Davos has been recognized as a mountain health resort for over 140 years. The health-giving history of Davos began in 1853, when German doctor Alexander Spengler arrived in the mountain-farming village, then with a population of 1,700. Spengler discovered the healing effects of the high-mountain climate and made Davos famous as a health resort. Over the past 40 years, Davos has developed first-rate medical and therapeutic expertise.