Klosters, a Swiss mountain resort traditionally associated with winter skiing, is being highlighted as an idyllic summer destination, offering hiking, cable car rides, spa facilities, and royal connections. The town, where the Royal Family has holidayed for more than three decades, provides a range of outdoor activities and easy access from Zurich via the Swiss railway network.
Summer adventures in the Alps
A personal highlight of a recent visit was going up Mount Madrisa for an adventure with sweeping panoramic views over Klosters. The family-friendly mountain can be accessed on foot or by cable car and boasts a range of hiking trails, wildlife, and a beautiful lake.
A standout highlight was the unique barefoot Kneipp trail, an invigorating sensory path over stones and pebbles, designed to boost circulation, strengthen the immune system, and reconnect visitors with nature. It proved that Switzerland's mountains can be experienced outside of ski season, with summer weather sticking around the mid twenties.
Royal connections and local attractions
Klosters has been a holiday destination for the Royal Family for more than three decades. King Charles III traditionally stays in Hotel Walserhof or Chalet Eugenia during visits to the town. For decades, Hotel Walserhof was Charles's primary residence of choice during his ski trips, though when travelling in larger family groups, the royals often opt for the discreet luxury in Chalet Bear.
Visitors can also see Graubünden's incredible Rhaetian Railway viaduct, which can be crossed on foot. The Sky Walk runs parallel to the rails and offers sensational photo opportunities of the surrounding area below. The Landwasser Express travels through the stunning village of Filisur to the famous UNESCO Landwasser Viaduct.
Exploring the Vereina Valley and Davos
E-bikes can be hired from the town centre to cycle around the Vereina Valley. The tour leads from Klosters to Berghaus Vereina and is suitable for both advanced cyclists and beginners, thanks to electric support on the route's hilly sections. The Berghaus Vereina is a charming mountain inn to refuel at, with a rustic atmosphere and peaceful setting.
Davos, sitting at 1,560 meters above sea level, is officially the highest town in Europe. The town stretches along the Landwasser Valley and is split into two main sections, Davos Platz and Davos Dorf. It is known as the host of an annual Global Summit, which draws world political leaders and intellectuals to the Davos Congress Centre, but it owes much of its fame to the medical properties of its mountain air. Due to its location, Davos has extremely pure air and low humidity, which is beneficial for people who struggle with allergies, as dust mites cannot survive above 1,500 metres.
A five-minute funicular ride from the town centre goes up to the Schatzalp, where visitors can enjoy a traditional Swiss lunch and a glass of wine at the Panorama Restaurant, gazing out over the valley. The famous Hotel Schatzalp was originally a luxury tuberculosis sanatorium before being converted into a hotel in 1953.
Getting there and practical information
SWISS offers direct flights from the UK to Zurich with one-way fares from £76, including one piece of checked luggage and one piece of hand luggage. The Swiss Travel Pass starts at £254 for three days and includes free entry to over 500 Swiss museums. For more information, visit davos.ch and switzerland.com.
