Davos celebrates "The Magic Mountain" and other anniversaries

Published: 7. February 2024

"The Magic Mountain" by Thomas Mann was published in 1924, the "Free State of the Three Leagues" was founded 500 years ago. A ski race steeped in history and a hotel are also celebrating anniversaries.

Davos is celebrating the 100th anniversary of Thomas Mann's literary classic "The Magic Mountain". The spa town at the time served as inspiration for the later Nobel Prize winner's novel, which was published in 1924 and created a literary monument to the destination. Davos is honouring the masterpiece with various events that shed light on the book, the author and the history of Davos. These include the "Thomas Mann Days" from 5 to 11 August.

Foundation stone for the canton of Graubünden
Another reason to celebrate: when the "drei Bünde" joined forces on 23 September 1524, they laid the foundation stone for today's canton of Graubünden. Davos is taking part in the anniversary celebrations - with a "Bundestag" on 20 July. This is based on an age-old tradition: federal days were the most important assemblies and the highest political authority in the former Free State. In 2024, this tradition will be symbolically revived in several places in Graubünden as a historic conference and public festival.

150 years of the Central Sporthotel Davos
2024 is also a special year for the Central Sporthotel Davos. The traditional hotel, which is managed by Patricia Guyan in the fifth generation, is celebrating its 150th anniversary. Her great-great-grandfather was a muleteer and brought wheat and wine over the Flüela Pass, while his wife ran a mill on Tobelmühlestrasse. It first became an inn and later a hotel. The family business tells its story in a photo exhibition in the hotel entrance. A five-course gala dinner is served every Sunday. 

100 years of the "Parsenn Derby" 
A ski race makes history: the ski racing classic begins in 1924 with a downhill race for men and women from Parsennfurka to Küblis. Until the founding of the modern Ski World Cup in 1967, the Parsenn Derby was one of the most important races in international ski racing. Although the importance of the race has changed, the downhill competition still attracts participants from all over the world. This year, the race should have taken place on 28 and 29 February. Due to a lack of helpers, the organisers had to cancel the event with a heavy heart. Participants who have registered so far will be contacted promptly and will have their entry fee refunded.