Culture and events
Davos is more than a destination for nature and mountain experiences: it brings together culture, history, sport, and music to create truly special moments at any time of year. Discover the traces of celebrated artists and writers, experience international events, or draw inspiration from local festivals and personal recommendations. Let our tips spark your imagination and shape your stay exactly the way you want it.
The Magic Mountain
Over the course of his career, Thomas Mann wrote numerous landmark novels and was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature for his life's work. Among his most important works is "The Magic Mountain" — a story set during the era of tuberculosis treatments in Davos, depicting impressions that Mann witnessed firsthand.
Thomas Mann Trail
Stephan Amsler – General Manager: “The Thomas Mann Trail is easily reached from the hotel — a themed walking route of around 3.5 kilometers leading to the Waldhotel Davos and on to the Schatzalp. Along the way, you'll encounter ten literary stops featuring quotes from 'The Magic Mountain' that offer a glimpse into the famous author's impressions of Davos. The moderate route takes around 1.5 hours and ends at Thomas-Mann-Platz behind the Alpinum.”
Davos Klosters Sounds Good
Every July, Davos transforms for a few days into a stage for jazz in all its facets. Immerse yourself in a week full of swing, blues, and good vibes. Leave the everyday behind and enjoy the magic of music at 1,560 meters above sea level.
Jazz @AMERON Davos
Nattharanee Ratbuppa – Hospitality Communications Trainee: “Honest music, pure joy, and closeness to the audience — that's what makes this festival so special for me. Look forward to a mix of well-loved favorites and exciting new discoveries, in an atmosphere made truly unforgettable by our unique mountain panorama. My tip: don't miss the concert at AMERON Davos — a wonderfully atmospheric afternoon right in the heart of the festival.”
davos@promenade
davos@promenade On selected Friday evenings in summer, the Davos Promenade transforms into a vibrant street festival. Depending on the date, the event takes place in Davos Platz or Davos Dorf, each time centered around its own unique theme.
Local businesses, clubs, and institutions present culinary offerings, creative stalls, live music, and a variety of attractions. The car-free promenade becomes a meeting point for locals and visitors alike, showing Davos at its most lively and personal.
The colorful street market
Lucas Labinsky – Event Manager: “If the davos@promenade happens to fall during your stay, don't miss it for the world. My tip: head out without a fixed plan and simply go wherever the evening takes you. Try something at the different stalls, listen to the musicians, and stop wherever the atmosphere draws you in. For me, it's the encounters with the local clubs and businesses that make the evening truly special.”
Tips for winter month
Spengler Cup since 1923
Davos physician Dr. Carl Spengler, son of Dr. Alexander Spengler — the founding father of the Davos resort — was a passionate supporter of HC Davos, established in 1921. To support his club and, at the same time, help bring nations estranged by the First World War closer together again, he donated a challenge trophy at Christmas 1923, intended to build new trust through fair and friendly competition. As one of Switzerland's greatest sporting events, the Spengler Cup draws around 100,000 visitors to Davos each year, all drawn by the unique atmosphere in and around the Davos ice stadium.
The Spengler Cup today
Maik Hellmüller – Technical Director: "Since 2010, six teams have competed at the Spengler Cup, split into two groups of three. Group stage matches begin on December 26th, before the decisive tournament phase gets underway on December 29th. The two group winners advance directly to the semi-finals, while the remaining four teams battle it out in the pre-semi-finals for the last semi-final spots. The highlight is the grand final on December 31st."
Art on Ice Davos
When world-class figure skating meets live music, Davos becomes the stage for the world's most successful show for two unforgettable evenings. Art on Ice — featuring Olympic champions, world and European champions, and international music stars and live bands performing alongside the skaters.
Book early
Chiuvana Schär – Hospitality Communications Trainee: “Art on Ice is a magical show that truly enchants. Combine your winter holiday with these events — and don't forget to book early.”
Coverfestival Davos
Sun, fun, and cool rhythms all in one place? The Coverfestival Davos delivers rocky days in the snow and long party nights — featuring the world's best tribute and cover bands. Venues are spread across the ski area and the town of Davos: during the day, stages at the Parsennhütte and on the Bolgen Plaza, among others, keep the energy high.
Ski & party in Davos
Isabella Scheuermann – General Manager: “My insider tip: combine your ski day with a visit to the Bolgen Plaza — the perfect way to blend sporting thrills on the slopes with the best festival atmosphere under open skies.”
Tips for every season
Events in Davos Klosters
The Davos Klosters destination organizes a wide variety of events throughout the year. Plan your holiday and combine your stay with events, workshops, sporting occasions, taster courses, art events, and much more.
Discover Davos
Jann Wyss – Hospitality Communications Trainee: "Want to know what's happening in Davos right now? Visit the events website of the Davos Klosters destination. Let yourself be surprised and discover more about the destination — from musical events and village festivals to art exhibitions. What I love most is that there's something for every audience, from young to old."
Kirchner Museum
Ernst Ludwig Kirchner (1880–1938) was a German Expressionist artist who lived in Davos from 1928 until his death in 1938. As a co-founder of the artist group Brücke, he left a defining mark on modern art in the 20th century and is today regarded as one of the most important figures of German Expressionism.
The Kirchner Museum Davos dedicates itself to the collection through changing exhibitions, also presenting artists of Classical Modernism as well as positions in contemporary art — continually revealing the relevance and significance of Ernst Ludwig Kirchner in new and compelling ways.
Changing exhibitions
Isabella Scheuermann – General Manager: “The Kirchner Museum always has changing exhibitions on display, making it well worth a visit more than once. My personal tip: join a guided tour.”
Schatzalp
Perched at 1,861 meters above Davos and accessible since 1899 by its historic funicular railway, the Schatzalp reigns over the valley below. The Art Nouveau mountain hotel opened in 1900 as a luxury sanatorium and was at the time considered one of the most advanced healing establishments in Europe. Thomas Mann spent time here while visiting his wife Katia at the nearby Waldsanatorium — experiences that inspired him to write his landmark novel "The Magic Mountain." To this day, the car-free Schatzalp remains a haven of tranquility and unhurried calm, true to the spirit of the Belle Époque era that continues to define its unmistakable character.
Botanical garden Alpinum
Stephan Amsler – General Manager: “In summer, numerous walking paths through forests and alpine meadows invite you to linger — among them the Alpinum: amid edelweiss, gentians, and bellflowers, ever-changing views of Davos and the surrounding mountain world unfold at every turn. In winter, the Schatzalp transforms into a snow-covered picture postcard: winter hiking trails wind through the snowy forest, and for those who wish, the sledge awaits to take you back down into the valley.”