St. Gallen to Heidi Village & Caumasee Flims – From Alpine Stories to Turquoise Lakes

Your private driver will pick you up in St. Gallen, and you’ll begin your journey across the rolling green landscapes of eastern Switzerland. The road winds through valleys dotted with chalets, vineyards, and castles before reaching Maienfeld, a small town in the canton of Graubünden, forever linked to one of the world’s most beloved stories — Heidi.

Here, on the hills above the village, stands Heididorf (Heidi Village). This open-air museum recreates the pastoral world that inspired Johanna Spyri’s novel. You’ll see the Heidi House, restored in 19th-century style, the Goat Stable, and meadows that stretch toward the Pizol and Calanda mountain ranges. The air carries the scent of hay and alpine flowers, and the view over the Rhine Valley feels exactly as Spyri described in her books.

Inside the small museum, exhibits tell the story of Heidi’s global success — the novel has been translated into more than 50 languages and adapted into countless films and plays. For many visitors, this is a nostalgic experience, blending childhood memories with the real landscapes that gave birth to them.

After your visit, the journey continues deeper into the Alps, passing through Chur, Switzerland’s oldest city, whose history stretches back more than 5,000 years. From here, the road climbs toward Flims, a region famous for its natural beauty — forests, cliffs, and lakes that seem painted by light.

Your main stop is Caumasee, one of the most beautiful lakes in the country. Nestled among pine forests at 1,000 meters above sea level, its water shimmers in shades of turquoise, emerald, and cobalt blue — a natural phenomenon created by the lake’s underground springs and glacial sediments. The lake’s name comes from the Romansh word “Cauma”, meaning rest — and it lives up to it perfectly.

A short walk (or electric lift ride) takes you down to the lake itself, where the view opens suddenly — a hidden paradise surrounded by mountains and silence. You can relax on the wooden decks, rent a paddle boat, or simply watch the reflections dance across the surface.

After several hours of rest, photography, or swimming (in summer), you’ll begin your comfortable return journey to St. Gallen. The route passes through peaceful valleys and small villages before descending once more into the lush Appenzell countryside. By evening, you’ll arrive back in St. Gallen, carrying with you two sides of Switzerland — the dreamlike past of Heidi and the natural wonder of Caumasee.