Amidst the bewitching mountain world, Dürrboden lies at an altitude of 2,007 metres at the farthest end of the Dischmatal valley, which is the longest side valley in Davos. Dürrboden was once an important trading point on the route that led from Montafon over Davos and the Scalettapass into Engadin - and on over the Berninapass to Veltlin. Over hundreds of years, livestock, precious salt from Tirol and Venice, as well as wine from Veltlin were imported. While in summer goods were transported with horses and mules, chiefly oxen and sledges were used during in winter - and prior to the challenging climb over the Scalettapass, traders replenished their resources and exchanged or fed and watered their beasts in Dürrboden.

It was only through the extension of the alpine roads, and the boom in tourism, that the typical trading path lost its significance around 1850. In the meanwhile, the Dischmatal mules have long been gone, replaced by more modern methods of transport. It’s chiefly well-equipped hikers that make their way on foot to the Grialetschhütte mountain hut or over the Scalettapass nowadays. Today, the Via Valtellina enjoys its come-back as rediscovered cultural path - and Dürrboden thus remains a strategic base where travellers can take a break and a bite to eat before moving on.

The stately mountain guesthouse is situated at the heart of the original group of buildings, from where beautiful views over flowering meadows up to the Scaletta glacier are savoured. Due to its altitude, operations of the Dürrboden guesthouse are limited to the warmer months - starting around mid June until mid October - and the guesthouse is somewhat unique concerning its energy supply. Electricity for restaurant operations is chiefly produced with own hydro turbine, rooms are heated with so-called «Bullerjan» Canadian wood-ovens, and a carefully inspected home spring supplies all necessary water. In Dürrboden great worth is placed on respecting the ecologic sensibility of the mountain world, and guests are made aware of this. A simple 20-place mattress dormitory stands at the ready for overnight guests, but due to limited capacity bookings are a must. Various bookings can be made, such as with or without breakfast or including an evening meal.

A bus stop exists between Davos and Dürrboden, but a real highlight for nostalgic fans is presented with a horse and carriage ride in summer - or horse and sledge ride in winter (only as far as Teufi in winter).