Overview
Heididorf near Maienfeld is openly touristy, but it is a charming stop for anyone who grew up with Heidi. The surrounding landscape gives the recreated village enough context that it does not feel like a collection of props dropped into a random location.
The site brings together Heidi's house, an alpine hut and buildings arranged to evoke life from the period of the story. We could walk around the outdoor areas, while entry to the houses and exhibition spaces required a ticket.
What to Expect
The official Heididorf material connects this landscape above Maienfeld with Johanna Spyri's inspiration for the story. Its visitor brochure also notes that the village is reached by a short walk from the visitor parking area. There is a longer Heidi Trail from Maienfeld for anyone who wants to make the visit part of a walk rather than a quick roadside stop.
This is not an attraction I would recommend to everyone. If Heidi means nothing to you, the reconstructed setting may feel too commercial. If the story is part of your childhood, however, the combination of the houses and real Alpine scenery is easy to enjoy.