Heididorf: Where Heidi's Story Comes to Life
Experience the enchanting world of Heidi in the Swiss Alps. Step back in time and immerse yourself in this classic story.
Heididorf, located in Maienfeld, Switzerland, is more than just a village; it's a living tribute to Johanna Spyri's timeless tale of Heidi. This idyllic locale brings the story to life, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the world of the cheerful orphan girl and her life in the Swiss Alps. Founded in 1888, Heididorf recreates the 19th-century setting of Heidi's story, showcasing traditional Swiss architecture, lush green pastures, and breathtaking mountain views. As you wander through the village, you'll encounter Heidi's Alp Cottage, a replica of the hut where she spent her summers with her grandfather. Explore the cellar used for food preservation, the kitchen where Heidi and Goat Peter did their homework, and Heidi's bedroom with its simple wooden furniture. Visit the 300-year-old Heidi House, the heart of the village, furnished as it would have been in Heidi's time. Discover the schoolhouse in the town hall, where Heidi and Peter attended classes, and learn about the Swiss education system in the 1880s. The village also features a barn with goats and a horse-drawn carriage, a souvenir shop, and Switzerland's smallest post office. Heididorf is an interactive experience, encouraging visitors to touch and engage with the environment. Get up close with goats and chickens in the village square, and learn about medicinal herbs. The Heidiland museum above the gift shop offers insights into Johanna Spyri's life and the global impact of her Heidi novels. Open from mid-March to early November, Heididorf welcomes visitors daily from 10 am to 5 pm. From December to mid-March, it opens on select days, with updated hours on the website. Tickets are CHF 14.90 for adults and CHF 6.90 for children aged 5 to 14. Children under 4 enter free, and those under 10 must be with an adult.
Local tips
- Visit between mid-March and early November for the best experience, as Heididorf is fully open during these months.
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking on the Heidi Trail and exploring the village.
- Bring Swiss Francs (CHF) for admission and souvenirs, though credit cards are accepted.
- Check the weather forecast, as the drive to Maienfeld can be challenging in adverse conditions.
- Allow at least 1-2 hours to fully experience Heididorf and its attractions.
A brief summary to Heididorf
- Oberdörfligasse, Maienfeld, 7304, CH
- +41813301912
- Visit website
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Maienfeld railway station, you can reach Heididorf by taking the Heidi Bus (PostBus), which operates on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays from May to October. The bus ride takes approximately 6 minutes , with tickets costing CHF 1-3. Alternatively, you can walk from Maienfeld station via the Heidi Trail, a scenic route of approximately 2.4 km that takes about 35-40 minutes. Luggage storage is available at the Heidi-Shop/Tourist Information at Bahnhofstrasse 1 for a small fee.
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Walking
From the center of Maienfeld, follow the brown 'Heididorf' signs. The walk from Maienfeld to Heididorf is a pleasant uphill stroll through vineyards and takes approximately 35-40 minutes. Be sure to stop at the information center on Bahnhofstrasse 1. If starting from the Heididorf car park at Hotel Heidihof, it's a 5-10 minute walk to the entrance of Heididorf.
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Car
From the A13 motorway, take exit 13 'Maienfeld' and follow the brown 'Heididorf' signs. These signs will lead you to the center of Maienfeld. From there, follow the signs with the car symbol to the Heididorf car park, located directly in front of the Hotel Restaurant Heidihof. Parking is free. From the car park, it is about a 5-minute walk to Heididorf.
