Davos

Davos: A Mountain Town with a Rich History

Imagine a place where the air is crisp, the mountains are majestic, and history whispers through every stone. That’s Davos, an Alpine resort town in Switzerland that has captivated visitors for centuries. Nestled between the Plessur and Albula Ranges, Davos is more than just a picturesque setting; it’s a storybook come to life.

A Town of Many Faces

Davos has a long history dating back to the High Middle Ages. German-speaking Walser colonists settled in the area around 1280, laying down roots that would eventually flourish into a thriving community. Over time, Davos transformed from a quiet village into a renowned mountain health resort, attracting visitors with its microclimate and natural beauty.

From Health Resort to Global Hub

The 19th century saw Davos gain prominence as a destination for the sick and ailing. Its unique climate was recommended for lung disease patients, making it a haven for those seeking relief from their ailments. Today, Davos is home to one of Switzerland’s largest ski resorts and hosts international events like the Spengler Cup ice hockey tournament. It has evolved into a global hub, hosting the prestigious World Economic Forum.

History Lurks in Every Corner

While Davos is now known for its modern conveniences and world-class amenities, it also carries a dark past. During World War II, the town became a center of Nazi activity, attracting German patients who remained after the war. The assassination of Swiss Nazi leader Wilhelm Gustloff led to tensions with Germany. In 2022, a study was commissioned to document this history and shed light on the town’s complex past.

Winter Sports Mecca

Davos has long been synonymous with winter sports. During the natural ice era, it hosted international championships and set world records in speed skating. The city became a popular destination for tourists from the UK and Netherlands, especially during the 1970s and 1980s. While its popularity as a ski resort has settled over time, Davos remains a leading tourist attraction.

Modern-Day Residents

The American Van Leer family is one of many notable residents in Davos. They immigrated to the town and continue to live there today, with some members even holding government positions. The town’s population stands at 10,832 (as of December 2020), with a diverse mix of nationalities and languages.

Geography and Climate

Davos is situated in a narrow valley at an altitude of 1,560 meters. The municipality covers an area of 284 km², with 35% used for agriculture, 22.2% forested, and 40.5% unproductive land. The climate is subalpine, with an average of 125.3 days of precipitation per year. August is the wettest month, while February is the driest.

Government and Administration

The Small Country Council (Kleiner Landrat) operates as a collegiate authority, presided by Philipp Wilhelm. The Grand Country Council has 17 members with their last election held on September 22, 2024, for a mandate period of January 2025 to December 2028. In federal elections, the SVP was the most popular party in 2023, followed by the SP, Central Party, FDP, and GLP.

Economy and Education

Davos has a diverse economy with 8,853 people employed as of 2014. The primary economic sector employs 203 people, the secondary sector 996 workers, and the tertiary sector 7,654 jobs. Small companies account for 5,211 employees, mid-sized businesses employ 1,748, and one large business has 369 employees.

Education is highly valued in Davos, with about 74% of the population (ages 25–64) having completed either nonmandatory upper secondary education or additional higher education. The town’s economy benefits from this educated workforce, making it a hub for innovation and business.

Religion and Diversity

The religious landscape of Davos is diverse. As of the 2000 census, the Swiss Reformed Church has the largest following with 5,321 residents (46.6%), followed by the Roman Catholic Church with 3,950 residents (34.6%). Other faiths include Muslim, Orthodox, and Jewish communities, alongside those who identify as having no religious affiliation.

Conclusion

Davos is a town that seamlessly blends its rich history with modern-day innovation. From its origins as a health resort to its current status as a global economic forum, Davos continues to captivate and inspire. As it looks towards the future, this Alpine gem remains a testament to resilience and progress.