Research along the way: Forest and environment

The path leads past several scientific measuring stations because science is not limited to laboratories. On the contrary, work outdoors is an essential part of environmental research. Around Davos, scientists of the SLF operate numerous facilities and experimental areas. Some are new, some almost one hundred years old. Together, they provide important insights into snow and avalanches, forests and meadows, biodiversity, and climate change.

We recommend combining this short excursion with a guided tour at the SLF. (Every Friday at 10:00 a.m. except on public holidays, registration required by Thursday, 12:00 p.m., via +41 81 417 01 11)

From the SLF we follow Flüela Street towards the Flüela Pass and turn left onto Basler Street after about 400 meters. In the second curve, a forest path branches off that initially runs parallel to Basler Street but climbs more steeply. We follow this to a T-junction where we turn left. Soon we see a fence on the left behind which are numerous measuring stations. Here scientists of the WSL have been researching since the 1980s how trees react to changing environmental conditions. An information board explains details. We follow the forest path and turn left behind a railway underpass towards Lake Davos. Once there, we have the choice to follow the lakeside path to the bathing beach, either left (shorter) or right (about 20 minutes longer). From there a small path leads under the railway tracks and we reach a few buildings. Behind the last house on the right side we turn onto a footpath. Shortly before its end, we see a measuring station on the right, part of the Intercantonal Measuring and Information System IMIS, which collects nationwide data on weather and snow. Shortly beyond this, we return to the SLF.