Davos
Davos is a town and a municipality located in the Canton of Graubünden in the southeastern part of Switzerland. Known for its alpine environment, Davos has become famous for several reasons:
Geography
Davos is situated at an altitude of 1,560 meters above sea level, making it one of the highest towns in Europe. It lies in the Davos Dorf and Davos Platz areas, surrounded by the Swiss Alps, offering spectacular views and skiing opportunities.
History
- Early Development: The history of Davos can be traced back to the Middle Ages when it was primarily an agricultural and pastoral community. Its name, derived from "Tafas," means "badger" in Romansh, the local language.
- Health Resort: In the 19th century, Davos became known as a health resort, particularly for patients with tuberculosis. Dr. Alexander Spengler and Dr. Wilhelm Roll promoted the high-altitude environment for its therapeutic benefits, leading to the construction of sanatoriums.
- Literary Fame: The town's literary fame was cemented with Thomas Mann's novel "The Magic Mountain," which was inspired by Davos and the treatment of tuberculosis.
- Skiing and Winter Sports: With the decline of tuberculosis treatment in the mid-20th century, Davos transitioned into a major center for winter sports, particularly skiing. It hosted the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships in 1954, 1974, and 2001.
World Economic Forum
Since 1971, Davos has been the annual venue for the World Economic Forum (WEF), a Swiss nonprofit foundation. The WEF is an international organization for public-private cooperation, bringing together leaders from business, politics, academia, and other sectors to shape global, regional, and industry agendas:
- The event has significantly increased Davos's international profile, drawing global media attention and numerous high-profile attendees.
- The choice of Davos for this forum was influenced by its seclusion and the logistical facilities available for such a high-security event.
Culture and Economy
- Tourism: Apart from winter sports, Davos is known for its hiking trails, mountain biking, and as a starting point for excursions into the Alps.
- Cultural Events: The town hosts various cultural events, including the Davos Festival for classical music.
- Economy: While tourism dominates, there are also some industries like precision mechanics, woodworking, and pharmaceuticals.
Transportation
Davos is accessible by the Rhätische Bahn (Rhaetian Railway), which provides panoramic views through the Albula Railway and the Bernina Railway, both part of the UNESCO World Heritage.
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