A journey between Zurich and Davos is not just a movement between two points, it is a beautiful journey through the Alps that slowly changes the city landscape into beautiful lakes, old towns and finally to the spectacular mountains of Graubunden. The best thing about road travel on this route is the flexibility that is offered. You are free to halt wherever you are fascinated by the view and spend minutes or hours at places that you find to be interesting, and you can also work at a slow pace without following strict schedules.
The freedom makes the travel an entire traveling experience- provides picturesque exploration, culture, and the serene rhythm of the Swiss countryside.
The most interesting of the stops from Zurich to Davos are those listed below, giving the distances and time of travel in order to assist you in planning your tour.
1. Distance from Zurich: ~52 km | Travel Time: 45–50 minutes
2. Distance from Davos: ~150–160 km | Travel Time: 2.5–3 hours
Lucerne is normally the initial major tourist destination for individuals travelling eastwards. It has a calming influence upon its lakeside prettiness, its antique old town and the Chapel Bridge, of which the city is symbolic, is a fresh contrast to the busy town of Zurich. Although it does not require much time, it is a rewarding experience to know that there is nothing left to walk and enjoy, whether it is the waterfront promenades, the Lion Monument, or any other attractions. The change between Zurich and Lucerne is also smooth, which makes it a relaxing start to your Alpine trip.
1. Distance from Zurich: ~47 km | Travel Time: 40–45 minutes
2. Distance from Davos: ~175–180 km | Travel Time: 2.75–3.25 hours
A minor diversion to the north brings the Rhine Falls, which is the biggest waterfall in Europe. It is a thrilling natural sight to visit the thunderous water flow and panoramic viewing platforms. It is usually used by travellers who take 30-60 minutes to move on to the mountains. The diversion is not miscellaneous, and it will give variety to your route--smooth lakes and foaming waters in half an hour.
1. Distance from Zurich: ~55 km | Travel Time: about 1 hour
2. Distance from Davos: ~185–190 km | Travel Time: 3–3.25 hours
The town of Stein am Rhein is among the most beautiful medieval cities in Switzerland. Its brightly painted, frescoed buildings, quaint lanes, and serene river scenery are the best spots that those travellers require, who appreciate culture and quiet environments. You can take your time and do a stroll around the old town, or you can do it in a short time, according to your schedule- the beauty of road transport is that you can fit your visit without any sense of haste.
1. Distance from Zurich to Grindelwald/Lauterbrunnen (base): 130–135 km | Travel Time: ~2 hours
2. From base to Jungfraujoch by train: 1.5–2 hours
3. Distance from Davos (via car + train): ~220–230 km | Travel Time: 4–5+ hours total
This is a great excursion, though one of the most picturesque in Switzerland. It is quite usual that the travellers expect to spend half a day or more at Jungfraujoch, where glacier perspectives, ice tunnels and high altitude panoramas are to be found. The trip is a mixture of a ride across the picturesque Swiss valleys, as well as the legendary mountain railroad ride.
1. Distance from Zurich to Engelberg: ~85 km | Travel Time: ~1 hour 20 minutes
2. Cable car to Titlis summit: 30 minutes
3. Distance from Davos: ~175 km | Travel Time: ~2.75–3 hours
Mount Titlis is a new adventure that makes the Zurich-Davos trip more adventurous. Its rotating cable car and the presence of snow all year round make it a destination among the travellers who want to experience some alpine adventure and then move forward to Graubunden. The peak has snow sports, trekking along the cliffs and a panorama.
1. Distance from Zurich: ~120 km | Travel Time: ~1 hour 20 minutes
2. Distance from Davos: ~45 km | Travel Time: 45–50 minutes
Chur is an innate halfway point along the Zurich to Davos road. Visitors are fond of resting here by way of dining or walking through its ancient town. The post-Chur climb begins the real climb of the alpine territories, and the terrain would change into rocky mountainous terrain. It is as though the entrance to Davos is an announcement of the transition between the lowland and high-alpine nature of Switzerland.
The Zurich-Davos drive is also attractive, besides the scenic points that it offers and also due to the smooth progression in the change of scenery to the other scenery. You start with the modern scene of Zurich, slowly creeping into the lakeside of Lucerne, the might of the Rhine falls, rambling through the medieval streets at Stein am Rhein, and finally into the grandiose alpine scenery at Chur.
This is a slow transformation of the landscape, urban, then lakeside, then medieval, then mountainous, which makes the journey seem like a tourism trail, although it is an unconscious process. Going on a lot of stops and going on long distances, the changing environment makes the drive never boring.
To those travelling to Davos, whether for leisure, business or to the World Economic Forum, the ride becomes as good as the place itself.