Zurich to Vaduz & Heidiland: Private Day Trip with Guide

Summary

Medieval castles, rose gardens and Heidi’s world in one relaxed day

You’ll swap city streets for mountain villages on this private Zurich to Vaduz & Heidiland day trip. Wander Rapperswil’s rose gardens, collect a Liechtenstein passport stamp, and meet goats in Heidi’s world—all with a local driver-guide and hotel pickup included. It’s one of those days you’ll remember for small moments: a scent, a laugh, a quiet view.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to care so much about roses, but when our driver-guide pulled up in Rapperswil and the scent hit me—sort of sweet, almost peppery—I just stood there for a second. Six hundred varieties, apparently. I tried to count the colors but gave up after pink, yellow, red… There was an old man trimming some bushes who nodded at us like we were neighbors. The castle itself sits on this rocky hill above Lake Zurich—felt like something out of a storybook, but not in a cheesy way. Our guide told us it was built in the 13th century and I could almost imagine knights clanking around (or maybe that was just my stomach rumbling because I skipped breakfast).

The drive from Zurich to Vaduz isn’t long—maybe an hour or so—but crossing into Liechtenstein felt weirdly significant. I mean, how often do you just pop into another country before lunch? We couldn’t go inside Vaduz Castle (the princely family still lives there), but standing below it with the mountains behind… it’s hard to describe, honestly. The Cathedral of St. Florin is all sharp lines and quiet inside; I lingered longer than I meant to. At the tourism office, our guide grinned as we lined up for that passport stamp—cheesy tourist move? Maybe. But everyone seemed quietly proud of it.

Heidiland was next—Maienfeld village looks exactly like you’d hope: wooden houses, goats everywhere (one tried to nibble my shoelace), and shops selling cheese that actually smelled like grass somehow. The air tasted different up there—cleaner or maybe just colder? We wandered past Heidi’s House and I caught myself humming the theme song from the cartoon before realizing someone else was doing it too (our guide laughed). On the drive back along Walensee, light flickered off the lake and nobody said much; sometimes silence is better than more photos.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Zurich to Vaduz and Swiss Heidiland

• Meet driver-guide at Zurich hotel
• Drive to Rapperswil medieval town
• Visit Rapperswil Rose Garden and castle
• Proceed to Vaduz, Liechtenstein
• View Vaduz Castle from outside
• See Cathedral of St. Florin, Government House, City Hall
• Obtain passport stamp at Vaduz Tourism Office
• Drive to Maienfeld, visit Heidi village
• Walk among mountain houses and shops
• Return to Zurich admiring Walensee views

Top questions

How long does the private Zurich to Vaduz & Heidiland day trip take?

The tour lasts a full day with return transfer to Zurich included.

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Zurich are included.

Can you visit inside Vaduz Castle?

No, Vaduz Castle is closed to visitors as it is still home to the princely family.

Will I get a Liechtenstein passport stamp?

Yes, you can get your passport stamped at the Vaduz Tourism Office during the tour.

Are there stops for food or drinks?

The itinerary mentions local shops in Maienfeld but does not specify meals; bring snacks if needed.

Is this private day trip suitable for families?

Yes, it is suitable for all physical fitness levels and offers specialized infant seats if needed.

What sights are included on this Zurich to Vaduz day trip?

You’ll see Rapperswil Castle and Rose Garden, Vaduz landmarks like St. Florin Cathedral and City Hall, plus Heidi’s House in Maienfeld.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Zurich with meet & greet service from your English-speaking driver-guide; Wi-Fi onboard your private modern vehicle; time at Rapperswil Castle and its rose gardens; sightseeing stops at Vaduz Castle (outside only), St. Florin Cathedral, Government House and City Hall; passport stamping at Vaduz Tourism Office; exploration of Swiss Heidiland including Heidi’s House; plus views of Walensee on your return journey.