Heidiweg: A Journey into Heidi's World
Hike through Heidi's world in Maienfeld: vineyards, mountain views, and the charm of Johanna Spyri's beloved story.
The Heidiweg, or Heidi Trail, is more than just a hiking path; it's an immersive experience into the world of Heidi, the cheerful orphan girl who captured the hearts of generations. Located in Maienfeld, in the Bündner Herrschaft region of Graubünden, the trail inspired Johanna Spyri to write her world-famous novel. The journey begins at the Maienfeld railway station, leading you through the historic town with its charming alleys and past refreshing fountains. As you leave the town behind, the path meanders through vineyards, a testament to the region's winemaking tradition. The trail then gently ascends to Rofels and finally to the Heidi Village (Heididorf), where the story truly comes alive. In Heididorf, you can explore Heidi's House, a 300-year-old building that inspired the Heidi story, and the replica of Heidi's Alp Cottage, offering a glimpse into her life with Grandfather Alpöhi. The Heidiweg continues to the Hotel Restaurant Heidihof, boasting a panoramic terrace with stunning views. From there, a spiral staircase leads to the top of an old oak tree, providing a majestic view of the valley. The trail then descends to Heidi's Fountain before winding back through the vineyards to Maienfeld. The Heidiweg is a moderate hike suitable for most fitness levels, with the full circuit taking approximately 1.5 hours to complete. The trail is well-marked with red signposts, ensuring you stay on the right path.
Local tips
- Visit between May and October to take advantage of the Heidi Bus, which operates on weekends and public holidays, providing a convenient ride from Maienfeld station to Heididorf.
- Consider depositing luggage at the Heidi-Shop/Tourist Information at Bahnhofstrasse 1 if you don't want to carry it along the Heidiweg.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking, as the Heidiweg involves some uphill hiking and uneven terrain.
- Stop by the Hotel Restaurant Heidihof for lunch and enjoy the panoramic views of the Alps and the valley.
- Check the SBB (Swiss Federal Railways) website for the most up-to-date train and bus schedules to Maienfeld.
A brief summary to Heidiweg
- Maienfeld, CH
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Maienfeld railway station, you have a few options to reach the Heidiweg trail. You can walk to the Heidiweg, following the red 'Heidiweg' signs; this takes about 35-40 minutes. Alternatively, from May to October, the Heidi Bus (PostBus) operates on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, offering a direct ride to Heididorf. A single ticket costs CHF 1-3. Check the SBB website for the most up-to-date bus schedule.
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Walking
From Maienfeld railway station, exit and follow Bahnhofstrasse. Turn onto Lurgasse, following signs for Rofels and Heididorf. The Heidiweg is well-marked with red signs. The walk to Heididorf is approximately 2.4km and takes about 40 minutes. Luggage storage is available at Heidi-Shop / Tourist information at Bahnhofstrasse 1 for a small fee.
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Taxi
From Maienfeld railway station, a taxi ride to Heididorf takes approximately 3 minutes and costs between CHF 11-14. Taxis are available in Maienfeld, or you can call Sarganserland Taxi (+41 79 404 02 05).
