About Heidiland
Available: varies by activity, see below
Example travel costs
Swiss Travel Pass: FREE bus and train travel described.
Half Fare Card: return costs include Appenzell to Bad Ragaz, Sargans and Unterterzen - 31 Sfr, to Maienfeld 38 Sfr.
Bad Ragaz and its neighbouring towns and villages make up 'Heidiland' - an idyllic region of pure air, Lake Walen, majestic mountains and flowering meadows. The author Johanna Spyri was inspired to use the old hamlet above Maienfeld as the setting for her stories about Heidi. This quintessentially Swiss region is a delight to visit during your stay.
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Highlights
Heidi Village
The hamlet known as 'Heidi Village' is where you can learn more about the author Johanna Spyri in the local museum and gain an insight into rural alpine life in the 19th century in the Heidi House which she shared with her Grandfather. You can even meet Peter's goats! A day ticket is 14 Sfr. Refreshments are available at the nearby café.
Walking trails start from Maienfeld - try the full Heidi trail which takes around 1 and a half hours, a charming journey through history and time. Alternatively, you old take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the sunny wine-growing area. Prices available locally.
Take the bus or train from Bad Ragaz to Maienfeld. A bus operates from Maienfeld station to the Heidi House May-Oct on weekends, otherwise it is a pleasant walk.
Jenins vineyards
A charming area where you can see the vineyards of the Bündner Herrschaft and sample the local wine and excellent cuisine in the Torkel restaurant.
Close by is the Neu-Aspermont castle dating back to the 11th century, which changed hands several times during invasions and wars. The castle requires restoration but is an interesting piece of local history.
Take the bus from Bad Ragaz. Restaurant open March-December.
Tamina Gorge
The spring waters which feed the spas of Bad Ragaz can be traced to the Tamina Gorge. A few metres away from the old bathhouse at Pfäfers is the entrance to the mystical gorge. Here, visitors can experience the immense power of the water at very close range. The 450m path leads through a tunnel into the mountain, past thermal water fountains right into the spring water grotto.
The nearby monastery church was built at the end of the 17th century and features paintings by the Ticino artist, Giorgoli. One of the oldest playable organs in Switzerland, built by Mathäus Abbrederis, dating back to 1694, stands in the chancel.
Walk or take the bus from Bad Ragaz. Gorge available April-October, entry 5 Sfr.
Sargans Castle
This magnificent castle dominates the town of Sargans. The castle is over 200 years old and was renovated in the 19th century. Today it houses a very interesting local museum and offers an impressive view. You can dine in historical surroundings and visit the secluded courtyard and the old wine cellar with its ancient wine press.
Take the train from Bad Ragaz or Chur. Available April-October, entry payable locally.
Walensee and Flumserberg
This beautiful blue lake (one of the clearest and deepest in the country) is stunning in itself, but with the mountain backdrop it makes for Swiss perfection. You can enjoy a cable car ride high above the lake to Flumserberg, or take a boat trip on the water. The resort in Unterterzen offers a beach, bathing and a restaurant. Naturally there are plenty of walking and cycling trails.
Take the train from Bad Ragaz. Available May-mid October. Activities payable locally.
Directions
There are good connections from Chur, St. Gallen and Appenzell to Bad Ragaz.
There are a number of routes to take to explore this region. Some of the key ones include taking the train from Bad Ragaz to Maienfeld (for the Heidi Village), to Sargans (for the castle) and to Unterterzen (for Lake Walen and the Flumserberg).
Please check before travel for maintenance closures.
Request your holiday quotation
Call us on 0800 619 1200 or email us at info@swissholidayco.com