Stories

From leisurely panoramic trails to sporty mountain tours - in Heidiland you will find hikes for every level. Be inspired by our 10 favorite routes and experience the diversity of nature between Lake Walen, Pizol and Flumserberg. Discover now and get hiking!

Whether outdoors in nature or on exciting excursions - Heidiland offers a colorful selection of activities for young and old explorers. Our 10 favorites offer fun, variety and unforgettable family moments. Discover them now!

Not all fondues are the same. Whether in a traditional restaurant, in a cozy gondola or outdoors in nature - Heidiland has the right place for every type of fondue. We show you 11 extraordinary places that will make your fondue heart beat faster and give you a completely new experience of the classic dish.

Lake Walen in the east of Switzerland is bordered on its northern side by the steeply rising Churfirsten mountains . The scenery with the deep blue lake and the steep rock faces is reminiscent of a Norwegian fjord. A special feature is the car-free wine village of Quinten, which can only be reached on foot or by Walensee boat. The mild climate here allows kiwis and figs to thrive. Between Weesen and Quinten , the three-tiered Seerenbach Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in Switzerland, also beckon.

Fog is the exception in Heidiland - thanks to the foehn in Sarganserland and the Bündner Herrschaft. And if it does happen to be gray in the valley, there are still plenty of alternatives high above the sea of fog. That's why we've put together a list of the most beautiful sunbathing spots in the region and have also included a hiking suggestion. Choose one or more benches and leave the winter blues behind you.

There are four freely accessible bathing spots in the Heidiland region. The bathing spots all have a pebble beach and usually also a sunbathing lawn. Infrastructure such as toilets and changing rooms are available, as are catering facilities at the beach bars or the local kiosk.

Please note: Dogs are generally allowed on the beaches. Please follow the signs on site. Dogs are sometimes required to be kept on a lead or are prohibited

When the sun goes down behind the mountain, the Heidiland vacation region has plenty to do to bring the day to a worthy close. Night skiing, moonlight descents or a night-time ski tour.
We have 5 winter activities for you to experience after sunset .

The warmest wine region, the oldest vineyard in Europe and Heidi's home: the small wine region of Bündner Herrschaft has many exciting stories to tell. Here are 5 exciting facts.

Together, the tiny drops are so powerful that they form thousand-year-old rocks: Waterfalls have always fascinated people. They are among the most popular photo motifs in landscape photography. Because the waterfalls are particularly full of water in spring, we have added a hiking tip for each waterfall.

Nature is awakening, the days are getting longer and are filled with gentle rays of sunshine: Spring has arrived in Heidiland. That's why we've put together the most beautiful sunbathing spots that are guaranteed to give you that spring feeling. We've also included the right hiking suggestions.

Is your favorite sunbathing spot in the Heidiland vacation region missing from the list? Then send us a photo with a brief description of the location to content@heidiland.com. Thank you very much!

Discover the most varied family experiences on the Flumserberg! Whether it's speedy toboggan runs, exciting puzzle hikes or playgrounds with panoramic views - here you'll find the 6 best highlights for young and old on the Flumserberg, high above Lake Walen. Plan your perfect family outing in the Heidiland vacation region now!

Be enchanted by the golden season! Discover 6 inspiring tips on how you can make November in Heidiland active, enjoyable and relaxed - from cozy wellness breaks to impressive nature experiences. Collect ideas now and enjoy the fall! Here are our best excursion destinations, tour suggestions and ideas for fall in Heidiland.

Glide over the snow on a dog sled, enjoy fondue in a horse-drawn carriage, experience a snow groomer ride or see the world from above with a paraglider. Anything but ordinary! We show you 7 very special winter experiences in Heidiland.

From the wine village by the lake to the wine world champion. Immerse yourself in the Heidiland wine region, where top wines, fascinating stories and record-breaking features come together. Discover seven surprising facts that make this idyllic region an insider tip for wine lovers and connoisseurs.

Fancy some culinary discoveries? Delicious highlights await you in Heidiland - from regional specialties and unique tastings to special experiences for gourmets. Find your personal culinary tips now and indulge yourself!

Bad Ragaz is full of contrasts. Cold gorge and warm thermal water. Regional and cosmopolitan. Enjoyable and active. We show you our must-see highlights in Bad Ragaz.

Let the Tamina Valley inspire you! Between wild and romantic gorges, historic thermal springs and breathtaking mountain scenery, here are 9 highlights you shouldn't miss. Find out what makes the Tamina Valley in Heidiland so special - and plan your next adventure!

Whether spectacular hiking trails, crystal-clear mountain lakes or unforgettable views - there are 9 highlights waiting to be discovered around the Pizol. The region delights nature lovers, adventure seekers and pleasure-seekers in equal measure. Get inspired now and plan your next experience in Heidiland!

When cows return to the valley festively decorated, Heidiland becomes a stage for living tradition. The individual Alpine descents attract thousands of onlookers in the various villages. The most famous alpine descents in the region are those in Mels. But Flums also lives this tradition in a spectacular way. Experience the colorful alpine descents, enjoy regional specialties and immerse yourself in genuine customs. Discover where and when you can experience this special event!

Spring has long since arrived in the valley in the Heidiland vacation region. And the higher-lying areas are also gradually shedding their winter coats. Whether at the lake, in the mountains or in the footsteps of the old Walser people: our leisure tips will keep you entertained on Ascension Day and Whitsun .

Plan your fall adventures in Heidiland in a relaxed way! You can find all the current operating times for the mountain railroads here. Whether hiking, enjoying the panorama or excursions in the mountains - find out now and make the most of the most beautiful autumn days.

When the thermometer climbs to over 30° degrees, you long for refreshment. Not only the fjord-like Lake Walen and the crystal-clear mountain lakes provide welcome refreshment, but also some proverbially "cool" places. We'll show you where to find them.

In the fall, traditional events such as the popular Alpine descents, wine festivals, the Maienfeld / Bad Ragaz International Horse Race, the Alphorn Meeting on the Flumserberg and many more await you.

Spring-like temperatures, Easter vacation and time for joint activities. Perfect for Easter excursions in Eastern Switzerland. We show you what you can discover around Easter in the Heidiland vacation region.

In the first episode of "Hallo Heidiland", Martina Gassner talks about her story of dropping out and how she went from the SRF digital editorial office to a (fairly analog) alpine pub at almost 1,800 meters above sea level. She also talks about frozen jeans, burnt pillows and what true luxury means to her.

Markus Signer has already experienced a lot: he has done everything from being a criminal investigator in Glarnerland to the Swiss Guard in Rome and a bathing supervisor at the Tamina Therme. In an interview with Hallo Heidiland presenter Manuel Rothmund, he tells a variety of anecdotes about his work in the police force, with the Swiss Guard and as a bathing supervisor at the Tamina Therme.

19-year-old Salome Gartmann is already spending her second summer on the Ebenwald Alp in the Weisstannen Valley. And all by herself. She talks about her exciting everyday life between newborn calves, cooling off in the fountain and what is the greatest luxury for her.

Christa Jäger Ehrenzeller was one of Switzerland's greatest cross-country skiing hopefuls. Shortly before her breakthrough, she had to focus on her well-being due to physical and psychological problems. In an interview with presenter Manuel Rothmund, she talks about this difficult time, about the mercilessness of top-class sport, but also how she managed to reinvent herself. Today, Christa Jäger Ehrenzeller is a sauna master, yoga teacher, musician and often helps out in the SAC Sardona hut. A real all-rounder.  

Sarah Tschirky is one of very few people who was born and grew up in Quinten on Lake Walen. The car-free village exudes a unique charm and attracts thousands of tourists by boat to the other side of the lake every year. Sarah runs the Seehus restaurant there together with her brother. In an interview with "Hallo Heidiland" presenter Manuel Rothmund, she explains why it 's not just the way to school in Quinten that is special, what Lake Walen means to her and why Instagram was important for Quinten .

As piste and rescue manager on the Pizol , he and his team ensure safety in the ski area. From avalanche blasting to slope safety and emergency operations. In an interview with "Hallo Heidiland" presenter Manuel Rothmund, he talks about the privilege and challenge of always being the first on the slopes.

3 Michelin stars, 18 Gault Millau points and 98 Falstaff points. Sven Wassmer has arrived in the culinary Olympus and still has both feet firmly on the ground. In an interview with "Hallo Heidiland" presenter Manuel Rothmund, he reveals which restaurant guest made him nervous and how he maintains a balance between family life and top cuisine.

From the police station to the pony lift. After working as a police officer, Heinz Bänziger is now responsible for the Prodalp children's practice area on the Flumserberg. He lovingly teaches the little ones how to ski there. In the "Hallo Heidiland" interview with presenter Manuel Rothmund, he talks about funny incidents, his love of skiing and reveals which insider tip parents should know when their children go skiing for the first time.

He leads a life from a bird's eye view. Luciano Gähwiler has been working for Rega for 42 years. In an interview with "Hallo Heidiland" presenter Manuel Rothmund, he talks about dicey situations, team spirit and why he is glad that night-vision goggles are now available.

70 km/h, jumps of 20 meters. And all this on a mountain bike. Carina Cappellari, who grew up on Lake Walen, likes to be fast and action-packed. However, she herself says that downhill mountain biking is no more dangerous than alpine skiing. She is currently a national coach and is preparing young athletes for the 2025 World Championships at home.
"Hallo Heidiland" presenter Manuel Rothmund reveals what fascinates her about downhill biking and what influence mental training can have on success.

For three generations, the Hohmeister family has been organizing Europe's largest open-air sculpture exhibition, the Bad RagARTz. In the podcast interview, she talks about chaotic artists, high insurance premiums and why the narrow streets of Turin have sometimes been their logistical undoing. She reveals to"Hallo Heidiland" presenter Manuel Rothmund how she became an art lover and how many applications she receives for Bad RagARTz.

The guest in the second episode of "Hallo Heidiland" is Stefan Roos. The singer and composer from Bad Ragaz talks to presenter Manuel Rothmund about his rise to fame, his love of travel and his favorite places in the Heidiland vacation region. He also talks about courageous decisions and why his glass is always half full.

What is it like to live in a real castle? A castle that also runs the oldest winery in Europe. As well as its own manufactory for fine vinegar and cold-pressed oil. We met Helene von Gugelberg, the lady of the castle at Schloss Salenegg, for a podcast interview. She tells "Hallo Heidiland" presenter Manuel Rothmund about everyday life at the castle, her silkworm project and which of the 70 rooms she prefers to spend time in.

Hanspeter Gubser, better known as "Fischer Frosch", found his way into professional fishing in a roundabout way. Today, he is the last of his kind on Lake Walen. Necessity is the mother of invention and so Fischer Frosch is always working on new ideas for his business. In this episode, he talks to Manuel Rothmund about why Andreas Caminada relies on his fish and who often joins him in the fishing boat.

The Gonzen towers mightily over the Sarganserland. This mountain is not only a sight to behold from the outside. There is also a lot to discover on the inside. Hans Lutziger and Kurt Willi, both true Gonzen veterans, told us about their exciting everyday life underground in the disused iron mine.

When Sister Monja Schnider began her training at the bank counter, she never expected to become a Sister of Mary. And certainly not that she would one day manage a hotel. The digital hotel on Lake Walen, run by Sisters of Mary, is a modern meeting place. In the "Hallo Heidiland" podcast, she told presenter Manuel Rothmund what it feels like to live between the digital and spiritual worlds and why Lake Walen is such a special place for her.

When Sister Monja Schnider began her training at the bank counter, she never expected to become a Sister of Mary. And certainly not that she would one day manage a hotel. The digital hotel on Lake Walen, run by Sisters of Mary, is a modern meeting place. In the "Hallo Heidiland" podcast, she told presenter Manuel Rothmund what it feels like to live between the digital and spiritual worlds and why Lake Walen is such a special place for her.

In this episode, Rosmarie "Rosi" Burri talks about life and work in her panorama restaurant on the Maschgenkamm. At an altitude of over 2,000 meters, she serves guests every day against an impressive mountain backdrop. Rosi talks about the challenges of life on the mountain and the special encounters with people and employees from all over the world. She describes what it's like to work in a team and live together at the same time, which makes life in the restaurant unique.

Patrick Küng is not only downhill world champion, but also an expert when it comes to cable cars. After retiring as a professional skier, he moved from the slopes to the office of cable car manufacturer Bartholet. In an interview with presenter Manuel Rothmund, he talks about what he misses about everyday ski racing, the technical hurdles involved in building a cable car in Zurich and how alpine and urban gondolas differ.  

Lea Nadig has played a decisive role in the success of Swiss athletes. After 10 knee operations, she switched sides and went from being a top athlete to a physiotherapist and is now bringing famous athletes back into competition. In an interview with presenter Manuel Rothmund, Lea Nadig talks about the challenges of her profession, the highs and lows of her own career in skiing. And whether the decision between Fasnacht and the Olympics was difficult for her.

Irene Gantner came to the Sarganserland Museum by chance in 2010 - today she is the driving force behind the scenes. From medieval treasures to modern museum concepts - Irene keeps the castle alive and tells the stories that are hidden inside. In this episode, she talks about lost treasures, curious visitors and her most memorable experiences in the museum.

Reto Flury came to the Schönhalden for the first time in 1994 - and it was love at first sight. Since then, he has shaped the mountain hotel with a great deal of passion and perseverance: from the first challenging years to the reconstruction after a devastating fire. In this episode, you can find out how he has managed to turn the hotel into a unique place for hikers, bikers and snowshoers - and why he can't imagine a better place to live (and die).

In the third episode of "Hallo Heidiland", Sarina Scherrer explains how she went from the bakery to the helm of the largest passenger ship on Lake Walen. And how to keep calm in tricky situations.

In our special episode, the tables are turned: host Manuel Rothmund takes a seat on the other side of the microphone for the first time - and is interviewed himself.

In conversation with Fabio Nay talks about his three most emotional moments as a presenter - and shows a side of himself that you've never heard before.

💬 Goosebump highlights from 29 episodes
🎤 Personal memories & private insights
❤️ And: Why Heidiland is more than just a region for Manu

Markus Bleisch is head of the Walensee lake rescue service. He has been drawn to the water since his childhood and today he is one of the first people to go out when someone is in distress. From curious boat mishaps to tragic moments - in this episode, he gives us an insight into his everyday life. And reveals why Lake Walen can be more than just idyllic.

In the fourth episode of "Hallo Heidiland", Peter Thut talks about his passion for big machines. The snow groomer operator on the Pizol is also a Swiss Pilot and enjoys taking on new challenges. In this interview, he reveals whether and what is on his bucket list and what his home roots mean to him.

2x Olympic victories, 24 World Cup victories and 57 podium places. Maite Nadig achieved these impressive successes by the age of 27. She herself says: "It wasn't that overwhelming. I don't need to pat myself on the back for it."

In the fifth episode of "Hallo Heidiland", Maite Nadig tells us how she went from Olympic champion to national scandal and how she dealt with the challenges of her great success. In the interview, she reveals whether she still follows the current ski races and how best to stay true to herself.

Sepp Kressig is a guest in the sixth episode of "Hallo Heidiland". His profession: doorman at the Grand Resort Bad Ragaz and farmer in the Tamina Valley. He talks about how he manages the daily balancing act between luxury and down-to-earthness, what makes a good doorman and which celebrities he finds particularly likeable.

The two-time Pinot Noir world champion from Malans was a guest in the seventh episode of "Hallo Heidiland". In conversation with presenter Manuel Rothmund, he reveals why climate change is having a positive effect on his wines, how he manages the balancing act between manual work in the vineyard and gala appearances on the red carpet and why he was recently offered 50 million pounds for his vineyard. He says of himself: "I feel just as comfortable in dirty wellies as I do in a tuxedo on the red carpet."

Our guest in the eighth episode of "Hallo Heidiland" is Ursina Wüst. She works as a "Swiss Ranger", offers wildlife watching and describes herself as a translator between man and nature. She talks about how she felt during an encounter with a wolf and why bearded vultures and beavers had an image problem.

Roger Kalberer is one of the best chefs in Heidiland with a national reputation. In Mels, he runs the Schlüssel restaurant, which has been awarded 17 GaultMillau points and a Michelin star. He talks about his - sometimes tough - apprenticeship years and what motivated him most at the beginning. The young top chef cooks in the "Schlüssel" restaurant in Mels and has worked under Andreas Caminada, among others. In his private life, however, he likes things simple and says: "Ghackets and Hörnli is something I like to eat".

Your journey doesn't just have to consist of highways and rest stops - there are often highlights waiting to be discovered along the way! Whether breathtaking mountain panoramas, charming villagesor culinary insider tips: There are numerous places in the Heidiland vacation region that are perfect for a break. Treat yourself to a break from traffic, enjoy nature and discover the best stops on your road trip.