhjoch, located at 2,693 meters, offers sweeping views in multiple directions: over the Prättigau Valley, toward Klosters, and across the distant ridges of the Rhaetian Alps. The platform is designed for safe and comfortable stays — even in winter, you can linger to take in the panoramic view. On clear days, visibility extends for dozens of kilometers, making it an ideal spot to experience the scale of the Alps.
Höhenweg Davos Trail
In addition to its mountains, Davos offers picturesque hiking routes. One of the most scenic is the Höhenweg, a panoramic trail that runs along the western slope of the valley between Davos Platz and Davos Dorf.
The multi-kilometer route takes you through a variety of alpine terrain with views to the east: on clear days, you’ll see the town center, the lake, and the Seehorn and Jakobshorn mountains. The trail passes through meadows, forests, and open rocky stretches. It’s considered easy and doesn’t require special preparation — it’s suitable for walking or cycling.
Strelapass
For those seeking a more remote viewpoint with open vistas, Strelapass is a perfect destination. Located at 2,342 meters, it’s accessible only on foot via a trail from Schatzalp. The hike takes around two hours each way and leads through classic alpine landscapes: tall grassy meadows, steep sections, and rocky passes.
From the pass, you’ll get a broad panorama of the northern slopes, distant valleys, and mountain peaks. Autumn is especially beautiful here — bright foliage contrasts with the first snow, creating a postcard-perfect scene. There’s also a mountain restaurant where you can rest, grab a snack, and continue your hike in either direction — toward Seehorn or Flüela.
