Davos, Switzerland
The Alpine sanatorium that German writer Thomas Mann immortalized in his novel The Magic Mountain is to close this month. Tuberculosis sufferers from across Europe used to flock to the Valbella Clinic in Davos for the famously healthful climate. Although tuberculosis remains a problem, especially in Eastern Europe, antibiotics are considered a more effective cure these days, and health insurance companies have become reluctant to pay for patients to travel to the Swiss Alps. “It’s a shame,” said clinic spokeswoman Maria Rieder. “We have wonderful surroundings. It’s our south-facing view Mann writes about.”
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
-
5 high rating cartoons about Biden's low poll numbersCartoons Artists take on checklists, ice creams, and more
-
A gastronomic tour of the Costa de la LuzThe Week Recommends This Spanish spot has fantastic restaurants "rooted in the region's distinctive produce"
-
Crossword: May 19, 2024The Week's daily crossword
