Hiking with children in the Swiss Alps turns into an unforgettable adventure whenever the trail itself becomes a playground: Rather than counting steep elevation gains, what truly captivates little hikers are crystal-clear mountain brooks for building dams, tame wild squirrels that eat hazelnuts straight from their palms, and sprawling alpine playgrounds perched above 1,800 metres. Davos Klosters features over 700 kilometres of marked footpaths – but which trails truly suit short children’s legs? Which paths are genuinely accessible with all-terrain strollers? And where can tired young hikers look forward to refreshing mountain ice cream at the finish? This practical family guide by Ride and Smile reveals six tested, engaging hikes, delivers an honest stroller assessment, and shares insider coaching tips to get even reluctant walkers eagerly marching uphill.
The 6 Best Family Hikes at a Glance
| Hike / Trail | Starting Point | Distance | Walking Time | Stroller Accessible? | Signature Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Davos Squirrel Path | Davos Dorf / Forest | 1.5 km | approx. 45 min | Yes (compacted gravel) | Feeding tame wild squirrels with hazelnuts |
| Klosters Gnome Trail | Klosters Dorf | 2.5 km | approx. 1h 15 min | No (natural root path) | Carved wooden gnomes & fairy tale storyboards |
| Sertig Waterfall Walk | Sertig Sand | 2.0 km | approx. 45 min | Yes (all-terrain stroller) | Roaring glacier waterfall & picnic meadow |
| Madrisa Land Circuit | Madrisa Top Station | 2.8 km | approx. 1h 00 min | Yes (fully paved, barrier-free) | Enormous alpine adventure playground |
| Dischma Valley Nature Path | Davos Dorf to Teufi | 5.5 km | approx. 1h 45 min | Yes (broad valley track) | Alpine cows, babbling stream & ice cream at Teufi |
| Schatzalp Botanical Alpinum | Schatzalp Top Station | 2.0 km | approx. 50 min | Partially (main paths) | 3,500 alpine plant species & Thomas Mann heritage |
1. The Davos Squirrel Path (Eichhörnchenweg): The Ultimate Wildlife Encounter
By far the most famous and beloved short nature walk for families with toddlers and young children:
- The Trail: Starting just above Davos Dorf (near the Waldhotel on Guggerbachstrasse), the gentle, flat path meanders through open Swiss pine and spruce woods.
- The Experience: Bring a pocketful of whole, unshelled hazelnuts! The local squirrels and Siberian nutcrackers have interacted with visitors for generations. As soon as you pause and hold out a nut on your flat palm, curious squirrels will scamper down tree trunks and climb onto your boots to collect their treat. Expect a lot of happy faces.
2. The Klosters Gnome Trail (Zwergenweg): Storybook Alpine Fantasy
Following the footsteps of the mischievous forest dwarf «Purzel»:
- The Trail: This charming theme trail starts near the Bündelti schoolhouse in Klosters Dorf.
- The Experience: Winding through deep mossy woods, children discover carved wooden gnomes, miniature forest chalets, balancing logs, and illustrated storyboards detailing the legends of the Klosters forest. At the turnaround point, a peaceful streamside barbecue fire pit invites families to grill sausages in the open air.
3. The Sertig Waterfall Walk: Thundering Glacial Cascade
A breathtaking, easy stroll at the head of the historic Sertig Valley (1,860 m above sea level):
- The Trail: Take the PostBus or drive to the final stop at Sertig Sand. From there, a broad, gently rising gravel trail leads into the dramatic cirque beneath the Ducan Glacier.
- The Experience: After 20 minutes of relaxed walking, the valley opens to reveal the Sertig Waterfall plunging over sheer rock cliffs. On warm summer days, the fine glacial mist provides refreshing cooling. Flat gravel stream beds invite kids to skip stones and engineer miniature dams.
4. Madrisa Land: Barrier-Free Alpine Views & Mountain Adventure Park
For families seeking sweeping high-altitude panoramic views without demanding uphill climbs:
- The Journey: The Madrisa gondola – Switzerland’s first barrier-free cableway – whisks families in spacious cabins up to the 1,887 m plateau.
- The Trail: A wide, paved path loops around the sunny high plateau facing the dramatic peaks of the Silvretta Range.
- The Playground: Madrisa Land is the largest adventure playground in Grisons: featuring climbing towers, a giant raft crossing an alpine pond, water play channels, and friendly pygmy goats in the petting zoo.
The Stroller Check: What Really Works on Mountain Trails?
Not every trail described in tourist brochures as «stroller-friendly» works in reality. We divide trails into three distinct categories:
- City Buggy Friendly (Smooth asphalt or fine compacted gravel): The Madrisa Land panoramic loop and the Lake Davos lakeshore promenade. Any standard urban stroller with small swivel wheels glides along effortlessly.
- All-Terrain Stroller Friendly (Outdoor pram with large pneumatic tyres): The Squirrel Path, the Sertig Waterfall trail, and the Dischma Valley track. These routes require large wheels, robust suspension, and an active handbrake for downhill control.
- Child Carrier Backpack Only (Kraxe): The Klosters Gnome Trail and rocky mountain trails to Schatzalp or SAC mountain huts. Exposed roots, stone steps, and narrow bridges make pushing any wheeled stroller impossible.
Trail Motivation Secrets: How to Get Kids Hiking Eagerly
Our experienced outdoor coaches rely on proven child psychology on the trail:
- The «Lead Scout» Secret: Put your child in charge of navigating. Equipped with a small magnifying glass or binoculars, they actively search for painted trail markers, anthills, and alpine flowers rather than thinking about tired legs.
- Micro-Goals Over Distances: Never announce: «We still have an hour left to walk.» Instead, point ahead: «See that huge mossy boulder with the red paint mark? That’s where we stop for an apple slice break!»
- Strategic Energy Treats: Dried apple rings, traditional Grisons nut cake (Bündner Nusstorte), and fruit gummies work miracles during sudden dips in energy.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions on Family Hiking in Davos Klosters
Can we rent child carrier backpacks locally?
Yes. Get in touch and we’ll recommend the local partner that suits your location.
What is the ideal age for children to start hiking?
Children aged 3 to 4 can comfortably hike 1 to 2 kilometres independently on engaging, flat paths (like the Squirrel Path), provided parents allow plenty of time to inspect pine cones, splash in puddles, and watch streams.
Are mountain cable cars free for children?
With the Davos Klosters Premium Card (complimentary starting with your first hotel or holiday apartment overnight stay), families enjoy heavily discounted summer lift tickets. Children under 6 ride all regional cable cars completely free.
Experience Guided Family Adventures with Ride and Smile
Looking to enjoy stress-free family mountain holidays without studying maps or worrying about navigation? Ride and Smile provides custom guided family walks, nature scavenger hunts, and private mountain hut barbecues:
- Children’s Summer Programme: Book Kids Mountain & Bike School
- Private Guided Family Hikes: Inquire Tailored Family Hikes
- Direct Contact: info@ride-and-smile.ch | +41 81 543 10 87
