Jakobshorn Summit

The Jakobshorn Summit is the high point of the mountain above Davos Platz that has become the town’s freestyle peak. Its summit stands at about 2,590 metres, and it lies in the Albula Alps on the northern side of the Landwasser valley. The Jakobshorn belongs to the Davos Klosters region, and its cable car leaves from Davos Platz. It is one of Davos’s two main winter-sports mountains, alongside the Parsenn, and has a reputation as a haven for snowboarders and freestyle skiers.

A cable car from the edge of Davos Platz takes visitors almost to the top in a few minutes, and a further lift reaches the summit area. In winter the slopes are used for skiing and snowboarding, with a terrain park, jumps and rails, and the mountain restaurants at the top have terraces with views. In summer, the mountain changes character: marked hiking trails cross meadows with alpine roses and gentians, mountain bikers use designated routes, and the summit is a quiet place with views over the Davos valley and the surrounding peaks. The cable car allows walkers to make a one-way trip down on foot, which is easier on the knees than a return climb.

From the top, the view is wide. Looking east and south you see the high peaks of the Albula Alps and, in the distance, the Bernina range. To the west and north, the Plessur Alps and the valley of Davos spread out below, with the lake and town visible far down. On clear days, the air is thin and bright, and the summit is a good place to see the structure of the Graubünden mountains. Walkers should dress warmly, since the weather can change quickly, and carry water and sun protection.

Trails of varying difficulty start from the summit station, and some connect with other trails in the Davos area. Because walkers and mountain bikers share many routes, it is important to be alert and give way, and bikers should slow down near hikers. Always check which trails are open, since snow can linger at this altitude into early summer, and some routes close in bad weather.

The Jakobshorn suits snowboarders, skiers, mountain bikers and hikers who want a high viewpoint with easy access. It combines well with a visit to Davos’s other attractions, such as Lake Davos and the Kirchner Museum.