Davos loses largest municipality distinction

Davos, located in the canton of Grisons, was once recognized as the largest municipality in Switzerland following a municipal merger with Wiesen. This status was significant for the region, as it highlighted Davos's expansive area and its importance within the Swiss landscape. However, this distinction changed with the formation of Glarus Süd, which resulted in Davos losing its title. As a consequence, Davos is now classified as the fourth-largest municipality in the canton of Grisons. This shift in status reflects broader trends in municipal governance and regional restructuring in Switzerland, where mergers and reconfigurations of municipalities can significantly alter local demographics and governance structures. The change also impacts local identity and the perception of Davos as a prominent destination, particularly known for its winter sports and hosting the World Economic Forum. The loss of the largest municipality title may influence tourism and economic strategies as Davos adapts to its new ranking within the region. Davos lost its status as the largest municipality in Switzerland by area on January 1, 2011. Key facts regarding this transition include: • Peak Status (2009–2010): Davos became the largest municipality in Switzerland on January 1, 2009, following its merger with the municipality of Wiesen. • The Loss of the Title (2011): Davos held the top position for exactly two years until the formation of Glarus Süd on January 1, 2011. The creation of Glarus Süd through a merger of 13 smaller municipalities created a new entity with a larger total land area than Davos. • Current Standing (2026): As of 2026, Davos is recognized as the fourth-largest municipality in the canton of Grisons (Graubünden). It was further surpassed in size by other expanded municipalities, such as Scuol in 2015.