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Holidays in Davos
Davos is a world-famous Alpine town in the canton of Graubünden, Switzerland. At 1,560 meters (5,118 feet) above sea level, it’s the highest town in Europe and offers a unique combination of alpine traditions, cosmopolitan culture, and top-tier sports and events. Davos is best known internationally for hosting the World Economic Forum (WEF), but it’s also a hub for winter sports, summer mountain tourism, and medical wellness.
History of Davos
Davos has a fascinating history shaped by health, tourism, and international relations:
13th century: First mentioned in documents, settled by German-speaking Walser people.
19th century: Became a renowned health resort for tuberculosis patients, thanks to its clean air and dry climate. The famous “sanatorium era” attracted many visitors, including writer Thomas Mann, who based The Magic Mountain on Davos.
20th century: Transitioned from health resort to sports and tourism center, while still maintaining medical institutions.
1971 to present: Hosts the World Economic Forum, attracting world leaders, economists, and journalists every January.
Davos has evolved from a remote mountain village to a global meeting point, while preserving its Alpine charm.
Description
Davos is a long, linear town stretching along the Landwasser River in a wide Alpine valley. It’s divided into two main parts:
Davos Dorf ("Davos Village"): Closer to Lake Davos and the Parsenn ski area.
Davos Platz: The more urban section, with shops, hotels, train station, and nightlife.
Davos combines:
Urban infrastructure (hospitals, conference centers, public transport)
Alpine character (chalets, mountain huts, cow pastures)
Sports and wellness (skiing, hiking, mountain biking, spas, sanatoriums)
Unlike typical Swiss mountain villages, Davos feels more like a small city in the Alps.
Typical Foods of Davos / Graubünden
You’ll find traditional Graubünden specialties alongside international cuisine. Some regional dishes to try:
Capuns: Dumplings made with spätzle dough and dried meat, wrapped in Swiss chard leaves.
Maluns: Grated potato dish fried with butter, served with applesauce.
Bündnerfleisch: Air-dried beef, thinly sliced, often served with rye bread or cheese.
Plain in Pigna: A hearty potato and bacon casserole.
Bündner Gerstensuppe: Barley soup with vegetables and smoked meat.
Nusstorte: Caramelized walnut tart, famous in the Engadine and Graubünden.
Davos also has gourmet restaurants and mountain huts serving Swiss comfort food like fondue and rösti.
Summer Activities in Davos
Davos transforms into a paradise for outdoor adventure and nature lovers during summer.
Top Summer Activities:
Hiking: 700+ km of trails across valleys, forests, and peaks like Jakobshorn and Parsenn.
Mountain Biking: Part of the Bike Kingdom — one of Europe’s top MTB areas.
Paragliding: Launch from Jakobshorn for incredible views of the valley.
Lake Davos: Perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, sailing, or picnicking.
Golf: 18-hole golf course in the scenic alpine setting of Davos.
Climbing & Via Ferrata: For thrill-seekers, with options for all skill levels.
Wellness: Wellness hotels and spas, continuing Davos’ legacy as a health resort.
Winter Activities in Davos
Davos is one of Switzerland’s top winter destinations, especially for skiing and snowboarding.
Top Winter Activities:
Skiing & Snowboarding: 300+ km of pistes in the Davos Klosters ski area, including:
Parsenn (linked to Klosters)
Jakobshorn (freestyle and snowboard-friendly)
Rinerhorn, Pischa, Schatzalp (for families and freeriders)
Cross-Country Skiing: Over 100 km of trails in the scenic Landwasser valley.
Ice Skating: Europe’s largest natural ice rink (Eisstadion Davos).
Sledding: Various sledge runs, including illuminated night sledging.
Winter Hiking & Snowshoeing: Peaceful trails through forests and snowfields.
Ski Touring & Freeride: Popular among experienced alpine adventurers.
World-Class Hockey: Watch HC Davos play at the Vaillant Arena.
Shops in Davos
Davos offers a mix of local boutiques, international brands, and outdoor gear shops.
What You’ll Find:
Sport & Outdoor Shops: Gear for skiing, biking, hiking (brands like Intersport, Mammut, North Face).
Swiss Watches & Jewelry: High-end and mid-range brands.
Local Artisan Products: Woodwork, handmade candles, souvenirs.
Grocery Stores: Coop, Migros, and specialty food shops.
Bakeries & Delis: Selling fresh bread, pastries, and local cheese and meats.
Fashion Stores: From luxury boutiques to practical outdoor clothing.
Festivals & Events
Davos hosts a range of high-profile and local events year-round.
Major Events:
World Economic Forum (WEF) – January: Global leaders and media gather here.
Spengler Cup – December: One of Europe's oldest ice hockey tournaments.
Davos Festival – Young Artists in Concert – Summer: Classical music from rising stars.
Swiss Alpine Marathon Davos – July: High-altitude trail running competition.
Summer Night Festival – Local celebration with food, music, and games.
Davos Nordic – Cross-country skiing World Cup event.
Davos also celebrates Swiss National Day (August 1st) with fireworks and traditional events.
Nature in and Around Davos
Davos is surrounded by pristine natural beauty — mountains, lakes, forests, and alpine meadows.
Natural Highlights:
Lake Davos: A beautiful mountain lake ideal for relaxation and watersports.
Sertig Valley: A postcard-perfect side valley with wooden houses, waterfalls, and hiking routes.
Schatzalp: Accessible by funicular — known as the “magic mountain,” with alpine gardens and stunning views.
Alpine Botanical Gardens: Over 1,000 species of mountain plants.
Pischa Mountain: A quieter, non-ski area perfect for snowshoeing and backcountry exploring.
Wildlife such as marmots, ibex, eagles, and deer are common, especially in protected areas.
History of Davos
Davos has a fascinating history shaped by health, tourism, and international relations:
13th century: First mentioned in documents, settled by German-speaking Walser people.
19th century: Became a renowned health resort for tuberculosis patients, thanks to its clean air and dry climate. The famous “sanatorium era” attracted many visitors, including writer Thomas Mann, who based The Magic Mountain on Davos.
20th century: Transitioned from health resort to sports and tourism center, while still maintaining medical institutions.
1971 to present: Hosts the World Economic Forum, attracting world leaders, economists, and journalists every January.
Davos has evolved from a remote mountain village to a global meeting point, while preserving its Alpine charm.
Description
Davos is a long, linear town stretching along the Landwasser River in a wide Alpine valley. It’s divided into two main parts:
Davos Dorf ("Davos Village"): Closer to Lake Davos and the Parsenn ski area.
Davos Platz: The more urban section, with shops, hotels, train station, and nightlife.
Davos combines:
Urban infrastructure (hospitals, conference centers, public transport)
Alpine character (chalets, mountain huts, cow pastures)
Sports and wellness (skiing, hiking, mountain biking, spas, sanatoriums)
Unlike typical Swiss mountain villages, Davos feels more like a small city in the Alps.
Typical Foods of Davos / Graubünden
You’ll find traditional Graubünden specialties alongside international cuisine. Some regional dishes to try:
Capuns: Dumplings made with spätzle dough and dried meat, wrapped in Swiss chard leaves.
Maluns: Grated potato dish fried with butter, served with applesauce.
Bündnerfleisch: Air-dried beef, thinly sliced, often served with rye bread or cheese.
Plain in Pigna: A hearty potato and bacon casserole.
Bündner Gerstensuppe: Barley soup with vegetables and smoked meat.
Nusstorte: Caramelized walnut tart, famous in the Engadine and Graubünden.
Davos also has gourmet restaurants and mountain huts serving Swiss comfort food like fondue and rösti.
Summer Activities in Davos
Davos transforms into a paradise for outdoor adventure and nature lovers during summer.
Top Summer Activities:
Hiking: 700+ km of trails across valleys, forests, and peaks like Jakobshorn and Parsenn.
Mountain Biking: Part of the Bike Kingdom — one of Europe’s top MTB areas.
Paragliding: Launch from Jakobshorn for incredible views of the valley.
Lake Davos: Perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, sailing, or picnicking.
Golf: 18-hole golf course in the scenic alpine setting of Davos.
Climbing & Via Ferrata: For thrill-seekers, with options for all skill levels.
Wellness: Wellness hotels and spas, continuing Davos’ legacy as a health resort.
Winter Activities in Davos
Davos is one of Switzerland’s top winter destinations, especially for skiing and snowboarding.
Top Winter Activities:
Skiing & Snowboarding: 300+ km of pistes in the Davos Klosters ski area, including:
Parsenn (linked to Klosters)
Jakobshorn (freestyle and snowboard-friendly)
Rinerhorn, Pischa, Schatzalp (for families and freeriders)
Cross-Country Skiing: Over 100 km of trails in the scenic Landwasser valley.
Ice Skating: Europe’s largest natural ice rink (Eisstadion Davos).
Sledding: Various sledge runs, including illuminated night sledging.
Winter Hiking & Snowshoeing: Peaceful trails through forests and snowfields.
Ski Touring & Freeride: Popular among experienced alpine adventurers.
World-Class Hockey: Watch HC Davos play at the Vaillant Arena.
Shops in Davos
Davos offers a mix of local boutiques, international brands, and outdoor gear shops.
What You’ll Find:
Sport & Outdoor Shops: Gear for skiing, biking, hiking (brands like Intersport, Mammut, North Face).
Swiss Watches & Jewelry: High-end and mid-range brands.
Local Artisan Products: Woodwork, handmade candles, souvenirs.
Grocery Stores: Coop, Migros, and specialty food shops.
Bakeries & Delis: Selling fresh bread, pastries, and local cheese and meats.
Fashion Stores: From luxury boutiques to practical outdoor clothing.
Festivals & Events
Davos hosts a range of high-profile and local events year-round.
Major Events:
World Economic Forum (WEF) – January: Global leaders and media gather here.
Spengler Cup – December: One of Europe's oldest ice hockey tournaments.
Davos Festival – Young Artists in Concert – Summer: Classical music from rising stars.
Swiss Alpine Marathon Davos – July: High-altitude trail running competition.
Summer Night Festival – Local celebration with food, music, and games.
Davos Nordic – Cross-country skiing World Cup event.
Davos also celebrates Swiss National Day (August 1st) with fireworks and traditional events.
Nature in and Around Davos
Davos is surrounded by pristine natural beauty — mountains, lakes, forests, and alpine meadows.
Natural Highlights:
Lake Davos: A beautiful mountain lake ideal for relaxation and watersports.
Sertig Valley: A postcard-perfect side valley with wooden houses, waterfalls, and hiking routes.
Schatzalp: Accessible by funicular — known as the “magic mountain,” with alpine gardens and stunning views.
Alpine Botanical Gardens: Over 1,000 species of mountain plants.
Pischa Mountain: A quieter, non-ski area perfect for snowshoeing and backcountry exploring.
Wildlife such as marmots, ibex, eagles, and deer are common, especially in protected areas.
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