Overview
Davos is a former administrative district in the eastern Swiss canton of canton Graubünden, in Switzerland. Covering an area of about 823.95 km², the district had a population of 25,728 people as of December 2004. The name is most commonly associated with the town of Davos, a high-altitude settlement that serves as the region's principal centre for transport, services and tourism.
Geography and subdivisions
The territory is predominantly alpine, including valleys and high mountain passes that shape local climate and land use. The district was divided into seven Kreise (sub-districts) and comprised sixteen municipalities. The seven Kreise are listed below; municipalities within them range from small mountain villages to the larger towns that concentrate commerce and services.
- Davos
- Jenaz
- Klosters
- Küblis
- Luzein
- Schiers
- Seewis
For a full register of the local communities and their boundaries see the official list of municipalities.
History and administrative development
Administrative boundaries in this part of Graubünden have changed over time. Several of the sub-districts now grouped under Davos previously belonged to the defunct districts Oberlandquart and Unterlandquart before being reorganised in 1986. More recently, cantonal reforms in the 2010s replaced the old district system across Graubünden with larger administrative regions; this reorganisation altered the official status and functions of districts such as Davos.
Economy and cultural importance
Economic life in the district is shaped by alpine tourism, winter sports and year-round mountain recreation. The town of Davos is internationally known as a venue for conferences and cultural events, which brings seasonal visitors and international attention. Agriculture, forestry and small-scale industry also contribute to the local economy, while transport links — including regional rail connections — tie the communities to the wider canton and country.
Notable facts and distinctions
The district area combines high-altitude settlements and traditional alpine villages. While the town of Davos itself is often highlighted for its elevation and facilities, the broader district includes diverse landscapes and linguistic traditions typical of Graubünden, with German as the predominant language in this area. For further administrative and demographic details consult cantonal sources and regional planning publications via the district and canton portals (see district and canton references).
Note: Figures given above (area and population) reflect commonly cited statistics from the early 2000s; subsequent municipal mergers and cantonal reforms have affected boundaries and administrative arrangements.