Heididorf: Step into Heidi's World
Step into the world of Heidi in Maienfeld, Switzerland, and experience the timeless charm of this classic Swiss story.
Heididorf, located in Maienfeld, Switzerland, is a charming village that brings Johanna Spyri's world-famous Heidi story to life. This idyllic destination allows visitors to step back in time and experience the simple, wholesome life of Heidi and her grandfather in the Swiss Alps. The village features several meticulously recreated buildings, including Heidi's house, furnished as it would have been in the 1880s, and the Alp cottage, a replica of the hut where Heidi spent her summers with her grandfather. Visitors can also explore the village schoolhouse and Johanna Spyri's Heidi World museum, which showcases the history of the Heidi story and its author. Heididorf offers an interactive experience, encouraging visitors to touch and engage with the environment. Children can even try their hand at "milking" a fake cow in front of Heidi's Alp hut. The village also has a gift shop, where you can purchase Heidi-themed souvenirs and send a postcard from Switzerland's smallest post office. Beyond the buildings, Heididorf provides a glimpse into the natural beauty that inspired Spyri's writing. Friendly goats and chickens roam the village square, and the surrounding landscape offers stunning views of the Alps and vineyards. For those who want to explore further, the 6.5km Heidi Trail (Heidiweg) leads from the Maienfeld train station through the town, past vineyards, and up to Heididorf. Heididorf is open daily from mid-March to mid-November. It's an ideal destination for families with young children and anyone who cherishes the timeless tale of Heidi.
Local tips
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking on the Heidi Trail and exploring the village.
- Visit between May and October to take advantage of the Heidi Bus from the Maienfeld train station on weekends and holidays.
- Bring your own picnic to enjoy at the designated picnic spot near the schoolhouse, as there are no restaurants in Heididorf.
- Purchase a copy of Heidi at the gift shop and get it stamped with the special Heididorf postmark.
- Be respectful of the environment and the people who live in the surrounding cottages.
A brief summary to Heididorf
- Oberdörfligasse, Maienfeld, 7304, CH
- +41813301912
- Visit website
Getting There
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Public Transport
From the Maienfeld train station, take the Heidi Bus (PostBus), which operates on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays from May to October. The bus will drop you off near the Heididorf entrance. Check the SBB website for the most up-to-date bus schedule. A single fare costs approximately CHF 3-5.
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Walking
From the Maienfeld train station, follow the red "Heidiweg" signs for the Heidi Trail. The scenic walk to Heididorf is approximately 2.5 km and takes about 30-40 minutes, passing through the historic town and vineyards. Luggage storage is available at the Heidi-Shop/Tourist Information at Bahnhofstrasse 1 for a small fee.
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Car
From the A13 motorway, take exit 13 (Maienfeld) and follow the brown "Heididorf" signs to the center of Maienfeld. From there, follow the signs with the car or bus symbol to the Heididorf car park, located directly below the Hotel Restaurant Heidihof. Parking costs are approximately CHF 5-10 for the day, payable at the designated machines. From the car park, it's a 5-10 minute walk to the Heididorf entrance.
