CHILDHOOD DREAMS

A family holiday to St Moritz is incomplete without a visit to Heidi’s Mountain Hut and the village of Schellen Ursli.

THE ADVENTURES OF HEIDI, a classic fictional character created by Swiss writer Johanna Spyri in 1880, are known the world over. Integral to the little girl’s story is the Swiss Alps and a mountain hut where she lives with her grandfather. In 1952, a popular film of the same name starring Heinrich Gretler was shot in the Engadin valley, and featured a mountain hut near St Moritz. Ever since, the location—Heidi’s Mountain Hut—has been a hotspot for families and kids travelling to the region.

You can make it to the mountain hut from St Moritz, following a hike trail from Chantarella. The 1.1-kilometre-long trail is flanked by Alpine plants, including many protected species. At the end of the hike, you’ll arrive at the old wooden cabin with a small bench in front—perfect for a photo op.

Take the Schellen Ursli trail on your way back to St Moritz. Schellen Ursli village is another iconic location from a Swiss children’s book (A Bell for Ursli). On the occasion of the traditional spring festival of Chalandamarz (March 1 of every year), children ring large cow bells to drive away winter. Along the 45-minute trail, you’ll find pictures and wood carvings against enchanting scenery. stmoritz.com

The small wooden bench in front of Heidi’s Mountain Hut is perfect for a photo op. Below: Alpine plants along the hike trail.