Zurich to Heidi Dorf & Walensee – In the Footsteps of Heidi’s Switzerland

Depart from Zurich in the morning with your private driver, heading east toward one of Switzerland’s most picturesque landscapes — the Walensee region. The road winds gently through valleys and tunnels before suddenly revealing the blue expanse of Lake Walensee, framed by steep mountains that rise almost vertically from its shores. It’s a scene of rare stillness — deep, mirrored water and the snow-capped Churfirsten peaks towering above.

You’ll make your first stop for panoramic photos, and then continue toward the village of Quinten, a secluded settlement on the lake’s northern shore that’s accessible only by boat or on foot. Your driver will assist with the short ferry transfer across the lake (weather permitting), where you can spend an hour strolling through narrow stone paths lined with palm trees, vineyards, and blossoming gardens. The warm microclimate of Quinten — one of Switzerland’s mildest — allows grapes, figs, and even kiwis to grow naturally here. The view across the turquoise water toward the mountains feels almost Mediterranean.

After returning to the main road, your journey continues through the Rhine Valley toward Maienfeld, the real-life setting of Johanna Spyri’s timeless story Heidi. Here lies Heididorf, a lovingly preserved open-air museum that brings the novel’s world to life. You can visit the Heidi House, a traditional wooden cottage filled with objects from 19th-century alpine life, and meet the goats grazing in the surrounding pastures. The small village includes a post office, souvenir shop, and walking trails that lead to lookouts over the valley — all framed by the same scenery that inspired the book.

If time allows, enjoy a traditional Swiss lunch in Maienfeld or nearby Bad Ragaz, known for its thermal springs and elegant architecture. In the afternoon, your driver will take the scenic return route back to Zurich, offering one last look at Walensee’s glittering surface in the golden light.