61 Things to Do in Heidiland 2025

10 Highlights in Heidiland

• Culinary experiences are highly regarded in Heidiland. Five Michelin stars and around 193 Gault Millau points bring together the top chefs in the region. The wines from the Bündner Herrschaft are among the best in the world, so you will frequently encounter gastronomic delights in Heidiland.
• There are over 100 route suggestions for cycling with an E-bike or bike waiting for you in Heidiland. They include both challenging bike trails and those suitable for leisurely riders.
• You can visit the Heidi Village, the original setting for the film adaptation of the world-famous Heidi story, in Maienfeld.
• The mystical Tamina Gorge is 15,000 years old. Every minute, 8,000 liters of thermal water spring from the gorge's source. The healing thermal water at a comforting 36.5° has made Bad Ragaz internationally renowned as a spa destination.
• The Flumserberg is a hiker's paradise with over 150 km of hiking trails and 13 km of bike routes. From here, you have a great view of Lake Walen and the Churfirsten mountains.
• Snow-sure, the Flumserberg winter sports area is the largest winter sports destination between Zurich and Chur, boasting 65 km of ski slopes. It is the only ski area with a train connection (Zurich-Unterterzen).
• The Pizol is located among the three valleys of the Sarganserland. Within its area, you'll find five crystal-clear mountain lakes, all accessible via a single five-lake hike.
• The Pizol ski area offers a variety of winter sports with 11 lift facilities and 50 km of slopes.
• With its steep rock faces reminiscent of a Norwegian fjord, the Walensee is considered one of the cleanest lakes in Switzerland. The nearly Mediterranean microclimate on its northern shore has earned it the nickname "Riviera of Eastern Switzerland."
• In Murg, at the southern end of Lake Walen, you’ll find the largest sweet chestnut forest north of the Alps.

Heidiland is particularly known for two things: Heidi and wine. The cultural icon Heidi is an essential part of this region. The Heidi fountain, built in memory of the author Johanna Spyri, is located just outside Maienfeld and can be reached by a lovely walk. The Bündner Herrschaft - Heidiland produces a remarkable 45 grape varieties as the warmest wine region in Eastern Switzerland, yielding over 50 different wines.

The Heidi myth has retained its enchanting allure in the Heidiland holiday region to this day. Lake Walen, the rugged Churfirsten mountains, the Sarganserland with its side valleys, and the vineyards of the Bündner Herrschaft all provide a fitting backdrop for your leisure activities. Clear air, clean water, and impressive mountains add to this, along with vineyards and UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Among the most well-known tourist spots are the summer and winter sports resorts Pizol and Flumserberg, as well as the historic spa town of Bad Ragaz.

Sights in Heidiland

Heidiland offers not only an impressive UNESCO World Natural Heritage site but also a diverse range of natural beauties. Sargans Castle, ancient Walser settlements, and the Gonzen mine are examples of the unique architecture and traditions of Heidiland. In Bad Ragaz, you can experience a guided art walk with 400 sculptures every three years during the Bad RagARTz. The next sculpture exhibition is planned for 2027.

UNESCO World Heritage in Heidiland: Tektonikarena Sardona

The mountains around Piz Sardona vividly illustrate how the Alps were formed. This occurred due to the collision of the African and European continental plates. Older rock layers were pushed over younger rocks at Sardona, effectively turning the mountains upside down.

Here, the different types of rocks are clearly distinguishable. The upper rock formed about 200 million years earlier. Only here is the rock displacement visible above the earth's surface. This global uniqueness prompted the UNESCO commission to declare the Tektonikarena Sardona as a World Natural Heritage site.

Piz Sardona stands at an elevation of 3,056 meters (10,022 feet) at the intersection of the cantons of St. Gallen, Glarus, and Graubünden. The name “Tektonikarena” was given to the mountains because, in some places, you truly feel like you are standing in an arena.

Offers with Swiss Activities for the UNESCO World Heritage site

• Guided hike GeoGallery Sardona
• Bearded vulture excursion to Calfeisental
• Observing chamois in Weisstannental

Tamina Therme in Heidiland

The Tamina Therme is fed by the ever-sparking, body-warm water from the Tamina Gorge. The spa in Bad Ragaz has a long-standing tradition that made this health resort famous. The thermal spring was discovered back in 1242.

Today, the bathing area spans 7,300 m². An outdoor pool and five indoor pools provide pleasant temperatures and variety through bubbling areas, movement pools, and massage jets. The 34°C warm outdoor pool also features a waterfall and a flow channel. A contrasting bath with a warm 39°C pool and a cool 17°C pool helps boost a strong immune system.

The sauna world includes the unique Pirts sauna with Latvian nature rituals and a Kelo infusion sauna. It was built from Scandinavian Kelo wood and is the largest infusion sauna in Switzerland. The steam bath offers a view of a sky with 780 stars. A large wellness area includes automated massage beds and sun loungers, Haki, and Shiatsu.

Opening Hours Therme Bad Ragaz 2025

|Area|Daily|Friday|

|-----------------|------------|----------| |Thermal Bath|8:00 AM - 10:00 PM|8:00 AM - 11:00 PM|

|Sauna World|10:00 AM - 10:00 PM|10:00 AM - 11:00 PM| |Wellness|9:00 AM - 8:00 PM|9:00 AM - 8:00 PM|

The spa is open 360 days a year. There will be maintenance work carried out on 5 days in June.

Tip: On your birthday, entry to the thermal bath or sauna world is free for you. On this day, you also receive an additional 10% discount in the wellness area.

Offers Swiss Activities for the Spa

• E-Bike Tour with Spa
• Wine Tour, Tamina Gorge, and Spa

Heididorf

Heididorf preserves the history and tradition of the Heidi myth. It's located in Maienfeld in the Bündner Herrschaft, right where the author Johanna Spyri drew inspiration for her Heidi stories.

The Heidi house is still set up as it was in 1880, and you can also find Heidi's animals in the village. Even the famous alpine hut from the films is still there. You can visit Heididorf throughout the year. You reach the village via the Heidi Trail, which takes about 5 minutes from the large parking area at the Hotel Restaurant Heidihof, winding through a picturesque landscape.

Offers from Swiss Activities for Heididorf

• Guided tour of Heididorf
• Heidi's herb knowledge in Heididorf

Gonzen Iron Mine

The Gonzen mountain is the local mountain of the town Sargans. The people of Sargans started mining iron ore here over 2,000 years ago. The tunnels and galleries created over the centuries have turned into a labyrinth that is nearly 90 km long. A small part of the old iron mine is now open to the public.

Guided tours take place throughout the year and need to be arranged in advance. There is also a museum and a restaurant at the museum entrance. Several rooms are available for seminars and events.

Sargans Castle in Heidiland

The old count's castle stands high above the town of Sargans. The fortification was built in the 13th century and together with the small town formed a defensive complex. The lower parts of the castle tower are made of tuff blocks. The tower has 5 floors and was designed as a residential tower. All the buildings in the castle courtyard have been preserved in their original construction style.

The castle has been owned by the municipality of Sargans since 1899 and has been preserved from decay through various renovations.

Today, the castle houses both a restaurant and the Sarganserland Museum. In the wine press cellar, you can marvel at an ancient wine press. The wonderful view from the castle and the cozy courtyard are remarkable.

You can visit the museum from April to October between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM as well as 1:30 PM and 5:30 PM.

Entrance Fee Museum Sargans Castle

People	Admission (CHF)
Adults	10
Children	5
Students	8

Open: April to October

Old Post Museum in Weisstannental

The Old Post is nearly 250 years old and used to be a popular meeting place. To keep it that way, it is now a museum. This also includes the Old Cheese Dairy and the Old Village Sawmill, as well as a presentation of log driving in the stream.

Opening Hours Old Post Museum from late April to late October

Days	From - To
Wednesday and Saturday	1:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Sunday and Public Holidays	11:00 AM - 5:30 PM

Open: April to October

During the summer and autumn school holidays, extended opening hours apply.

Other Attractions in Heidiland

Tradition and history are lived and preserved everywhere in Heidiland.

• Paxmal: The Peace Monument is located in Walenstadtberg between Lake Walen and the monumental Churfirsten mountains. You can visit it from spring to autumn.
• Giessenpark and Giessensee: Located in the heart of Bad Ragaz, the park and lake are a popular recreation area. A small forest, an adventure playground, and a restaurant are also part of it.
• Spahouse at Bad Ragaz Thermal Baths: Here, using thermal water, you can enjoy wellness treatments and therapies of modern natural healing. Individual pools are available for experiential bathing rituals.
• Traditional Cheese Dairy Alp Tannenboden: At Alp Tannenboden, you can see how cheese is made at an altitude of 1400 m above sea level. The showroom with a behind-the-scenes view is open daily. In the associated traditional cheese dairy, registered groups can lend a hand and make cheese themselves.
• Bad RagARTz: You can admire works of art by international artists in the open-air sculpture exhibition, which is described as the largest in Europe. It takes place every three years. In 2024, 450 works of art by 88 international artists could be admired. The next exhibition is planned for 2027.
• Dragon Hole Museum Vättis: In the Dragon Hole Museum in the middle of the village, you will find bones of cave bears from the Upper Paleolithic as well as documentation of the excavations. The Dragon Hole is a cave located above Vättis. Also, 53,000-year-old hearths from hunters have been found there.

Attractions in Heidiland

The attractions in Heidiland are primarily natural beauties like the Walensee, Flumserberg, and Mount Pizol. Stunning waterfalls, beautiful valleys, and the wine-growing region of the Bündner Herrschaft are also popular destinations.

Taminaschlucht and the Old Bath of Pfäfers near Bad Ragaz in Heidiland

The formation of the Taminaschlucht remains unclear to this day. The roaring waters of the Tamina have carved a deep gorge measuring 200 m over approximately 15,000 years. This narrow fissure, 750 m long and 70 m deep, features a small natural bridge that suggests it might have formed from a cave.

In the middle of the 13th century, two hunters discovered the gorge and its healing waters. From a spring, 8,000 liters of water bubbles up per minute at a pleasant temperature of 36.5 °C. A 450 m long tunnel secures the path through the rocky gorge to the spring water grotto. From June to October, the dark and mystical gorge is illuminated by a light spectacle.

You can reach it from Bad Ragaz with about a one-hour hike, by post bus, or with the Rösslipost. However, the gravel path is closed to cars, bicycles, and e-scooters. The Old Bath of Pfäfers is located right at the entrance to the gorge and can also be accessed on foot via Valens or Pfäfers. Today, the Old Bath of Pfäfers houses museums about the architectural history and the monastery of Pfäfers. Additionally, you’ll find a restaurant, as well as changing exhibitions and musical events here.

Opening hours: End of April to End of October

Entry: CHF 5.00

Taminatal in Heidiland

You can easily reach the Taminatal via the road from Bad Ragaz. From there, it extends to Kunkelpass in the southwest. The Taminatal is characterized by its particularly picturesque landscape.

The villages in the Taminatal include Pfäfers, Vättis, St. Margrethenberg, and Valens-Vasön. Pfäfers and Valens are connected by the Taminabrücke, which is the largest arch bridge in Switzerland.

A hiking path leads you from St. Margrethenberg to a spectacular viewpoint. It stands high above the Rhine Valley on Pizalun. Below you lie Sarganserland and the Graubünden region, and you can easily identify the surrounding mountains using the informational panels.

The Calfeisental with the Walser settlement of St. Martin

You can reach the second southern high valley of the canton of St. Gallen via Vättis. It branches off the Tamina Valley and leads up to the Sardona Hut at an elevation of 2,158 m above sea level, below Piz Sardona. The Calfeisental is part of the UNESCO World Natural Heritage.

For nature lovers, watching the bearded vultures in Calfeisental is a truly special experience. The Gigerwaldsee reservoir is part of the local pumped storage plant.

The former Walser settlement of St. Martin is located at the back of Calfeisental. It's over 700 years old. Since the end of the 17th century, it has not been inhabited year-round. This popular excursion destination allows you to experience the place as if time has stood still. The romance and charm of bygone times make your visit - complete with a bread baked in a wood-fired oven - a delight.

Swiss Activities offer in Calfeisental

• Observe bearded vultures in Calfeisental

Weisstannental and Waterfall Arena Batöni

The Weisstannental is a valley with an abundance of waterfalls. Bearded vultures, chamois, and ibex find the rocky terrain to be a great habitat. This secluded valley promises tranquility and plenty of picturesque nature, as there is no through traffic. You can reach it from Mels via the well-developed Weisstannenstrasse. The villages of Weisstannen and Schwendi lie within the valley. They are connected by a wide and flat hiking trail. At the edge of the village of Weisstannen, you can learn more about the Alpine ibex on an educational trail.

Swiss Activities Offer in Weisstannental

• Guided Ibex Watching in Weisstannental

The Waterfall Arena Batöni is a special power spot. Five streams converge here in an impressive rocky arena. Three of the brooks create stunning waterfalls. These include:

• Piltschinabachfall (81 m)
• Sässbachfall (86 m)
• Muttenbachfall (45 m)

Shortly before, the Lavtinabach flows into the Piltschinabach. The Guetentalbach meets the Gufelbach further down the valley.

Video: Waterfall - Arena Batöni

Walensee: the Riviera of Heidiland

The Walensee resembles a Norwegian fjord, bordered by the steep Churfirsten mountains to the north. The deep blue lake is often called the “Riviera of Eastern Switzerland.” Its sheltered location and numerous hours of sunshine create a nearly Mediterranean microclimate in the north. Despite this, the water in Lake Walensee tends to be quite cool.

The car-free wine village of Quinten is only accessible by Walensee boat transport or on foot. Here, figs and kiwis grow. The three-tiered Seerenbach Falls can be found between Weesen and Quinten and are among the tallest waterfalls in Switzerland. Murg is a place located on the southern shore of Lake Walensee, situated in a beautiful delta formed by the Murgbach.

The Walensee boat trips and the Walensee adventure experience attract visitors from all over Switzerland. The adventure experience includes five themed playgrounds and a themed trail around Lake Walensee. You can solve the mystery of the Walensee with the whole family here. Hiking and biking along the lake, as well as idyllic beach resorts, offer relaxation. Activities like diving, surfing, and canoeing are also popular.

Swiss Activities offers at Lake Walensee

• Picnic tour around Lake Walensee by E-Scooter
• Culinary tour of Lake Walensee by E-bike and boat
• Discovery set for the Walensee adventure experience

Flumserberg

Flumserberg is an alpine region ranging from 1220 m to 2222 m above sea level, located above Lake Walensee. With 150 km of hiking trails and 13 km of biking trails, it attracts visitors to this natural paradise. On-site, you'll find the summer toboggan run FLOOMZER and the climbing tower CLiiMBER. CLiiMBER features over 100 climbing stations spread across three floors within a crystal-shaped tower on Prodalp. A legendary experience trail and a Geo Gallery with a path dedicated to alpine flora are popular thematic trails that can be conquered in less than an hour.

5 cable cars open up Flumserberg in summer and winter

In winter, an additional 12 facilities are added.

Cable Car	Name	Valley Station (m a.s.l.)	Mountain Station (m a.s.l.)
8-seater gondola (2 sections)	SeeJet	Unterterzen (425)	Tannenboden (1400)
8-seater gondola	BergJet	Tannenboden (1400)	Maschgenkamm (2020)
12-seater gondola	Prodalp Express	Tannenheim (1220)	Prodalp (1576)
8-seater chairlift	Prodkamm	Prodalp (1576)	Prodkamm (1939)
4-seater chairlift	Chrüz	Tannenboden (1400)	Chrüz (1600)

Flumserberg is the largest summer and winter sports area between Zurich and Chur. With 65 km of ski slopes, 6 km of ski routes, and 17 facilities, there's plenty of ski and sledding fun, some of which can be enjoyed under the starry sky. The toboggan run starts at the mountain inn Prodalp and ends in Tannenheim.

Prices for Single Rides on the Flumserberg Mountain Railways (CHF) in 2025

Location	Adults (>18 years)	Youth (12-17 years)
Prodalp	13.00	8.50
Chrüz	13.00	8.50
Maschgenkamm	26.00	17.00
Tannenheim-Prodkamm	26.00	17.00

The great round trip from Unterterzen (Klara-Ticket) via SeeJet includes the following stations in a 20-minute ride:

• Unterterzen - Tannenboden - Maschgenkamm - Prodkamm - Tannenheim - Unterterzen or
• Unterterzen - Tannenheim - Prodkamm - Maschgenkamm - Tannenboden - Unterterzen

Location	Adults (>18 years)	Youth (16-17 years)	Youth (12-15 years)	Children (6-11 years)
Great round trip via SeeJet	50.20	38.20	30.60	7.20

Children under 12 years old (except: SeeJet under 6 years) can travel for free when accompanied by an adult.

The Flumserberg is perfectly connected in terms of transport. It only takes about 90 minutes from Zurich by S-Bahn S2. The S4 also arrives in Unterterzen from St. Gallen in about the same time. Here, you can transfer to the SeeJet cable car to Tannenboden. If you're driving from Flums, it's about 20 minutes along the winding road to Tannenboden.

Swiss Activities Offers at Flumserberg

• Culinary hike with 3 dining options Flumserberg
• Culinary high-altitude hike with toboggan run Flumserberg
• Guided geological hike Flumserberg

Excursion Mountain Pizol

The mountain Pizol is part of the Glarus Alps. Its summit sits at an elevation of 2,844 m above sea level and offers stunning views. Pizol is located between the Weisstannental, the Calfeisental, and the Taminatal.

You can access 120 km of hiking trails via the Pizol cable cars. This includes the family-friendly Heidipfad, which starts at the Pardiel mountain station and is 3.7 km long. It’s even suitable for strollers up to the Alp Schwarzbüel. Along the way, the Heidipfad features stations with games and fun for the whole family. Highlights include a hammock forest and a Kneipp area for kids.

The Water Forest is a water playground near the Furt mountain station. It's set in a very picturesque location and includes ball tracks, water sprayers, and channels. Right next door, you'll find the open-air museum Vogeldörfli, where kids can build their very own birdhouse.

You can visit five beautiful and clear mountain lakes one after the other in a high alpine hike. The hike takes place above the tree line and lasts up to five hours, depending on your physical condition

You will visit these lakes one after the other:

• Wangsersee at 2222 m above sea level (at the Pizol hut)
• Wildsee at 2438 m above sea level
• Schottensee at 2335 m a.s.l.
• Schwarzsee at 2368 m a.s.l.
• Baschalvasee at 2174 m a.s.l

Between the Schwarzsee and the Baschalvasee you will pass numerous Steinmannli.

6 mountain railroads provide access to the Pizol in summer and winter

Mountain railway	name	valley station (m a.s.l.)	mountain station (m a.s.l.)
8-seater gondola lift (via Maienberg)	Pizolbahn Wangs	Wangs (536)	Furt (1522)
8-seater gondola lift	Pizolbahn Bad Ragaz	Bad Ragaz (488)	Pardiel (1621)
6-seater chairlift Porsche	Schwamm-Wissi Stei	Schwamm (1333)	Wissi Stei (1853)
4-seater chairlift	Pardiel-Laufböden	Pardiel (1627)	Laufböden (2226)
4-seater chairlift	Furt-Gaffia	Furt (1505)	Gaffia (1868)
4-seater chairlift	Gaffia-Pizolhütte	Gaffia (1842)	Pizolhütte (2227)

The Pizol hut is situated on the plateau of the hiking and skiing area Pizol. The mountain station of the Pizol cable car is also located here. 50 km of ski slopes and 12 lifts can be found in the ski area Pizol-Bad Ragaz/Wangs. In addition to a race track, there is also a snow park and a fun slope in the Pizol ski area. The 3.5 km long toboggan run from Furt (top station) to Maienberg (middle station) is illuminated on Friday evenings.

Prices for Individual Tickets at Pizol (CHF) for 2025

Start	Destination	Adults (>18 years)	Youth (6-17 years)
Bad Ragaz	Pardiel	31.00	15.50
Bad Ragaz	Laufböden	36.00	18.00
Wangs	Maienberg	21.00	10.50
Wangs	Furt	31.00	15.50
Wangs	Gaffia	33.00	16.50
Wangs	Pizolhütte	36.00	18.00
Furt	Gaffia	21.00	10.50

The breathtaking views from the high plateau overlook the Glarus region and the Graubünden mountains all the way to Lake Constance. Located at the start of the St. Gallen Rhine Valley, Pizol is just about an hour away from Lake Constance, Zurich, and St. Gallen.

Swiss Activities Offers at Pizol

• Culinary High Altitude Hike Pizol
• 5 Lakes Hike with Picnic at Pizol
• Garmil High Altitude Hike with Picnic at Pizol

Bündner Herrschaft

The Bündner Herrschaft is the home of Heidi. The Heidi Village and Maienfeld are well-known for that reason. You’ll also find the warmest wine-growing region in the German-speaking part of Switzerland here. It’s lovingly referred to as "the little region of great wines." The area has 350 hectares of vineyard. Several world champion Pinot Noir wines grow here.

The municipalities in the Bündner Herrschaft include Fläsch, Jenins, Maienfeld, and Malans. The Bündner Rhine Valley is perfect for beautiful hikes, cycling trips, or horse-drawn carriage rides. It’s particularly romantic during the grape harvest in autumn. Alongside vineyards, you’ll pass numerous castle ruins, palaces, and churches between Malans and Bad Ragaz.

Some Offers from Swiss Activities in the Grisons Region

• Wine Tour with Chocolate in the Grisons Region
• Organic Day Tour Wine in the Grisons Region
• Carriage Ride with Fondue Fun in the Grisons Region

Other destinations in Heidiland

In Heidiland you will find many pretty and idyllic places. Sometimes even a ride on a special mountain railroad is the destination for an excursion.

In Heidiland you will find 6 different mountain railroads:

• Pizolbahnen
• Flumserberg mountain railroads
• Älplibahn Malans
• Schönhalden cable car
• Palfriesbahn
• Vättner Berg cable car

As excursion destinations are considered:

• Älplibahn: The smallest mountain railroad in Graubünden is operated by volunteers in Malans. To ride it from Buochwald to Älpli you have to book in advance by phone +41 81 322 47 64.
• Palfriesbahn: The uphill ride from Mels to the Palfries plateau goes spectacularly over a waterfall of the Ragnatscherbach stream. You ride above tree tops and along steep rock faces. On the plateau there are pleasant hiking and walking trails with a magnificent panorama. As a special feature you get nostalgic cardboard cards as a ticket of the Palfriesbahn.
• Chapfene: At 1030 m above sea level, this idyllic lake is located near Mels. A walk around the lake also brings you to a moorland and to the viewpoint at Chapfenstein. From here the view goes into the Seez valley.

Swiss Activities tips for Heidiland

Particularly beautiful view of the tectonic arena

In the Tamina valley, between Pfäfers and Vadura, there is the viewpoint Windegg. From here you can see especially clearly the geological overthrusts. Windegg is also the information point for the UNESCO World Heritage Tectonic Arena Sardona.

Hiking through a forest of sweet chestnuts

The area around Murg on the southern shore of Lake Walen has a particularly mild and warm and humid climate. The acidic soils here are ideally suited for sweet chestnuts, which are otherwise found exclusively south of the Alps. Above Murg, a whole forest has been created through which you can hike. If this is not enough for you, a beautiful hike leads further on to the three Murg lakes. On the way you pass through the lonely Murg valley and then climb up to a good 1800 meters. There is a mountain inn at the Murg lakes.

Children under 12 years free of charge at Flumserberg

The mountain railroads and chairlifts take children under 12 free of charge when traveling together with adults. The only exception is the SeeJet gondola lift

Children under 16 free on Lake Walen

Children under 16 travel free on the boat on the first Wednesday of every month when accompanied by an adult. This is valid for the entire summer season.

Half price for seniors on Lake Walen

On Mondays, pensioners pay only half price for the boat trip on Lake Walen. This applies from June until the end of the summer season.

## Exploring Heidiland with the Graubünden Pass

The Graubünden Pass overall and the Graubünden Pass North are valid in Heidiland. With the Graubünden Pass, you have the freedom to explore. You can choose to travel for 2 days within a week or for 5 days within 2 weeks. The overall Graubünden Pass also allows you to travel in the South Zone of the Graubünden Pass.

Activities and Experiences in Heidiland

Heidiland is a great place for hiking. E-bike tours in Heidiland are also popular, and the special thing is that you can combine them with culinary experiences. You'll enjoy starters at one restaurant, a main course at another, and dessert at a third. In winter, you can ski or ride the toboggan, especially in beautiful winter sports areas like Flumserberg and Pizol.

The most popular activities in Heidiland include:

• Hiking
• E-biking and cycling
• Culinary experiences
• Boat trip on Lake Walen
• Skiing
• Tobogganing

Hiking in Heidiland

Hiking in Heidiland is one of the most popular leisure activities. The Bündner Herrschaft invites you to enjoy culinary hikes through the wine country. At Flumserberg, you'll find 150 km of marked hiking trails. The hikes to and around Lake Walen are also highly appreciated.

We’re showing you some of the most beautiful and popular hikes in Heidiland:

Circular hike in the wine country of Bündner Herrschaft: Maienfeld - Fläsch - Maienfeld

Your hike starts at the train station in Maienfeld, where you can explore the historic town center. The path takes you through the vineyards via the Heidibrunnen and leads you to Fläsch. From this wine village, you'll stroll back to Maienfeld along the banks of the Rhine.

• Difficulty: easy
• Endurance: easy
• Distance: 11.3 km
• Duration: 2h 30min

Swiss Activities offers guided hikes in Bündner Herrschaft

• Maienfeld: Hike to the vineyard with tasting
• Bündner Herrschaft: Guided hike with wine, chocolate, and cheese

Weesen-Quinten: Weesen (428m) - Talegg (425m) - Hinterbetlis (516m) - Vorderbetlis (531m) - Seerenwald (650m) - Quinten (434m) - Au (438m)

This hike takes you along a sun-drenched route that’s often referred to as the "Eastern Swiss Riviera" due to its mild climate. You’ll need to manage around 400 meters of elevation gain and loss, but the effort is rewarded with breathtaking views. From Quinten, it’s best to take the boat to Murg.

• Difficulty: medium
• Endurance: medium
• Distance: 10.2 km
• Duration: 3h 15min

7 Summit Tour at Flumserberg: Maschgenkamm - Ziger - via Zigerfurgglen - Leist - Rainissalts - Gulmen - via Mütschüel and Chrüzen - Cuncels - Chli Güslen - Gross Güslen - via Seebenalp - Tannenbodenalp

This mountain hike takes you over a ridge that is easy to traverse. It starts at the aerial cable car station Maschgenkamm (2020 m above sea level), which you can reach from Tannenboden.

• Difficulty: medium to hard
• Condition: medium
• Distance: 14 km
• Duration: 6 hours

Swiss Activities Offers for Guided Hikes at Flumserberg

• Culinary High-Altitude Hike at Flumserberg with Summer Toboggan
• Gourmet Route with 3 Restaurants at Flumserberg
• Guided Flumserberg Geogallery Sardona

5 Lakes Hike at Pizol: Pizolhütte - Wangsersee - Wildsee - Schottensee - via Schwarzplangg - Schwarzsee - via Gamidaurspitz - Baschalvasee - Gaffia

The most famous hike in Heidiland is a difficult and rather long panoramic trek. You will visit five mountain lakes, each distinctly beautiful. Starting at Pizolhütte, you'll hike above the tree line from lake to lake. Alternatively, you can choose individual lakes for a shorter hike.

• Difficulty: hard
• Condition: medium
• Distance: 10.7 km
• Duration: 4.5 to 5 hours

Swiss Activities Offers for Self-Guided Hikes at Pizol

• Gourmet Route with 2 Restaurants along the Pizol High Trail
• 5 Lakes Hike with Picnic at Pizol
• Garmil High-Altitude Hike with Picnic at Pizol

Other Popular Hiking Trails

• Malanser Älpli: Take the Älplibahn up, route: Älpli - Chrüzbode - Obersäss - Altsäss - above Sieben Brünnen - Altsäss - Obersäss - below Ruchenberg - Kammböden - Mittelsäss - Älpli, an easier hike to various power sites, 7.4 km, 2.5 hours.
• Pizalun in Taminatal: Circular hike starting and ending at the scattered settlement of St. Margrethenberg above Pfäfers, route: St. Margrethenberg - Pizalun - Jägeri - St. Margrethenberg, an easy hike from the valley station of the Tristeli ski lift, 7.1 km, 2.25 hours.
• Murgsee: Three Murg lakes, streams, waterfalls, and the protected Arven forest are featured on this moderate tour: Merlen - Murgsee - Merlen, 11.5 km, 4 hours.
• Riviera Walensee: The circular path around the lake is partly cut into the rocks and even goes through tunnels, route: Weesen - Fli - Betlis - Quinten, 10.2 km, 3.75 hours.
• Weisstannental: A moderately hard circular hike (530 m elevation) from Weisstannen Oberdorf (reachable by postbus) to the Batöni waterfall arena, 8.3 km, 3 hours.

Riding an e-bike or bicycle

The bicycle is a very popular means of transportation in Switzerland. In the meantime, the e-bike has also found a following among young people. Whatever you prefer, there are very good paths in Heidiland that you can use for this. Heidiland offers routes at different altitudes and with varying degrees of difficulty for both pleasure cyclists and sporty bikers.

Some bike tours:

• Mountain Inn Sennis Alp: the medium-difficulty tour starts and ends at the Walenstadt train station. Route: Walenstadt-Tscherlach-Berschis-Sennis-Berschis-Tscherlach-Walenstadt, 24.9 km, 3:30 hrs, 1072 hm
• Gigerwald - St. Martin: good physical condition is required for this bike tour, which starts and ends at the E-Bike Station Bad Ragaz. Route: Tamina Therme Bad Ragaz - Balen-Gassaura - Valens - Vasön - Mapragg reservoir - Vättis - Gigerwald - Gigerwald reservoir - St. Martin - Vättis - Vadura - Ragol - Pfäfers - Tamina Therme Bad Ragaz, 48.6 km, 3:20 hrs, 1060 hm
• Älpli-Kamm: a very strenuous and demanding tour from/to Malans train station, where the bike has to be carried in parts. Route: Malans - Jenins - Jeninser Alp - Vorderalp - Kamm - Bad - Fläscher Alp - Stürfis - Carni - Seewis - Pardisla - Malans, 35.2 km, 6:40 hrs, 1506 hm
• Along Lake Walen: very relaxed is this bike tour, which leads from Walenstadt train station to Weesen. Route: Walenstadt - Unterterzen - Murg - Mühlehorn - Weesen - Betlis - Weesen, 25.5 km, 2:10 hrs, 180 hm
• Along the Rhine dam: an enjoyable route from/to Bad Ragaz with many sights along the way. Route: Bad Ragaz - Trübbach - Oberschan - Gretschins - Plattis - Mäls - St. Luzisteig - Maienfeld - Fläsch - Bad Ragaz, 43 km, 3:30 hrs. 473 hm
• Flumserberg: four flowing bike trails with a total length of 13 km can be found on the Flumserberg. You reach them with the 12-person gondola Prodalp-Express and the 8-person chairlift Prodkamm. A biker camping and the bike stores at Flumserberg increase the fun effect.

At Flumserberg, you'll find these three bike routes signposted by Schweiz Mobil:

• Flumserberg Panoramabike No. 470: Starting from Tannenboden, this varied loop offers stunning views of the Churfirsten and Lake Walen. Highlights include Seebenalp with a restaurant and three lakes, Maschgenkamm with a panoramic restaurant, and Prodalp. 17 km, 2:45 hrs, 740 m elevation gain, Difficulty: easy, Fitness: moderate.
• Alp Fursch Bike No. 478: This challenging loop begins and ends at the Flums train station. The ride takes you through the alpine landscape of Flumserberg and includes a descent into the beautiful Schilstal. 36 km, 4:15 hrs, 1550 m elevation gain, Difficulty: moderate, Fitness: hard.
• Lake Descent Flumserberg No. 469: This very challenging short trail takes you from Tannenboden (1400 m) down to Unterterzen (425 m) and features some steep sections. There’s a viewpoint with a bench along the way. 7 km, 0:30 hrs, 970 m elevation gain, Difficulty: hard, Fitness: easy.

If you want to rent your bike on site, you will find several possibilities in Heidiland:

Bike rental in Heidiland

Place	Name	to find
Bad Ragaz	E Bike Station Bad Ragaz	Hans Albrecht- Strasse
Bad Ragaz	Drift Bike Shop	Pizolstrasse 24
Flumserberg	BikerShop Flumserberg	Talstation der 12er-Gondelbahn Prodalp-Express
Flumserberg	Intersport Network Flumserberg	Flumserbergstrasse 134
Mels	Drift Bike Shop	Sarganserstrasse 9
Sargans	Rent a Bike	Bahnhof SBB
Unterzen	Intersport Network Flumserberg	Gostenstrasse 25
Walenstadt	SuSo Bike	Waisenhausstrasse 1

Video: 5 discoveries on the e-bike

Culinary experiences in Heidiland

It's not just the Bündner Herrschaft with its wine tastings that is excellent for culinary enthusiasts. The idea of having your meal at several places along the way on a hiking or biking route has proven to be a good one. You can also combine a boat trip on Lake Walen with a nice lunch. A carriage ride with fondue is particularly romantic.

Offers Swiss Activities for Culinary Experiences:

• Wine tasting in Heidiland
• Culinary Experience Heidiland with E-Bike and Boat Trip
• Carriage ride with fondue fun in Heidiland

Walensee Boat Trip

The fjord-like Walensee offers a truly unique atmosphere, and the majestic Churfirsten peaks add to the mystique in their own way.

As you sail over the calm, crystal-clear waters, you can simply soak in the ambiance. The boat connection from Murg to Quinten is also active during winter.

Between Walenstadt and Weesen, you'll find the following landing spots:

• Mols
• Unterterzen
• Au
• Murg Ost
• Murg West
• Quinten
• Mühlehorn
• Betlis

Skiing and Snowboarding in Heidiland

There are several ski areas in Heidiland. The regions around Flumserberg with 65 km and Pizol with 50 km of slopes are by far the largest. Nevertheless, the four smaller ski areas are also popular in winter.

The ski areas Pizol and Flumserberg offer particularly good views. At the budget-friendly Tristeli-St. Margarethenberg ski area, you can also enjoy night skiing. The Weisstannen ski area is perfect for beginners and families.

Ski Resorts in Heidiland

Name	Location	Altitude (m a.s.l.) from to	Slopes (km)	Lifts/Cable Cars (Count)	Season from to
Pizol - Bad Ragaz/Wangs	Wangs, Bad Ragaz, Furt, Maienberg, Pardiel, Sargans	509 - 2227	50	12	Mid December - Early April
Flumserberg	Tannenboden, Tannenheim, Oberterzen, Unterterzen, Quarten, Flums	665 - 2222	65	17	Mid November - Early April
Mastrils	Mastrils, Landquart	720 - 940	3	1	End of December - Early March
Tristeli - St Margarethenberg	Pfäfers	1195 - 1447	1	1	Depending on snow conditions
Walenstadtberg	Walenstadt	850 - 930	0.3	1	Depending on snow conditions
Weisstannen	Weisstannen	984-1022	0.2	1	End of December - Early March

Sledding in Heidiland

In Heidiland you will find beautiful toboggan runs on Pizol and Flumserberg. The season usually runs from the end of December to the beginning of March. Pizol: 3.5 km easy run from the mountain station Furt to Maienberg. You enjoy a view of the St. Gallen Rhine valley all the way to Lake Constance. On Friday evening the piste is illuminated for night sledging. Ride: 20 min from 1522 hm down to 1041 hm.

• Flumserberg: 2.2 km medium difficulty piste from Prodalp mountain station down to Tannenheim. The slope is not suitable for small children and beginners. Night sledging is every Thursday and Saturday. Ride: 20 min from 1575 hm down to 1221 hm.

Other activities in Heidiland

• Wellness: In Bad Ragaz you are at the right place if you want to treat yourself to some wellness. Whether in the old village bath or in the modern thermal bath. Bath temperature and healing water will relax you totally.
• Cross-country skiing, winter hiking and snowshoeing: On the Flumserberg and on the mountain Pizol you will find several possibilities. Also around Lake Walen winter hikes are impressive. Winter walks from Walenstadtberg to Garadur are especially popular.
• Dog sledding is possible on the Flumserberg. You learn how to guide the dog sled properly and you are allowed to steer the team through the picturesque winter landscape. The trail is 2.5 km long. The professional is with you. Afterwards you relax with a mulled wine, stroke the huskies and chat with the pros.
• Tandem paragliding flights you can experience in summer as well as in winter. They last as long as you want. Between 20 and 60 minutes you can enjoy the view of Lake Walen or the Tectonic Arena Sardona.
• Mountaincarts are all-terrain vehicles with three wheels. You can experience the summer with them in Wangs on the Pizol.
• Diving, surfing and canoeing are popular activities on Lake Walen and you will find boat rentals in Weesen and Walenstadt

Events in Heidiland

Heidiland offers wine festivals, large music events, and light shows. International horse races also have a long tradition here.

• Light Ragaz: From the end of May to mid-October, the Tamina Gorge is illuminated at night by a light spectacle. The approximately 1 km long circular walk features light experiences, a story, and playful interactions on the theme of happiness.
• Walensee Stage: This stage is located directly on Lake Walensee. Here, musicals are performed in the summer, for example.
• Flumserberg Open Air: A Schlager party with big party anthems and techno hits from the 90s attracts Schlager fans to Flumserberg in July.
• International Horse Race Maienfeld/ Bad Ragaz: Since 1956, international horse races have been held in October at Rossriet. The galloping racetrack is located near Maienfeld.
• Wii-kend Maienfeld: From April to October, the Wii-kend takes place in Maienfeld. Every weekend, a different winemaker opens the doors of their vineyard from 11:00 AM. Here, you can taste the wines or simply enjoy them. You can also get fine Graubünden specialties like a cheese platter or Capuns with salsiz.
• Malanser Wine Summer: From June to August, you can visit the wine cellars of Malans. Here, winemakers also take turns presenting their wines and specialties. They open on weekends from 11:00 AM.
• Wine Experience Fläsch: The winemakers of Fläsch invite you to their winery over nine weekends from September to October. Again, the winemakers take turns opening their gates on weekends from 11:00 AM.

Getting to Heidiland

Heidiland starts in the west at the western end of Lake Walensee and stretches east to the Maienfeld district. The mountains Pizol and Flumserberg are also part of Heidiland.

by car

You can reach the Heidiland holiday region by car from the west via the A3. Zürich is about 70 km away, and Lucerne is roughly 85 km away. From the north and south, the best way is along the A13 highway by the Rhine. Lake Constance is about 70 km to the north, and the city of Chur is 21 km to the south.

The two valley stations of the Pizol cable cars are just 5 minutes from the highway exit. To get to Tannenboden at Flumserberg, you can take a winding road from Flums that takes around 20 minutes. There is a year-round nighttime parking ban at Flumserberg. However, you can park at night in the underground garage at Tannenboden or in an outdoor parking space at Tannenheim. You can also find nighttime parking at Unterterzen near the valley station.

by public transport

Heidiland has good connections to the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB). The main transport hub is Sargans, located in the heart of the Heidiland holiday region. Fast trains also stop in Walenstadt, Bad Ragaz, and Landquart.

All smaller towns are well-connected by bus routes and/or regional trains. The postbus also regularly serves tourist destinations in the Heidiland region.

Buses run from the Sargans and Bad Ragaz train stations to the valley stations of the Pizol cable cars in just a few minutes.

Flumserberg is even connected to the S-Bahn network via Unterterzen. From Zürich, take the S2 and change at Unterterzen to the 8-person gondola SeeJet to Tannenboden.

Hotels in Heidiland

For the overnight stay in Heidiland you have all possibilities. You can spend your vacation in a very posh 5-star hotel or sleep in the straw on the farm. You will find a wide range and for self-caterers camping or vacation apartments are also conceivable.

5 star hotel Grand Resort Bad Ragaz

This stately hotel is located in a building from the 19th century. From it you can enjoy the view of the Tamina Gorge. The hotel is about 3 km away from the wine region Bündner Herrschaft

The hotel is designed for pampering and includes a large wellness complex with a pool, as well as a medical area with healthy lifestyle advice. They work holistically according to the methods of Healthy Living Medicine. The healthy thermal water flows directly into the hotel.

Some of the very elegantly furnished rooms have four-poster beds and mountain views, and some suites have their own whirlpool and butler service. Seven restaurants with a total of five Michelin stars and 76 Gault-Millau points are complemented by cafés and bistros.

suitable for guests with high expectations

3 star lofthotel Murg

The pretty lofthotel is located in a former spinning mill in Murg on Lake Walen. From the hotel you have a direct view of Lake Walen and the Churfirsten. The highway and the train station of Murg can be reached quickly. A special feature is that you can ride your e-bike or even motorcycle directly into the room of some lofts

A loft suite located on the top floor offers a special loft feeling with 330 m2 of space. Groups of up to 8 people share the spacious living area with four bedrooms and two bathrooms. The solid chestnut table is 6 m long. A restaurant on the lake is within 3 min walking distance.

suitable for groups or guests who like to take their bike to the room

Tannenboden Hotel Steinbock

The family-run Tannenboden Hotel with Haus Steinbock is located on the Flumserberg. It is only 150 meters from the nearest ski slopes. The rooms in Haus Steinbock can accommodate a total of 35 guests. A sauna in the house can be booked.

suitable for guests on a budget

Restaurants in Heidiland

Restaurants have a high status in Heidiland. The top chefs here have five Michelin stars and about 193 Gault Millau points. The Bündner Herrschaft also produces wines that are among the best in the world.

Stable 247 Maienfeld in the Bündner Herrschaft

The restaurant is located in a former cowshed. This special ambience offers coziness, fine Swiss cuisine and the enjoyment of good wines. Regional products are preferred.

good cuisine in medium price range

From Heaven Bad Ragaz

In an unusual building, the restaurant and bar From Heaven in Bad Ragaz not only offers delicious tapas. There are also 90 different wines on the menu. In the cellar there is a music studio. Here, young artists from Sarganserland are promoted to commercialization. In the morning, the location still gives the appearance of a café and at noon there are lunches of Swiss cuisine.

daily change from café to restaurant to tapas bar with music

Molseralp Flumserberg

At 1400 m above sea level, the Molseralp restaurant stands next to the valley station of the cable car to the Maschgenkamm. In summer hiking trails and bike trails start here, in winter the ski slope runs through here. A large sun terrace tempts you to stay a little longer. The restaurant offers mainly grilled specialties, cheese fondue, cordon bleu and schnitzel. The Molseralp is also a destination on culinary hikes.

for active guests directly on the mountain

As you can see, Heidiland has many facets that you can discover. Whether beautiful nature, culinary, art or architecture, you will certainly enjoy your stay