Heididorf: Step into Heidi's World
Experience the world of Heidi in this charming Swiss village, complete with interactive exhibits and stunning Alpine scenery.
Heididorf is more than just a tourist attraction; it's an immersive journey into the world of Heidi, the cheerful orphan girl who captured the hearts of readers worldwide. Located in Maienfeld, the village that inspired Johanna Spyri's novels, Heididorf recreates the setting of Heidi's life in the late 19th century. Visitors can explore Heidi's house, furnished as it would have been in her time, and experience the simple life of the Swiss Alps. The village includes a replica of Heidi's Alp cottage, a barn with goats, and a schoolhouse, offering a glimpse into the daily life of Heidi and her friends. The Johanna Spyri Heidi World museum provides insights into the author's life and the history of the Heidi story, which has been translated into over 50 languages and adapted into numerous films and TV series. Heididorf is designed to be interactive, encouraging visitors to touch, play, and participate in the environment. Children and adults alike can enjoy getting up close with animals like goats and chickens, and explore the herb garden to learn about medicinal herbs used in Heidi's time. The village also features Switzerland's smallest post office, where you can send a Heidi-themed postcard. Whether you're a longtime fan of Heidi or simply looking for a unique cultural experience in a beautiful setting, Heididorf offers a memorable glimpse into a world of simple joys and mountain adventures.
Local tips
- Visit between March and November, when Heididorf is open daily. Check the website for specific dates and winter opening days.
- Purchase tickets on-site, as online tickets are not currently available.
- Take the Heidiweg (Heidi Trail) from Maienfeld train station for a scenic 35-40 minute walk to Heididorf.
- Combine your visit with a stop at the Hotel Restaurant Heidihof for panoramic views of the Alps.
- Stamp your Heidi book purchase at the gift shop with the Heididorf stamp.
A brief summary to Heididorf
- Oberdörfligasse, Maienfeld, 7304, CH
- +41813301912
- Visit website
Getting There
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Walking
From the Maienfeld train station, follow the Heidiweg (Heidi Trail), a well-marked scenic route that leads through the historic town of Maienfeld and past vineyards to Heididorf. The walk is approximately 2.4 km and takes about 35-40 minutes. Luggage storage is available at the Heidi-Shop/Tourist Information at Bahnhofstrasse 1.
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Public Transport
Take a train or bus to Maienfeld. From Maienfeld station, the Heidi Bus (PostBus) operates on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays from May to October. The bus provides a direct connection to Heididorf. Check the SBB (Swiss Federal Railways) or local transport schedules for accurate timings. A single PostBus ticket within Maienfeld costs approximately CHF 3.
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Driving
From the A13 motorway, take exit 13 towards Maienfeld. Follow the brown signs for Heididorf, which will lead you to the center of Maienfeld. From there, continue following the signs to the Heididorf car park, located directly below the Hotel Restaurant Heidihof. Parking costs are approximately CHF 5-10 for the day.
