Summer in Davos, Switzerland
Plan a trip to Switzerland this summer. Re-watch The Sound of Music (even though it was filmed in Austria the scenery is the same)...re-read Heidi (even though that was filmed in Germany)...practice some yodeling...think about scrumptious pastries and if that's not enough... We've traveled the country from one end to another with ease but I'm encouraging you to visit Davos because they have a fantastic deal in 2008. Davos is offering FREE buses throughout the valley...FREE , unlimited rides on their mountain railways, gondolas and chair lifts. If you've ever visited Switzerland or any other European country for that matter, you'll understand what a great deal this is. Any transportation in Switzerland is costly...think lots of $$$ for each gondola or bus ride and we have never heard of them giving anything for FREE. The Davos inclusive card will be given to anyone who stays in Davos at least one night in a paid accommodation.
Not only can you hike but there are unlimited mountain bike routes. Rent a mountain bike, get on a bus, train or gondola, head for the day's destination up in the mountains or in one of the side valleys, ride as long as you want and take public transportation back to where you started. Take a trail with very little incline or huff and puff your way up a harder one.
We love to hike or walk in Europe because you can hike up a mountain, come down miles away from where you started, and return by bus or train. So much more interesting than an out-and-back route, and never a worry about getting lost. Wherever two paths cross, you will find those little yellow signs pointing the direction along with an estimated time to reach the next spot. How much easier could they possibly make it!
Take the kids for an unbelievably family-friendly vacation. Ride a gondola up a mountain, wander through the pastures, fat cows wearing different size bells, clanking away and creating a melodic symphony, bring a picnic, visit the Alpine pets' corner. Ride the Rhaetian Railway FREE between Davos and Klosters. Of course, it is Davos' way of increasing summer business but don't miss this opportunity! What other country can you walk around and admire prized cow decals on weathered barns with each Swiss passerby saying Greuzti (a greeting) to each and every person on the trail.
If you plan on staying just in Davos, check the Rail Eruope site for information on some of the train options. There is also a Swiss Card that includes all rail, lake steamers and city transportation lines with unlimited travel, and a Swiss Family Card allows children under 16 to travel free when accompanied by a parent. Switzerland is an ideal place to take the kids. You could base yourself in one or two different locations and take day trips anywhere in Switzerland.
Each train trip is an experience. I never get tired of looking our the window, watching the pastoral villages and scenic mountains. ...View image...
Once again, check out the excellent Davos website for information. Summer rates are always less than the Winter rates. In the 20 years we've traveled around Switzerland, this is the first time we've ever seen a bargain like this and can't pass it up. Now we can hike up a mountain and take a cablecar down without paying through the nose...so many more options and that is why we plan to visit Davos this Summer. Perhaps, we'll see you on a trail or mountaintop and be sure to say Greutzi or yodel a hello!
Book your rail tickets with the European Rail Experts!
Comments
I can't believe these pics! My husband is Swiss and grew up skiing in Klosters. We were there last summer with our three daughters. Great blog (learned about you from Joel)! Great pictures!
Krissiwyss:
Thanks so much for taking the time to read Travels With Sheila. Switzerland is where we learned to hike in the '80's and is the one country we always feel safe and enjoy visiting. Kandersteg is another drop-dead gorgeous place (not for skiing but hiking) out of the 100's of gorgeous places in Switzerland to visit. Glad you enjoyed the photos...I had so many more...but space constraints.
Keep reading and traveling. Best regards, Sheila
Posted by: Krissi | April 30, 2007 10:09 AM
Visited Davos in 2006 with husband & 2 teenagers. Scenery superb & the free mountain railways, buses & trains were excellent. Lots to do in and around Davos. The kids have begged to go again so we're visiting this summer and looking forward to it. Love the pics (I took hundreds in 2006 - its so scenic).
Thanks so much for your thoughts, I agree completely with you and hope more readers put Davos on their "must do" for summer, 2008.
Best, Sheila
Posted by: Chris | February 11, 2008 01:18 PM