On the tracks of the Walsers
Tradition & History
Living Walser culture in Davos Klosters
Around 700 years ago, Valais families left their homeland. They migrated across the Alps. Many settled in what is now Graubünden - and became Walsers. Their culture and customs still shape the destination of Davos Klosters today.
Was it due to overpopulation or natural disasters? It is not known why the Valais mountain farmers climbed over passes in the 13th century to settle in inhospitable mountain areas. What is clear, however, is that it was largely thanks to the hard-working Walser settlers that large parts of Graubünden were cultivated in the late Middle Ages. No wonder: with their forest clearance, alpine farming and their typical scattered settlements, they shaped the landscape. The rulers called them Walsers and granted them special freedoms. This made them free and independent compared to other population groups. This was also reflected in the construction of settlements.
Typical Walser construction
The farm with its house and stable is the centre of the "Heimet", the agricultural unit. In Davos and in Prättigau, the pure wooden house made of round or squared timber dominates. The wooden granaries built on stilts or wooden legs, which protected supplies from moisture and mice, are also reminiscent of the immigration period. Beautiful and ancient "Spiicher" can be found in Davos Monstein, Wiesen and in Klosters Monbiel and Schlappin. Today they are a popular postcard motif.
A special dialect: Walser German
Even today, the language reveals that Davos Klosters is in a Walser area. A typical feature is that "sch" is pronounced for "s". For example, in Walser German it is "Willkomma bi ünsch", which means something like "Welcome to us". Also typical is the omission of the article before personal names: "Peegg hed Dreeschi ä Chuä gschäicht", which translates as: "Peter gave Andreas a cow".
Traditional Walser cuisine: milk, butter, cheese and dried meat
In addition to the language, the cuisine is also typical of the Walsers: in the past, they ate what they could produce themselves. This is how they preserved meat and milk for the long winter months. They made butter, cheese and Ziger from milk. They dried the meat in the mountain air to make dried meat. The Bündnerfleisch that is known today is a speciality that goes back to this tradition of drying meat. If you want to follow in the footsteps of the Walsers, you should definitely visit the Nutli Hüschli local museum in Klosters or hike a few stages on the Walserweg Graubünden.
Eight tips for experiencing Walser culture
- 01
Visit the Nutli Hüschi Museum in Klosters
The Nutli Hüschi was built in 1565 by Christian Nutli. Today, the old Walser house is a village museum. It has a permanent exhibition of furniture, tools and toys from the 16th to 19th centuries. Immerse yourself in the traditional way of life of the Walser people.
- 02
Join in or watch the Walser Games
“Hürnä”, “Mischlä”, “Botschärrä” or “Holz sagä”: The Walser Games are unique. The Walser Games are organized under the patronage of the “International Association for Walserdom”. The next event will take place in 2024.
- 03
Hike on the Walserweg Graubünden
This long-distance hiking trail stretches along historic hiking trails for around 300 kilometers through remote Walser communities and valleys. You can carry your own luggage or book a package that includes luggage transport and overnight accommodation.
- 04
Meet new and old on the «Gadäwäg» in Klosters
- 05
Visit the Sertig side valley on a vintage car tour
- 06
Marvel at typical Walser architecture in Klosters
In Klosters, it is worth taking a detour to Monbiel. It is the furthest Walser village in the Prättigau, which is inhabited all year round. Stop off at the Höhwald restaurant. Another highlight is the Walser village on the lake in Schlappin with the Berghaus Erika restaurant.
- 07
Stroll through the typical Walser village of Monstein
Monstein is a small gem with wooden houses and granaries on posts. At the "Gretahuus", built in 1644 and located to the left of the brewery, look out for an opening above the living room that is closed with a shutter. A "soul beam". This was only opened so that the soul of the deceased could more easily find its way to the afterlife.
- 08
Become a member of the Walser Association Graubünden
Around 2,300 people are already members of the Walser Association of Graubünden. They are Walsers from Graubünden as well as people interested in Walser culture from all over Switzerland and abroad. Members receive the "Walser Agenda" with information about events and news.