Maienfeld brings together vineyards, its literary connection to Heidi and a diverse architectural history. The municipality in the Swiss canton of GraubĂĽnden lies in the lower Chur Rhine Valley, eight kilometres southeast of Sargans. Vineyards surround the town; at the foot of the Falknis, Maienfeld lies in the BĂĽndner Herrschaft, which is part of the Landquart region. When planning your visit, it is worth keeping the different highlights in mind: wine trails, the Heidi experience and historic buildings each offer their own discoveries.
Trails through the vineyards and to the Heidi Village
The Heidi Trail is a circular route that starts at Maienfeld railway station and leads to the Heidi Village. Between Maienfeld and Rofels, it runs alongside vineyards. The Maienfeld–Fläsch Wine Route takes a different path: it passes through vineyards to Fläsch, follows the Rhine there, then returns to Maienfeld. The destinations and sections described here can help guide your choice: the Heidi Village is part of the Heidi Trail, while Fläsch and the Rhine are included in the wine route.
The backpack wine tasting also combines a hike through the vineyards with a focus on wine. It starts at Stall 247 in Maienfeld and leads to Fläsch. The offer includes three wines from the Bündner Herrschaft and an audio guide about the wine region, viticulture and the work of the winemakers. Details of this offer may change, so check the current arrangements in advance.
Maienfeld and the story of Heidi
In Johanna Spyri’s novel “Heidi”, Maienfeld is where the protagonist arrives in Switzerland. The Heidi Village is home to the original Heidi House, a residence furnished as it would have been in Heidi’s time. The village also includes the “Johanna Spyri’s Heidi World” exhibition. The literary connection can therefore be understood both through the setting in the novel and through the named houses and exhibitions.
Church, castle and town hall
Amandus Church combines a long-documented history with distinctive architecture. It was mentioned around 840 as a branch church of St. Luzisteig; its dedication to Saint Amandus is documented from 1105. The present Late Baroque building was constructed between 1721 and 1724. As a hall church without a choir, it has a portal on each of its two short sides, each marking the end point of the main axis. The baptismal font, pulpit and organ form a unified ensemble inside; the font and pulpit bear the date 1721. The church is considered a unique example in GraubĂĽnden of a building designed as a transverse church.
Brandis Castle lies southeast of the medieval town centre and is separated from it by a wall and moat. Paintings dating from the 14th century have been preserved on the castle complex’s fifth upper floor. At Maienfeld Castle, the imposing castle tower is the oldest part of the building; it was built around 1247. The old part of the castle is now home to a restaurant and bistro.
The historic town hall is built directly onto the town wall. It is of exceptional importance to Maienfeld’s townscape, both inside and outside; the townscape is of national importance. The façade depicts the transfer of legal authority to the last bailiff, Jakob Ulrich Sprecher von Bernegg, in 1797. The central square also has a traditional name: it is traditionally called “Städtli”. Maienfeld’s town charter is first documented in 1434.
The Luzisteig as a historic setting
The St. Luzisteig Military Museum is located in the old arsenal on the pass between Maienfeld and Balzers. A film at the museum shows the Luzisteig’s historic role as an important transport route, military barrier and battlefield. Its history stretches back to the 15th century. A historic hike starts at St. Luzisteig Fortress. The museum, film and hike each offer a different perspective on the history of the pass.
Discover more destinations: Malans, Fanas, Untervaz, Landquart Fabriken, Jenins, Igis, Mastrils, Says.
Back to the regional travel overview: Landquart.
