Davos: The Alpine Gem of Switzerland

• HelloGuten Tag
  [Gooten Tahg]
• GoodbyeAuf Wiedersehen
  [Owf Vee-der-zay-en]
• YesJa
  [Yah]
• NoNein
  [Nine]
• Please/You're welcomeBitte
  [Bee-teh]
• Thank youDanke
  [Dahn-keh]
• Excuse me/SorryEntschuldigung
  [Ent-shool-dee-goong]
• How are you?Wie geht es Ihnen?
  [Vee geht es Ee-nen?]
• Fine. And you?Gut. Und Ihnen?
  [Goot. Oond Ee-nen?]
• Do you speak English?Sprechen Sie Englisch?
  [Spre-khen Zee Eng-leesh?]
• I don't understandIch verstehe nicht
  [Eekh fer-shtay-eh neekt]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseIch möchte bitte die Speisekarte sehen
  [Eekh merkh-teh bee-teh dee Shpy-ze-kar-teh zeh-en]
• I don't eat meatIch esse kein Fleisch
  [Eekh ess-eh kine Fly-sh]
• Cheers!Prost!
  [Prohst]
• I would like to pay, pleaseIch möchte bitte bezahlen
  [Eekh merkh-teh bee-teh beh-tzah-len]

• Help!Hilfe!
  [Hil-feh]
• Go away!Gehen Sie weg!
  [Gay-en Zee vehg]
• Call the Police!Rufen Sie die Polizei!
  [Roo-fen Zee dee Poh-lee-tsy]
• Call a doctor!Rufen Sie einen Arzt!
  [Roo-fen Zee Ee-nen Arts]
• I'm lostIch bin verloren
  [Eekh been fer-loh-ren]
• I'm illIch bin krank
  [Eekh been krank]

• I'd like to buy...Ich möchte...kaufen
  [Eekh merkh-teh...kow-fen]
• I'm just lookingIch schaue nur
  [Eekh shou-eh noor]
• How much is it?Wie viel kostet es?
  [Vee feel koh-stet es]
• That's too expensiveDas ist zu teuer
  [Dahs ist tso toy-er]
• Can you lower the price?Könnten Sie den Preis senken?
  [Kern-ten Zee den Preis zehn-ken]

• What time is it?Wie spät ist es?
  [Vee shpayt ist es]
• It's one o'clockEs ist ein Uhr
  [Es ist ine oor]
• Half past (10)Halb (zehn)
  [Halb (tsane)]
• MorningMorgen
  [Mor-gen]
• AfternoonNachmittag
  [Nahkh-mit-tahk]
• EveningAbend
  [Ah-bent]
• YesterdayGestern
  [Gehs-tern]
• TodayHeute
  [Hoy-teh]
• TomorrowMorgen
  [Mor-gen]
• 1Eins
  [Ine-z]
• 2Zwei
  [Tzvey]
• 3Drei
  [Dry]
• 4Vier
  [Feer]
• 5Fünf
  [Foonf]
• 6Sechs
  [Zex]
• 7Sieben
  [Zee-ben]
• 8Acht
  [Akh-t]
• 9Neun
  [Noy-n]
• 10Zehn
  [Tzane]

• Where's a/the...?Wo ist ein/der...?
  [Vo ist ine/dehr]
• What's the address?Wie lautet die Adresse?
  [Vee lowt-et dee Ah-dre-seh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Können Sie mir das zeigen (auf der Karte)?
  [Kern-en Zee meer dahs tsey-gen (owf dehr Kar-teh)]
• When's the next (bus)?Wann kommt der nächste (Bus)?
  [Vahn kohmt dehr nerkh-steh (Boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Eine Fahrkarte (nach ...)
  [Ine-eh Fahr-kar-teh (nahkh)]

Davos, located in the Swiss Alps, has a history that stretches back to the early Middle Ages. The first documented mention of the area dates back to 1213, when the Walser settlers, originally from the Valais region, migrated to the high valley. These early settlers were drawn to the region's fertile land and alpine pastures, laying the foundation for the vibrant community that would flourish in the centuries to come.

Davos' reputation as a health resort began in the mid-19th century. German physician Alexander Spengler recognized the therapeutic benefits of the region's high altitude and clean air for treating tuberculosis. By the 1860s, Davos became a popular destination for patients seeking cures for respiratory ailments. This led to the construction of sanatoriums and medical facilities, attracting visitors from across Europe and significantly boosting the local economy.

Davos' allure extended beyond its health benefits to the realm of literature. The German novelist Thomas Mann drew inspiration from his wife's stay at a Davos sanatorium for his acclaimed novel, 'The Magic Mountain,' published in 1924. The book, set in a fictional sanatorium in the Swiss Alps, captures the essence of Davos' atmosphere and the experiences of those who sought healing in its serene environment. Mann's work further cemented Davos' place in cultural history.

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw Davos transform into a premier winter sports destination. The introduction of the first bobsleigh run in 1882 and the establishment of the Davos Hockey Club in 1921 marked the beginning of the town's association with winter sports. The annual Spengler Cup, first held in 1923, is one of the oldest international ice hockey tournaments in the world. These developments attracted tourists and sports enthusiasts, contributing to Davos' growing fame as a winter paradise.

Since 1971, Davos has been synonymous with the World Economic Forum (WEF), an annual meeting that brings together global leaders from politics, business, and academia. Founded by Professor Klaus Schwab, the WEF has transformed Davos into a hub for discussing global economic issues and shaping international policies. Each January, the town hosts influential figures who engage in high-level discussions, making Davos a focal point for global decision-making.

Today, Davos seamlessly blends its rich historical heritage with modern innovation. The town remains a sought-after destination for health tourism, winter sports, and international conferences. Its diverse cultural offerings, including museums, galleries, and music festivals, reflect a vibrant community that honors its past while embracing the future. Davos continues to captivate visitors with its unique combination of natural beauty, historical significance, and contemporary relevance.

Davos is accessible via several modes of transportation. The closest major international airport is Zurich Airport, approximately 150 kilometers away. From Zurich, you can take a direct train to Davos, which typically takes around 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can rent a car and drive to Davos, which takes roughly 2 hours on well-maintained roads. Buses also operate between major Swiss cities and Davos, offering another viable option for travelers.

Davos has an efficient public transportation system including buses and trains, which makes it easy to get around. The Davos Platz and Davos Dorf train stations connect the town to other parts of Switzerland. Local buses run frequently and cover most areas within Davos. Taxis are available but can be quite expensive. For a more eco-friendly and scenic option, consider renting a bicycle during the warmer months.

The official currency in Davos, as in the rest of Switzerland, is the Swiss Franc (CHF). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are plentiful, and currency exchange services are available at banks and some hotels.

Davos is generally a very safe destination for tourists. Crime rates are low, and violent crime is rare. However, as with any travel destination, it's wise to take standard precautions. Avoid isolated areas at night and keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but always stay vigilant.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. This number will connect you to police, medical, and fire services. Davos has a well-equipped hospital and several medical clinics for non-emergency health issues. Pharmacies are also available for minor health concerns. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress warmly and in layers, as weather can change quickly in the mountains. Avoid overly casual attire in upscale restaurants. Religion: Do respect local customs, although Davos is not particularly religious. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding trains and buses. Don't be loud or disruptive. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake and maintain eye contact. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes like fondue and raclette. Don't forget to say 'thank you' when served.

To experience Davos like a local, visit the weekly farmers' market where you can buy fresh produce and local specialties. Engage with locals, who are generally friendly and willing to share insights about the town. Don't miss the opportunity to take a hike or bike ride on the numerous trails that offer stunning views of the Alps. For a unique experience, attend one of the many events hosted in Davos, such as the World Economic Forum or the annual Spengler Cup ice hockey tournament.