Davos in 2025 is a picturesque and cosy town nestled in the Alps, annually hosting the World Economic Forum. Now over 800 years old, the town continues to develop actively. Let’s delve into its rich past and discover the story behind the origins and evolution of Davos up to the present day.
Early Settlements and the Middle Ages
The first written mention of Davos dates back to 1213, although archaeological findings indicate earlier human activity in the valley. In the late 13th century, settlers from Upper Valais — the Walser people — arrived and founded several villages throughout the area. Around 1280, they were granted autonomy, which allowed them to manage their community.
This self-governance became the foundation for future alliances. In 1436, Davos became one of the founding members of the League of Ten Jurisdictions — one of the three leagues that later formed the Free State of the Three Leagues, a predecessor of today’s canton of Graubünden. Medieval life in Davos was simple: agriculture, livestock, and craftsmanship. However, the town’s remoteness and climate would later become its greatest advantages.
Transformation into a Climate Health Resort
A turning point in Davos’s history came in the mid-19th century, when doctors began recommending the local climate for the treatment of tuberculosis. In 1853, German physician Alexander Spengler arrived and began sending lung patients to the town. Davos quickly gained a reputation as a healing resort. Sanatoriums and guesthouses were built, and the opening of a railway connection in 1890 led to a surge in visitors.
Notable guests at the time included:
- Thomas Mann, the German writer whose novel The Magic Mountain was inspired by his visit to a local sanatorium.
- Robert Louis Stevenson, the Scottish writer who sought relief from illness in the Alps. The health industry became the backbone of Davos’s economic growth and cemented its international reputation.
The Beginning of Winter Tourism
While Davos was initially known as a summer and health retreat, it soon gained fame as a winter tourism destination in the Alps. The first winter guests arrived around 1865, defying the tradition of leaving the mountains during the cold season. In 1883, the town hosted the first organised toboggan races, sparking interest in winter recreation.
The region became a favourite for skiing and snow sports enthusiasts. A key figure was Arthur Conan Doyle, who described his ski journey from Davos to Arosa in an article that helped ignite interest in alpine skiing. From this point on, ski lifts, trails, and tourism infrastructure rapidly developed, transforming Davos into one of Switzerland’s leading winter resorts.
Cultural and Scientific Significance
In the 1920s and 1930s, Davos became a centre for intellectual and academic exchange. From 1928 to 1931, it hosted the Davos University Courses, which brought together leading European thinkers. One of the most notable events was the 1929 debate between philosophers Martin Heidegger and Ernst Cassirer, a landmark moment in the history of philosophy. Albert Einstein also visited Davos during this period and participated in debates about Europe’s future. At the same time, Davos attracted artists. Expressionist Ernst Ludwig Kirchner spent the last 20 years of his life here, creating numerous works inspired by the alpine landscapes.
World Economic Forum
Davos’s modern global fame is inseparable from the World Economic Forum (WEF), founded in 1971 by economist Klaus Schwab as the European Management Symposium.
Since 1987, the event has become international, gathering world leaders, business executives, scientists, and activists in Davos every year. The WEF is now the leading global platform for discussing issues from economics and ecology to technology and peace.
Key features of the forum:
- Participation of over 2,000 global leaders annually;
- Focus on current topics: sustainability, innovation, security;
- Worldwide media attention on Davos each winter.
Thus, Davos has become a symbol of dialogue and global problem-solving.
Modern Davos
Today, Davos is a town where tradition meets innovation. It remains a flagship for winter sports, offering excellent ski slopes, snow parks, cross-country trails, and world-class competitions.
Beyond sports, Davos thrives as a destination for business and wellness:
- A modern congress center;
- Diverse accommodations ranging from luxury hotels to cosy alpine chalets;
- Medical centers and clinics that carry on the town’s health tourism legacy.
Moreover, Davos is increasingly attractive to investors and residents seeking safety, stability, and a high quality of life.
