Klosters

Founding and First Mentions

The history of Klosters is inextricably linked to religious activity in the region. The name of the settlement comes from the Latin word claustrum (monastery), indicating its origins.

• 1222: This is considered the date of the first documentary mention, associated with the founding of St. Jakob Church.
• Monastic Community: The settlement grew around a Premonstratensian monastery, which was a daughter house of the abbey in Churwalden. Before this time, the territory was used primarily as summer pasture by residents of the neighboring settlement of Serneus.

Key Factors in Its Development

Klosters' development from a modest monastic retreat into a full-fledged settlement was driven by several factors:

• Walser Colonization: In the 14th and 15th centuries, Walsers — settlers from Upper Valais — arrived in the region. They developed high-altitude areas, cleared forests, and brought with them unique methods of farming and construction.
• Geographical Position: Its location at the upper end of the Prättigau valley provided control over routes to mountain passes leading to the neighboring Austrian region of Montafon (specifically the Schlappin Pass).
• Political Integration: In 1436, Klosters became part of the League of the Ten Jurisdictions (Zehngerichtenbund), which strengthened its political status and the rights of the local population.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The economy and culture of early Klosters were shaped by the harsh Alpine conditions and the mixing of populations.

• Language Shift: Initially, the population spoke Romansh, but with the arrival of the Walsers, the German dialect became dominant and remains so to this day.
• Agrarian Economy: The foundation of life was livestock and dairy farming. The Walsers built characteristic sun-blackened wooden houses, many of which have survived and create the recognizable look of the region.
• Mining: In the 15th and 16th centuries, silver and lead were mined in the vicinity (in the Silberberg area), providing additional income, although it did not become the main industry as it did in neighboring Davos.

Key Dates in the History of Klosters

• 1222: First documentary mention of St. Jakob Church, from which the settlement's name is derived (from the Latin claustrum — monastery).
• Around 1300: Walsers migrate to the region in large numbers, leading to a shift in the primary language from Romansh to German.
• 1436: Klosters joins the newly formed League of the Ten Jurisdictions following the death of the last Count of Toggenburg.
• 1526: The community adopts the ideas of the Reformation, and the former monastery church becomes a Protestant parish.
• 1621: During the Thirty Years' War and the period of turmoil in Graubünden, the valley is temporarily occupied by Austrian troops.
• 1799: French troops under General Masséna pass through the region's mountain passes during the Napoleonic Wars.
• 1803: Graubünden officially joins the Swiss Confederation as a canton.
• 1904: The opening of the railway line to Klosters connects it to the outside world and triggers the development of tourism.
• 1930: The launch of the Gotschnabahn cable car opens access to the Parsenn ski area, transforming the village into a ski resort.
• 1950s: The resort earns the unofficial nickname "Hollywood on the Rocks" thanks to frequent visits by American movie stars such as Greta Garbo and Gene Kelly.
• 1978: Prince Charles (now King Charles III) visits Klosters for the first time, beginning a long-standing tradition of royal holidays in the area.
• 1999: The opening of the Vereina railway tunnel makes Klosters an important transport hub connecting northern Graubünden with the Engadine.
• 2005: The opening of the "Madrisa Land" theme park strengthens the resort's status as a family-friendly destination.

Key Milestones of Development and Transformation

The evolution of Klosters is a journey from a secluded farming community to a world-class resort that has managed to preserve its traditional character. Below are the key stages that defined the modern look and status of the town.

• The Birth of Summer Tourism (Late 19th Century)
  Even before the rise of the ski industry, Klosters became popular as a health resort and mountaineering center. The opening of the first hotels (such as Hotel Silvretta in 1870) marked the beginning of the economy's transition from purely agrarian to service-oriented, attracting lovers of mountain air and hiking.
• Railway Accessibility (1904)
  Connection to the Rhaetian Railway network was a turning point in urban planning and the economy. This event ended the region's isolation, ensuring a steady flow of guests year-round and simplifying the delivery of goods, which stimulated a construction boom.
• Transformation into a Winter Sports Hub (1930)
  The launch of the Gotschnabahn cable car, connecting the village with the Parsenn ski area, became the main economic driver of the 20th century. This technical achievement reoriented the resort toward the winter season and put it on par with neighboring Davos, but with an emphasis on a more intimate atmosphere.
• The Cultural Phenomenon of "Hollywood on the Rocks" (1950s)
  The arrival of American movie stars and the intellectual elite shaped Klosters' unique image. This didn't require a large-scale reconstruction of the town, but it radically changed its status: the resort became synonymous with understated luxury and privacy, defining its target audience for decades to come.
• Royal Patronage (Since 1978)
  Regular visits by the British Royal Family solidified Klosters' reputation as an elite holiday destination. This influence helped preserve the "Alpine chalet" architectural style, as distinguished guests valued authenticity, which saved the town from being built up with multi-story concrete hotels.
• Transport and Logistics Revolution (1999)
  The opening of the Vereina Tunnel and the construction of the bypass road (Gotschnatunnel) solved a critical urban planning problem. Transit traffic was diverted from the village center, returning tranquility to the streets, improving the environment, and preserving the cozy atmosphere despite the region's growing popularity.
• Focus on Family Holidays (2000s)
  The reconstruction of the Madrisa area and the creation of infrastructure for children were responses to new market challenges. This expanded the resort's economic base, making it attractive not only to the elite and extreme skiers but also to families.

Architectural Face and Urban Planning

Klosters stands out from many Alpine resorts as it has managed to avoid mass development with concrete box structures. The town's urban fabric is a harmonious blend of historic wooden chalets and the understated luxury of resort architecture, carefully integrated into the landscape of the Prättigau valley.

Traditional Architecture: Walser Heritage (13th–18th Centuries)

The historical foundation of the town is the vernacular architecture of the Walser settlers. This style dominated for centuries and established the aesthetic code (the "chalet style") that is still observed in Klosters today.

• Style: Alpine vernacular (folk architecture).
• Characteristic Features: Houses made of sun-blackened larch logs using the log-cabin method (Strickbau), with small windows to retain heat and gently sloping gabled roofs.
• Iconic Landmark: The Nutli Hüschi Folklore Museum — a perfectly preserved example of a Walser house built in 1565, showcasing the lifestyle and building techniques of the past.

Sacred Architecture: A Blend of Eras

The main architectural landmarks of the town are the church towers, around which the districts of Klosters Platz and Klosters Dorf were formed.

• St. Jakob Church: The center of the community's spiritual life. The building combines Late Gothic elements (the choir and tower structure) with interiors renovated in the spirit of Protestant restraint. Of particular artistic value are the stained-glass windows created by master Augusto Giacometti in 1928, bringing elements of modernism into the historical context.

The Golden Age of Tourism: Bündner Heimatstil (19th–20th Centuries)

With the arrival of the railway and the first tourists, the village's appearance began to change. Farms gave way to hotels and villas, whose architects sought to adapt urban comfort to the rural idyll.

• Style: Heimatstil — a Swiss variation of Art Nouveau with a strong emphasis on national traditions.
• Features: Stone bases, abundant decorative wood carvings on balconies, bay windows, painted shutters, and complex roof shapes.
• Iconic Buildings:
  • Hotel Chesa Grischuna (built in 1938) — a masterpiece of the local style, often called "Switzerland's most beautiful ski lodge." Its architecture became the gold standard for a cozy Alpine hotel.
  • The historic building of Hotel Silvretta, reflecting the era of Grand Tourism at the beginning of the 20th century.

Modernity and Engineering High-Tech (20th–21st Centuries)

Modern development in Klosters is strictly regulated by urban planning norms that prohibit high-rise construction and require chalet-style aesthetics. However, bold modern design has emerged in infrastructure projects.

• Style: Minimalism and structural expressionism.
• Iconic Landmark: The Sunniberg Bridge (Sunnibergbrücke). Located at the entrance to the valley, this elegant cable-stayed bridge, designed by engineer Christian Menn, is a world-renowned masterpiece of structural engineering, contrasting with the traditional appearance of the village itself.

Famous Residents and Distinguished Guests

In the 20th century, Klosters gained a reputation as a "quiet haven" for the global elite. Unlike neighboring Davos or glamorous St. Moritz, this resort attracted celebrities with its intimacy and strict adherence to privacy. It was here that the phenomenon of "Hollywood on the Rocks" was born, as A-list stars became part of the local community.

• King Charles III
  Role: Monarch of the United Kingdom and the resort's most loyal guest.
  Contribution: First visiting Klosters in 1978, he turned it into the traditional winter holiday destination for the Royal Family. His presence cemented the town's status as an elite destination. In honor of the monarch, one of the Gotschnabahn cable car cabins is named "Prince of Wales."
• Peter Viertel
  Role: American screenwriter and author, the Hollywood "ambassador" to the Alps.
  Contribution: After moving to Klosters, Viertel began inviting his filmmaker friends. It was thanks to him that Los Angeles learned about this modest Swiss village, marking the beginning of the resort's golden era in the 1950s.
• Greta Garbo
  Role: Film legend and symbol of mystery.
  Contribution: The actress, known for her reclusiveness, chose Klosters specifically for the opportunity to walk the streets without intrusive press attention. Her frequent visits were the best advertisement for the resort's discretion, which is still highly valued here.
• Irwin Shaw
  Role: Famous American novelist and playwright.
  Contribution: Lived in Klosters for over three decades, making it his home and office. Shaw was the soul of the local English-speaking community. The writer became so connected to these places that he was buried in the local cemetery.
• Deborah Kerr
  Role: British actress and star of Hollywood's "Golden Age."
  Contribution: As the wife of Peter Viertel, she became a permanent resident of the town. Kerr was active in community life, helping to bridge the traditions of local residents with the lifestyle of the international bohemia.
• Gene Kelly
  Role: Actor, director, and choreographer.
  Contribution: The personification of fun during the "Hollywood on the Rocks" era. Stories of the "Singin' in the Rain" star dancing on tables in the bar of the Hotel Chesa Grischuna became part of town folklore, highlighting the relaxed atmosphere of those years.
• Augusto Giacometti
  Role: Distinguished Swiss artist.
  Contribution: Left an invaluable cultural heritage to the town. The stained-glass windows he created in 1928 for St. Jakob Church are considered a masterpiece of modernism and attract art lovers from all over the world.