Klosters
A picturesque village connected to Davos by cable car and ski lift, Klosters offers a quieter, more authentic alpine experience with excellent terrain for both skiers and hikers. The traditional Graubünden architecture and mountain setting make it an ideal base for exploring the region.
Things to do
- Ski the Parsenn Circuit — A legendary ski route connecting Klosters to Davos via high alpine terrain, offering varied runs and stunning views of the Prättigau valley.
- Summer hiking on Madrisa — Accessible via cable car from Klosters, this mountain offers panoramic trails through alpine meadows and down through the scenic Schlappin gorge.
- Explore the village center on foot — Wander the narrow lanes lined with traditional Graubünden wooden chalets, stopping at local galleries and the small but charming parish church.
- Mountain biking the Prättigau trails — Pedal through forested valleys and across open alpine terrain with routes suitable for all levels, departing directly from the village.
- Visit Gotschnagrat for views — Take the cable car to this viewpoint above Klosters for 360-degree vistas of the Silvretta and Albula ranges.
- Via Ferrata climbing — Several protected rock climbing routes in the surrounding peaks offer adventures for climbers seeking exposure and technical challenge.
Food to try
- Maluns — Graubünden's signature potato cake made from grated potatoes, cheese, and leeks, often served with apple sauce as a hearty local comfort food.
- Capuns — Savory chard or cabbage rolls wrapped around a filling of spiced meat and breadcrumbs, then baked in broth—a traditional mountain dish.
- Graubünden barley soup — A warming soup combining pearl barley, root vegetables, and often beef or bacon, embodying the region's simple alpine cooking traditions.
- Pizokel — Buckwheat noodles typically served with cabbage and melted cheese, representing the hearty vegetarian heritage of mountain communities.
- Bündnerfleisch — Air-dried beef cured and aged in the thin mountain air, sliced paper-thin and served as a delicacy—one of Switzerland's most celebrated cured meats.
Local customs & good to know
- Respect hiking season timing — Summer hiking season runs roughly June through September; many high alpine trails remain snow-covered or unsafe outside this window, so check local conditions.
- Learn basic Romansh greetings — Klosters sits in the Prättigau, where Romansh is still spoken; locals appreciate visitors who attempt 'Allegra' (hello) or 'Tschüss' (goodbye).
- Embrace the quieter pace — Klosters deliberately maintains a low-key, family-friendly atmosphere compared to Davos; shops close early and nightlife is minimal, reflecting authentic alpine village values.
- Take the Davos connection seriously — The cable car and lifts linking Klosters to Davos are central to local life and skiing; plan your day around lift schedules and purchase a multi-day pass if combining both villages.