Davos is the highest town in the Alps, a place of long straight streets, sanatorium heritage and serious mountain infrastructure. It is really three choices in one valley: urban Davos Platz, quieter Davos Dorf, and Klosters, the chalet village around the mountain's shoulder that shares the same lift network with an entirely different personality.
The bases at a glance
| Area | Best for |
|---|---|
| Davos Platz | Congress centre, restaurants, Jakobshorn side |
| Davos Dorf | Parsenn funicular, calmer streets, the lake |
| Klosters | Chalet charm, discreet tradition, Gotschna lift |
Davos Platz: the urban Alps
Platz is the busier half: the congress centre, the ice stadium and most of the shopping line its promenade, with the Jakobshorn cable car, the snowboarders' favourite, rising from the edge of the centre. Stay here for amenities and evening choice.
Davos Dorf: closer to the classic runs
Dorf, a short bus ride north, is where the Parsenn funicular begins its climb toward Weissfluhjoch and the long, famous descents toward Klosters. It is noticeably quieter than Platz, and in summer it fronts the small lake and its lido. Our overview of the best hotels across Davos Klosters compares both halves of town address by address.
Klosters: the village alternative
Around the mountain, Klosters keeps everything Davos traded away: timber chalets, a compact village core and a long tradition of discreet regulars. The Gotschna cable car links it into the same Parsenn ski area, so the choice is purely one of atmosphere, village evenings versus town convenience.
Comparing Graubunden's giants
If you are weighing Davos against the canton's other famous name, our guide to luxury hotels in St. Moritz makes the contrast clear: Davos is bigger, sportier and more functional; St. Moritz smaller, sunnier and more glamorous. The Engadin St. Moritz overview completes the picture.
Frequently asked questions
Is Davos Platz or Dorf better?
Platz for restaurants and events, Dorf for the Parsenn lifts and quieter nights. The valley bus links them every few minutes.
Is Klosters better than Davos?
Different rather than better: same ski area, opposite mood. Couples and traditionalists often prefer Klosters; groups and families wanting infrastructure choose Davos.
Where should skiers stay?
Dorf for the Parsenn, Platz for the Jakobshorn, Klosters for the Gotschna side and the long runs home.
What is Davos like in summer?
A hiking and biking hub with a cooling lake, the high valley air that made it a health resort in the first place, and far gentler prices than winter.
Do you need a car?
No: the Rhaetian Railway serves both Davos stations and Klosters, and the valley bus network is dense.
How many nights make sense?
Three for a ski weekend or summer break; a week if you plan to work through the Parsenn's full length and the side valleys.