Lake Davos

Davosersee (Lake Davos) is a small natural lake at about 1,560 m above sea level, just north of the town of Davos in the canton of Graubünden, Switzerland. A flat path circles the shore, and the north side gives a broad view down the valley.

What is Davosersee?

The lake covers roughly 0.59 km² and reaches a maximum depth of 54 m, which is considerable for such a compact body of water. It formed when a rockslide from the Totalp slopes in the Parsenn area dammed streams that once drained toward the Prättigau. What you see today is the remnant of a larger lake, most of which gradually filled with sediment carried by mountain streams.

The lake is fed by mountain creeks, among them the Flüelabach and the Totalpbach, plus springs from the surrounding slopes.

What is the lake used for today?

Davosersee works as a storage reservoir for hydropower. Its water no longer flows to the Landwasser river. It is diverted to the Landquart near Klosters and used by the power stations at Klosters and Küblis in the Prättigau valley. The lake once supplied ice as well: a photograph survives of ice harvesting on the frozen surface in the winter of 1903/1904.

What can you do here?

The main draw is the Davosersee Rundweg, a loop around the shore. It is about 5 km long on a gravel surface, passing through woodland in some stretches and open ground in others. Allow around one hour and fifteen minutes at a relaxed pace, with no real climbs. The view across the water and down the valley is best from the north side.

You will find plenty of quiet spots for a picnic along the way. For a coffee break, the Seecafé at Hotel Seebüel is the place to stop.

When should you go?

The loop is easiest in the snow-free months, when the whole path is open. Depending on season and weather, sections can be blocked or interrupted, so check current notices on davos.ch before you set out. In winter the area follows the rhythm of the ski season, with the Parsenn slopes nearby.

Frequently asked questions

How deep is Davosersee?

The maximum depth is 54 m, over a surface of about 0.59 km².

How long does the walk around the lake take?

The loop is about 5 km and takes roughly an hour and a quarter. The terrain is flat.

Is the lake natural?

Yes, it formed naturally after a rockslide from Totalp. It now also serves as a reservoir for hydroelectric plants.

Where does the water flow?

Not into the Landwasser. It is channeled to the Landquart at Klosters and used to generate electricity.

Is there food nearby?

The Seecafé at Hotel Seebüel sits by the route, and there are many spots along the path for your own picnic.