From St. Gallen: Private Day Trip to Heididorf and Caumasee

Your private driver picks you up in St. Gallen, and your journey begins through the gently rolling green landscapes of Eastern Switzerland.

The road winds through valleys dotted with chalets, vineyards, and castles until you reach Maienfeld in the canton of Graubünden. This small town is forever linked to one of the world’s most beloved stories: Heidi.

Just above the village lies the Heidi Village. This open-air museum recreates the rural world that inspired Johanna Spyri’s novel. You'll see the 19th-century style Heidi house, the goat stable, and meadows overlooking the mountain ranges of Pizol and Calanda. The air carries the scent of hay and alpine flowers, and the view across the Rhine valley is just as Spyri described in her books.

Inside the small museum, you learn more about Heidi’s worldwide success. The novel has been translated into more than 50 languages and adapted into numerous films and stage productions. For many visitors, this place is a nostalgic experience that connects childhood memories with the real landscapes that brought the story to life.

After your visit, the drive continues deeper into the Alps, passing Chur, Switzerland’s oldest city with a history spanning over 5000 years. From there, the road climbs up to Flims, a region known for its forests, rocks, and lakes.

Your main destination is Lake Cauma, one of the country’s most beautiful lakes. Nestled in pine forests at 1000 metres above sea level, its waters shimmer in shades of turquoise, emerald, and cobalt blue. This play of colours is created by underground springs and glacier deposits. The lake’s name comes from the Romansh word 'Cauma', meaning peace, which perfectly sums up what awaits you here.

A short walk or a ride on the electric lift takes you down to the lake. Suddenly, you’re faced with a hidden natural paradise, surrounded by mountains and tranquility. You can relax on the wooden decks, rent a pedal boat, or simply watch the reflections on the water’s surface.

After several hours of relaxation, taking photos, or swimming in summer, you take the comfortable drive back to St. Gallen. The route leads through peaceful valleys and small villages before descending again into the green landscapes of Appenzell.

In the evening, you return to St. Gallen, bringing two sides of Switzerland home with you: the fairy-tale world of Heidi and the natural beauty of Lake Cauma.

• St. Gallen → Maienfeld (Heidi Village) → Flims (Caumasee) → St. Gallen (approx. 250 km circular route)