Immerse yourself in the world of Johanna Spyri's *Heidi*

Heidi's Village Maienfeld, Heidialp & More: Experience Heidi's World

Peter, Alp, Heidi, Heidi and Peter, Heidi village, Geissen, history — © Gaudenz Danuser. For tourism purposes (PROMOTION)

In Maienfeld, in the heart of the Bündner Herrschaft, you can experience Johanna Spyri’s world-famous Heidi story firsthand. Visit the original Heidi Village with Heidi’s house, the alpine hut, the village school, and goats; hike along the Heidi Trail to the Heidialp on the Ochsenberg; or combine your trip with guided tours, events, and other Heidi-themed experiences. Here you’ll find the most important information about highlights, how to get there, the season, family-friendliness, and special offers.

Key points at a glance

Where is Heidi's hometown? In Maienfeld, in the Bündner Herrschaft border between the Swiss cantons of St. Gallen and Graubünden. This is where Johanna Spyri found inspiration for her world-famous story about Heidi.
What can I experience? In Maienfeld itself, you’ll find the original Heidi Village, featuring Heidi’s house, Heidi’s alpine hut, the village school, the village store (which houses Switzerland’s smallest post office), goats, the Heidi Trail, and the hike up to the Heidialp.
How do I plan my visit? Check the current opening hours and prices directly with Heididorf. Take the train to Maienfeld and, depending on the season, take the Heidi Bus or walk from the train station to the village, just as Heidi once did.
Who will enjoy this trip? Families, Heidi fans, literature and culture enthusiasts, and hikers.
What should I combine? Heididorf and the Heidi Trail, the Heidialp hike, a public guided tour, events in Heididorf, or a stay inBündner Herrschaft. If you have more time, you can explore the interactive Heidi Trail with the whole family on Pizol, the adventure mountain across the way.

Heidi Experiences in Maienfeld

Johanna Spyri unambiguously set her novel *Heidi* in Maienfeld with the following sentence: “From the friendly village of Maienfeld, a footpath leads through green, tree-lined fields to the foot of the mountains, which, from this side, look down on the valley, grand and solemn.” It is no longer possible to determine with certainty exactly where the little village and the alp that served as Johanna Spyri’s settings are located. However, Heidi experts agree that today’s Heididorf near Rofels in Maienfeld and today’s Heidialp on the Ochsenberg are the most likely locations.

In Maienfeld, guests are greeted by the Heidi and Geissenpeter play area right at the Marché Heidiland highway rest stop. The Heidi Fountain above Maienfeld is also a popular photo spot. But Heidi fans from all over the world gather at the Heididorf.

The Heidi Village in Maienfeld is the setting for the world-famous Heidi story and features authentic recreations of the story’s settings and insights into traditional crafts. With an alpine hut, real goats, and a well-stocked souvenir shop, the village is a popular destination for families and international visitors.

Key Information for Your Visit to Heididorf:

Estimated time: 60 to 120 minutes
Tickets are available at the village store; you can find the current ticket prices at Heididorf
Discover how Heidi lived, how she went to school back then, and where she spent her happy days on the alp; films and audio guides round out the experience.
The entire tour of the village is not suitable for strollers; they can be left at the entrance.
At the village store—Switzerland's smallest post office—you can pick up a special Heidi postmark
Food and beverage options and on-site parking are available at the Heidihof Restaurant

Maienfeld

Heidi village Maienfeld

The Heidi village in Maienfeld is the original location of the world-famous Heidi story. Visitors can explore the original Heidi house, Heidi's alpine hut and the village school from 1880. The village store sells souvenirs and has the smallest post office in Switzerland.

Maienfeld

Heidialp

The Heidialp on the Ochsenberg can be reached via the Heidi adventure trail. The hike begins in the Heidi village above Maienfeld and offers a natural environment with twelve stations that tell the story of the Heidi. During the summer months, the Heidialp is partly open to the public.

Maienfeld

Heidi Fountain Maienfeld

The Heidi Fountain in Maienfeld was dedicated in 1953 in honor of author Johanna Spyri. Today, it is a popular destination with a parking lot for a quick photo stop.

Maienfeld

Hotel Restaurant Heidihof

The Hotel Restaurant Heidihof in Maienfeld offers rooms with TV and internet, modern seminar rooms and a banquet hall. Regional specialties are served in the à la carte restaurant. A large terrace offers views of the Bündner Herrschaft.

Maienfeld

Marché Heidiland highway service station

The Marché Heidiland highway service station in Maienfeld offers market-fresh cuisine and numerous amenities such as a playroom, outdoor playground and goat enclosure. Ideal for families, couples and groups looking for a break on the A13.

Events Related to Heidi

29.

Aug.

MaienfeldAug. 29–Oct. 31, 2610:45 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Discover Heidi's home (public guided tour)

The guided tour through the Heidi village shows you what life was like for the world-famous novel character "Heidi".

6.

Sep.

MaienfeldSeptember 6 – October 18, 2610:00 a.m.

Shingling and carving with Alpöhi

On Sunday, Alpöhi, Heidi's grandfather, is in his alpine hut.

20.

Sep.

MaienfeldSeptember 20, 2611:00

Heidi's story

Who likes to listen to a story and be drawn into its spell?

11.

Oct.

MaienfeldOctober 11, 2610:00

Heidi's herbal pharmacy

Let us take you back to the world of medicinal herbs in Heidi's time and learn more about their processing and effects.

1.

Nov.

MaienfeldNovember 1, 1926

Heididorf end of season

Take advantage of this opportunity before Heidi and Peter, Grandmother and Grandfather, Schwänli, Bärli, and the whole flock of chickens soon go into their well-deserved hibernation.

Children stamping on the Pizol heath trail

Family Tip: Heidi Trail on Pizol

The Heidi Trail on Pizol Adventure Mountain is a popular adventure trail for the whole family, featuring interactive stations based on the world-famous Heidi story. Along the way, you’ll also find a Heidi playground and a children’s Kneipp facility. The Pizolbahnen valley station in Bad Ragaz is just 10 minutes from Maienfeld.

To the Heidi Trail

Hiking in the Footsteps of Heidi

If you'd like to immerse yourself even further in the world of Heidi, you can hike from the train station in Maienfeld along the Heidi Trail up to the little village. There's also a hiking trail that leads to the Heidialp near Ochsenberg.

On the opposite side of the valley, the interactive Heidipfad nature trail on Pizol, an adventure mountain, beckons at an elevation of over 1,600 meters above sea level.

Offers

See all offers

Discover Heidi's home (public guided tour)

The guided tour (in German) through the Heidi village shows you what life was like for the world-famous novel character "Heidi". Travel back to 1880 and experience an impressive day at the original location of the Heidi story.

CHF

30.00

"Legendary Maienfeld" - a scenic tour of the town

City tour or theater? Both! Legendary Maienfeld is a guided tour of the town where actors bring you closer to the history of Maienfeld in an entertaining way.

CHF

30.00

Maienfeld

Swiss Heidi Hotel

The Swiss Heidi Hotel in Maienfeld offers a rich breakfast in the Panorama Restaurant with a unique 360° panoramic view. A sunny terrace and the spacious garden with playground provide relaxation and variety. Guests can enjoy pizza, tarte flambée, regional snacks and convivial moments in the bistro.

Maienfeld

Hof Just - Sleeping on straw

Hof Just in Maienfeld offers a unique experience: spending the night in straw or on mattresses. The farm is located near the Heidi Museum and welcomes cyclists, motorists, motorcyclists and pedestrians.

Flumserberg Tannenbodenalp

Mulching hut

The Lauiboden mulch hut in the Schilstal valley offers space for up to six people, who can sleep in straw with woollen blankets and cook on a nostalgic stove. Fresh alpine products are available at the alpine huts.

The Most Important Questions & Answers About Heidi

Is there a restaurant at Heidi's Village?

The Heidihof restaurant is right next to the parking lot of the Heidi village.

Are there guided tours in Heididorf?

Yes. Public guided tours are offered regularly at the Heidi Village. During these tours, visitors learn more about the story of Heidi, life around 1880, and the author Johanna Spyri. In addition, group tours can be booked.

Is the Heidi Trail stroller-friendly?

The Heidi Trail is only partially stroller-friendly. Many sections are accessible with all-terrain strollers, but some parts of the trail are on natural ground. A baby carrier is recommended for the entire hike.

Is the Heidialp open?

The Heidialp is open depending on the season and weather. During the summer months, it offers limited food and beverage service, serving simple meals and drinks. Be sure to check the current opening hours before visiting.

What can I do with my kids that's related to Heidi?

Families can visit the Heidi Village, featuring the Heidi House, animals, and the village school; walk to the Heidi Village along the Heidi Trail; or hike up to the Heidialp. The offerings in the wider region are complemented by play and nature experiences such as the Pizol Heidi Trail and other family-friendly Heidi activities in the holiday region Heidiland.

What is there to do in Heididorf?

In Heididorf, you can visit the original Heidi House, Heidi’s alpine hut, the historic village school in the town hall, the town hall stable, and the village store, which houses a visitor center with a souvenir shop and Switzerland’s smallest post office. On the village square, you can feed and pet goats and chickens. Guided tours and demonstrations of traditional crafts are also offered regularly.

Who was Johanna Spyri?

Johanna Spyri (1827–1901) was a Swiss writer and the author of the world-famous Heidi novels. With the books *Heidi’s Years of Learning and Wandering* and *Heidi Can Put What She Has Learned to Good Use*, she created one of the most famous characters in Swiss literature. In 2027, the 200th anniversary of the author’s birth will be celebrated.

How do I get from the Maienfeld train station to Heididorf?

From the Maienfeld train station, the marked Heidi Trail leads through the small town and the vineyards to the village of Heidi in about 40 minutes. On weekends and holidays from May through October, the Heidi Bus also runs.

How long is the Heidi Trail?

The Heidi Trail is about 6.5 kilometers long. Depending on your pace and how long you spend in the village of Heidi, you should plan on spending about 1.5 to 2 hours on the entire loop.

What are the opening hours in Heidorf?

The opening hours are from mid-March to the end of October 10:00 - 17:00.

Where is the moorland village located?

The Heidi village is located in Maienfeld. You can reach it either by car (parking is available at the Hotel Restaurant Heidihof, from there it is about a 10-minute walk) or by public transport. Please note that the bus between Maienfeld train station and Heididorf only runs at weekends. It takes about 45 minutes to walk from the train station to Heididorf.

Johanna Spyri and Heidi's Hometown

With *Heidi*, Johanna Spyri wrote one of Switzerland’s best-known stories. Maienfeld and the * Bündner Herrschaft * are considered the main sources of inspiration for the world of *Heidi*. Anyone who visits Heidi’s hometown therefore experiences not only a fictional character, but also a piece of Swiss cultural and literary history: from the little village to the Heidi House to the Heidialp on the Ochsenberg.

In 1852, at the age of 25, Johanna Spyri married the lawyer Bernhard Spyri and lived with him in Zurich. However, Johanna, who loved nature, was not entirely happy in the city. For this reason, she stayed several times with her friends, the von Salis family, in Jenins, from where she undertook various excursions to places both near and far. It is said that the area around the little village of Maienfeld inspired her “Heidi” story: After a walk with a childhood friend, she is said to have told her friend’s husband, Colonel Jakob von Salis, that she now had the basis for a new story—Heidi.

"Heidi's Years of Learning and Travel"—the first volume of the Heidi story—was published in 1880 by the German publishing house Friedrich Andreas Perthes in Gotha. Just one year later, the same publisher released the second volume, titled "Heidi Can Put What She Has Learned to Good Use." The Japanese anime series “Heidi, Girl of the Alps” from 1974 has probably contributed more than any other work to the image of Heidi that is established worldwide today. The well-known theme song “Heidi, Your World Is the Mountains” also comes from this series. Johanna Spyri’s *Heidi* has been translated into over 50 languages to date and is one of the most internationally successful works of Swiss literature.

Johanna Spyri Museum

Perched high above Lake Zurich lies the picturesque village of Hirzel (Horgen), where Johanna Spyri, the world-famous creator of Heidi, spent her childhood. At the Spyri Museum, you can leaf through Johanna Spyri’s books, step back in time to a Hirzel school lesson from around 1840, listen in on the author having tea with her son Bernhard, or look over Johanna’s shoulder as she works at her writing desk. The exhibition highlights the world-famous author’s body of work beyond the Heidi novels.

To the Spyri Museum

More Heidi Experiences in Graubünden

The natural scenery of the mountainous canton of Graubünden has repeatedly served as the backdrop for famous film adaptations of *Heidi*. Even today, you can still hike in Heidi’s footsteps at these locations.