Research by the wayside: The biologists' round

The path passes numerous scientific research sites because science is not confined to laboratories. On the contrary, outdoor work is an essential part of environmental research. Around Davos, scientists at the SLF operate numerous facilities and test sites. Some are new, some almost a hundred years old. Together they provide important insights into snow and avalanches, forests and meadows, biodiversity, and climate change.

Since the route does not end at the starting point, we recommend taking the bus to Teufi. Lines 312 and 313 run in summer from Davos Dorf train station.

We cross the bridge at Teufi, briefly keep right, and then follow the signs uphill to Jakobshorn on the left. After about 250 meters of elevation gain, we reach the unmanaged Stillberg Alp, which is co-leased by the SLF. Researchers can work, refresh themselves, and, if needed, stay overnight in the facilities. At the alp is also the mountain station of the institute’s own cable car, an open Niederberger Schiffli.

We stay on the path towards Jakobshorn. To the right, after a few minutes, we see the test site at Stillberg. In 1975, researchers afforested about five hectares of forest there to investigate which species are best suited for a protective forest. After a bend, the path leads directly to Jakobshorn. A look down shows the cable car mountain station as well as the helicopter landing pad for transporting heavy materials. In the forest, at the tree line, and above, the SLF also studies how trees spread there and how the forest boundary shifts.

A few hundred meters further, we see plexiglass chambers opened downward on the slope standing in the meadow. Using these, scientists create locally warmer microclimates and research how alpine plant life might change in times of climate change.

We continue to Jakobshorn, where we reach the highest point of the route. From there, we hike downhill through the namesake ski area towards Clavadeler Alp, passing the show dairy and the valley station of the Clavadeler Bubble chairlift. Soon after, we reach a T-junction where we turn left. After about 500 meters, a small gravel path branches sharply to the left. We follow this until the forest ends. A few meters up the slope, SLF researchers study the interaction between plants and their enemies and what consequences this has for biodiversity. Blue and yellow markings divide the area into individual plots.

We return the same way to the valley station of the Clavadeler Bubble. After a few meters, at the fork, we take the left path. Depending on mood, we follow the signs to Davos Platz or walk comfortably to Ischalp to take the gondola down to the valley.

Option: From Jakobshorn, we take the path below Jatzhorn to Stadlersee. From the southern shore of the lake, about 50 meters downhill in a southwesterly direction, lies the highest of the three research sites where SLF biologists study the interaction between plants and their enemies. Return to Jatzhütte and from there as described above towards Clavadeler Alp.