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Are you familiar with Heidi? The character Heidi is based on a book by the author Johanna Spyri and is popular in Switzerland. Five-year-old Heidi, kind, simple, and passionate about the mountains, grew up in the Swiss Alps with her grandfather.
In the book, Maienfeld serves as an inspiration. Today, we can find the real Heidi Village here. As Heididorf (Dorf means village in German), this place is incredibly popular among tourists, especially those with small children.
Heididorf, Maienfeld, in Switzerland, is a wonderful place to experience Heidi as a lovable child. Children love Heididorf for so many reasons. This place has in Maienfeld has the Heidi village, Heidi house, Heidi trail, and Heidi Alp. Here are some reasons why everyone loves Heididorf and its surrounding region Heidiland.
Overview
| Age Group | All ages, Pre-school, School age |
| Category | Nature, Hikes |
| Expected Duration | 1 - 2 Hours, Half-day |
| Cost | - CHF 13.90 per Adult - CHF 5.90 per Child |
| Address | Parking Lot: Bovelweg 16, Maienfeld |
| Website | https://www.heididorf.ch/ |
| Opening Hours | 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily from March 15 to November 15 |
In Heididorf, You Can Feed the Goats
It’s true, I know. The goats in Heididorf are a favorite of many children (and even adults). Except that they cannot be fed with just anything.
For a small fee, you must purchase the proper food from the store nearby. We paid CHF 1 for a bag. One bag of feed will be enough to feed the goats for a few minutes. If you do not wish to get a bag of food, you are still welcome. Many goats enjoy being petted.
The goats are not wild goats at all. They are very tame and will not attack. Thus, even younger children can try giving them some food.
A stall with chickens is also there, but we didn’t feed them, and I don’t think they are meant to be fed by the public.
The Heidi Museum
The Heidi House is located near the entrance to Heididorf Village. It is not free, so you will need to pay a fee.
Original costumes and props from 2015’s Heidi Film are held in the Heidiwelt Museum. It also contains a biography of Johanna Spyri and various Heidi films.
Your Favorite Heidi Souvenirs in Dorfladen
Shop in the Dorfladen (local souvenir shop). This visitor’s center provides various Heidi souvenirs such as puzzles, plates, bags, stuffed animals, and many more. You can even send letters from this shop since they have a small yellow letterbox from the post office in one corner of the shop.
This place in Heididorf has really fair prices. You can also check out their goods online at https://eshop.heididorf.ch/.
In addition to the souvenir shop in Heididorf itself, there is also a souvenir shop in Maienfeld itself.
The Heidi Trail from Maienfeld to Heididorf
The Heidi Trail is a 6.5 km path from Maienfeld to Heididorf.
Heidi Trail (also known as Heidiweg in German) is a circular trail that begins at the Maienfeld Train Station and travels through Maienfeld, along the vineyards, and up to Heididorf.
After reaching the Heidi Village, the trail then leads to the Heidihof Restaurant with its awesome panoramic views. The route returns down the town and down the vineyards until it reaches the train station. It takes approximately 80 minutes to complete the 6.5 km trail.
Families are welcome to bring strollers to the trail, as most of it goes through the town.
Heidi’s Alp Cottage
Heidi lives in the alp cottage (Alphütte in German) in the summer. Here, she enjoys nature with her grandfather and takes care of her goats with Peter every day.
In order to reach it, you will have to hike the Heidi Trail from Heididorf.
The Heidi Alp Trail is an 8.8 km path from Heididorf to Heidialp.
You can also walk up the hill to the Heidi Alp. From Heididorf, the trail takes you through a narrow street with 12 stations exploring Heidi’s story. The trail begins quite steeply but then becomes easier until it reaches the Heidialp. It takes approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes to get from Heididorf to Ochsenalp, Heidihütte.
Heidi’s House, Geissenpeter’s House, and Alpöhi’s Place can be seen on this trail.
This trail leads to Heidi’s original house. You can see the cottage where Heidi lived with her grandfather in the Heidialp. Today, the shepherd still resides in the hut, tending to the cattle on the alp during summer. Local delicacies are also available here.
Heidihof Restaurant and Playground
Following an enjoyable time in Heididorf or one of its trails, enjoy a meal and a fantastic view from the Hotel Restaurant Heidihof. This idyllic spot is just a few minutes away from Heidi House.
In the restaurant or on the large terrace they serve regional delicacies. Additionally, they host private celebrations, weddings, and family events.
For children, the Heidi & Peter playground is available near the garden terrace.
Maienfeld and its Castles
Heididorf is located in the town of Maienfeld. It belongs to the principality of Landquart in the Canton of Graubünden. There are numerous vineyards, charming little houses, trees, and mountains surrounding this area of the Rhine Valley. Jenins, Malans, and the Rätikon range of the Alps surround it. Glegghorn and Vilan tower over Maienfeld.
There are two castles to discover in Maienfeld: Brandis Castle and Salenegg Castle.
- Brandis Castle – The castle has been turned into a restaurant. The site remains a Swiss national heritage site.
- Salenegg Castle – Salenegg Castle is a Swiss heritage site of national significance. It is located within the Maienfeld vineyards and has a panoramic view and a picturesque tower. At Salenegg, visitors can tour the vineyard, learn about the grapes and wine, and try a variety of wines from different barrels. The winery is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM and 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
Chance to Experience the Heidiland Region
Heididorf lies in the Heidiland region of Switzerland. Heidi is not the only attraction in the area; it also boasts mountains, valleys, lakes, and vineyards. The following areas are included in the territory of Heidiland:
- Bündner Herrschaft – a region well-known for its vineyards and the resulting wine
- Bad Ragaz – another popular tourist destination across the Rhine River, renowned for its hot springs and spa centers
- Tamina Valley – Its river, Tamina River, flows into the reservoir Lake Gigierwald. It also forms a narrow, deep gorge called Tamina.
- Pizol and Flumserberg – These two are medium-sized ski resorts. The fact that these two are so close to Zurich in winter makes them popular with the Zurich crowd. In summer, they are also popular hiking spots.
- Lake Walen (Walensee) – a beautiful lake with lots of options for bathing and water sports
Your Swiss Family Adventure Awaits!
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