Hike (Not Bike) the ‘Alps Epic Trail Davos’ From Jakobshorn to Sertig

The ‘Alps Epic Trail Davos‘ is the longest single mountain biking track in Switzerland. Of course, it’s also possible to hike along this trail! The ‘Alps Epic Trail Davos’ starts at Jakobshorn, which is one of the most well-known mountains in the Davos Klosters region. The initial section of this long trail is between Jakobshorn and Sertig, and this is the most popular section of the trail to hike.

In this guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about the Jakobshorn Hike to Sertig (taking place along the ‘Alps Epic Trail Davos’).

What Is the ‘Alps Epic Trail Davos’?

The ‘Alps Epic Trail Davos’ is an approx. 40km (24 mile) mountain bike track between Jakobshorn and Filisur. The International Mountain Bike Organisation (IMBA) have named this track an ‘EPIC’ trail. To qualify as an ‘EPIC’ trail, it must be a single mountain bike track that’s longer than 20 miles and in a natural setting.

At the time of writing, there are 53 trails on the IMBA ‘EPICS’ list. The ‘Alps Epic Trail Davos’ is the only ‘EPIC’ trail in Switzerland.

At Travel Made Me Do It, we’re all about hiking rather than biking. So, I decided I’d hike a section of the ‘Alps Epic Trail Davos’, between Jakobshorn and Sertig. For simplicity’s sake, I’ll refer to this walk as the Jakobshorn Hike to Sertig throughout this guide.

Hiking the Trail From Jakobshorn to Sertig

If there is any section of the ‘Alps Epic Trail Davos’ to hike, it’s the part between Jakobshorn and Sertig. Below, we’ll go through some basic details about the Jakobshorn Hike to Sertig.

Jakobshorn Hike to Sertig: Details

• Type: One-way
• Distance: 7km
• Time: 3 hours
• Accumulated elevation gain: 45m
• Difficulty: Easy
• Trailhead: Jakobshorn Mountain Station
• Map: AllTrails

Jakobshorn Hike to Sertig Map

This map nicely demonstrates the trail between Jakobshorn and Sertig. Also, this map shows the wider area, displaying transport access options at either end of the trail. Below, we’ll discuss these logistics further.

How to Get to Davos Platz

To reach Jakobshorn, you’ll take the Jakobshornbahn cable car (gondola) from Davos Platz.

There are a few options for accessing Davos Platz. Regarding public transport, you can catch a train to Davos Platz. Otherwise, there is a large car park at the Davos Platz cable car station. So, you can also drive there, if you wish. Use the EasyPark app to pay for parking.

Personally, Beck and I hired a car for our trip to Davos. Sadly, Beck couldn’t join me on this hike as she was working at an event in Davos. So, I drove to Davos Platz solo before heading to the cable car station.

To find out more about renting a car with Discover Cars, read our Discover Cars review and Discover Cars Insurance review.

Jakobshorn Cable Car (Gondola)

After arriving at the Davos Platz cable car station, it’s time to purchase a ticket for the Jakobshornbahn. Head to the Davos Klosters Mountains website for up-to-date details about costs and departure times.

Personally, I paid CHF 13, which was a discounted price for having the ‘Premium Card’. At the time of writing, this card was given to visitors staying in Davos, offering substantial discounts on public transport.

After the short yet scenic cable car ride, you’ll arrive at Jakobshorn Mountain.

Jakobshorn Hike to Sertig: Highlights

Below, I’ll run through a quick overview of the highlights encountered during the Jakobshorn Hike to Sertig. I’ll also share a little about my experience and show you photos of the route (including drone shots).

Well, the hike starts at Jakobshorn Mountain.

Jakobshorn Mountain

Once you exit the Jakobshorn Mountain Station, you’ll immediately be met by outstanding views of the surrounding Alps. There are several excellent viewpoints from the mountain itself, which sits 2,590 metres above sea level.

From the top of the mountain, you’ll soon commence the southerly descent of the ‘Alps Epic Trail Davos’, towards Sertig.

Jakobshorn to Jatzhorn to Tallifurgga Ridge Hike

After roughly 250 metres, you’ll see a faint trail veering to the left. Rather than follow the ‘Alps Epic Trail Davos’ from Jakobshorn to Sertig, there is an alternate hike option that goes to Sertig from Jakobshorn via a ridge. This ridge hike involves reaching the peaks of Jatzhorn (2,682m) and Witihureli (2,635m).

Truth be told, the ridge comprised of Jatzhorn and Witihureli looks truly epic. In the aerial photo below, you’ll see the ridge overlooking a small lake (Stadlersee), which runs parallel to the winding ‘Alps Epic Trail Davos’, that leads to and away from Stadlersee.

When I arrived at the intersection, I was honestly tempted to do the ridge hike option from Jakobshorn to Sertig.

But after hiking to the summit of Rinerhorn in the morning and with more mountain hikes to do in the following days, I opted for the easier route. That is to say, I passed the ridge hike trailhead and continued on the ‘Alps Epic Trail Davos’.

With a feeling of FOMO, I continued the descent, soon arriving at Stadlersee.

Stadlersee

Stadlersee is a little-known lake found along the ‘Alps Epic Trail Davos’. Exploring the lakeside is definitely one of the highlights of the Jakobshorn Hike to Sertig via this trail. The lake emits incredible turquoise and milky green hues.

Alps Epic Trail Davos

From Stadlersee, you’ll join a narrower, meandering path descending towards Sertig. The winding trail elegantly cuts through the mountainous landscape.

Despite that sinking feeling that I missed out on an awesome ridge hike, my knees were certainly grateful. After a busy hiking trip, my knees much preferred the gradual descent of the ‘Alps Epic Trail Davos’.

As you near Sertig, you’ll find sections of the trail branch into two, distinguishing a biking track and a hiking path. The mountain bikers enjoy a steeper, more winding track, while the hiking path is more direct and gently descending.

I liked this split-track element of the trail, which shows that hikers, just as much as bikers, are welcome to explore it.

Sertig Dorfli

Nearing the end of the hike, you’ll pass through a dense forested area. As you exit pockets of forest, incredible views of Sertig Dorfli emerge in the distance. The valley is utterly picturesque.

Undoubtedly, some of the most scenic views are enjoyed at the end of the hike as you approach the hamlet of Sertig Dorfli, which is perched at the foot of the valley.

From Sertig Dorfli, you can catch a bus back to Davos Platz. Head to the Post Auto website or use the SBB mobile app to plan your journey. The bus back takes about 35 minutes.

Other Hikes in Davos Klosters

• The 10 Best Davos Hikes: Your Davos Klosters Hiking Guide
• Joriseen Hike, Davos: How to Visit the Epic Joriseen Lakes
• Madrisa Hike to Ratschenhorn (Ratschenflue): The Ultimate Guide
• Rinerhorn Summit Hike, Davos: Everything You Need to Know
• Davos Panoramaweg (Davos Panorama Trail) Hiking Guide
• Schiahorn Summit Hike, Davos: The Ultimate Hiking Guide
• Hike (Not Bike) the ‘Alps Epic Trail Davos’ From Jakobshorn to Sertig
• Sertig Waterfall (Ducan Waterfall): The Complete Visitor’s Guide
• Davosersee Rundweg (AKA Lake Davos Trail) – Visitor’s Guide

Where to Stay Nearby

The best nearby accommodation options are in Davos or Klosters. Of course, the most convenient place to stay for doing the Jakobshorn Hike to Sertig is in Davos.

Where We Stayed: Solaria

Beck and I chose to stay in Solaria, which is a lovely neighbouring area of Davos Dorf. Because we had a car, we were free to choose a quieter location outside Davos town centre.

We had a brilliant stay at Serviced Apartments by Solaria. Given how pricey Switzerland is, we stayed in an apartment where we could cook our own meals. This self-catering apartment had a well-equipped kitchen and a dining area with mountain views. This apartment was a perfect base for our hiking trip in Davos.