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Maienfeld Vineyards and Orchards

Grisons / Graubünden  >  Switzerland

Wonderful vineyards and orchards, rich in structure and home to species that are otherwise rare in our intensively used cultural landscape.

Geplaatst* door Peter Wittemann
Meest recente update 16 maart 2025
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Beschrijving

The vineyards above Maienfeld are famous not only for their excellent wines but also as the setting of Johanna Spyri’s "Heidi." Consequently, they are a popular tourist destination - both a blessing and a challenge for birdwatchers. You will never be alone here, but the well-developed area offers many conveniences such as fountains, benches, well-maintained paths, and taverns. And in terms of birds, the area does not disappoint: thanks to the southwest-facing slopes, the ecological approach of many winemakers, and conservation efforts aimed at preserving a diverse landscape of hedgerows, vineyards, old deciduous trees, and dry stone walls, this region harbors an impressive variety of heat-loving breeding birds of open cultural landscapes - many of which are rare elsewhere in Central Europe.

The suggested route begins in the picturesque town of Maienfeld. The Kauw nests in the church - one of only a dozen breeding sites in the canton. The path then leads through the well-known vineyards, followed by orchards and, along the lower edge of a subalpine coniferous forest, an ancient oak forest. Including birdwatching stops, the walk takes about three hours - possibly longer, as birds in the vineyards are well-hidden. A visit during peak morning activity is highly recommended.

The most attractive species of the vineyard slopes include Grauwe Klauwier, Grasmus, Gekraagde Roodstaart, Cirlgors, and Roodborsttapuit. In the scattered tree stands, it is worth looking for Draaihals, Wielewaal, and Holenduif. The call of the Koekoek is often heard. While other woodpecker species are common, there have also been occasional sightings of the Grijskopspecht. Higher up, one might spot Grijze Gors, Paapje, and Braamsluiper.

There is also the possibility of encountering birds from mountain forests or higher elevations - Havik, Alpenheggenmus, or a soaring Steenarend are all possible sightings. For other alpine species such as the Sneeuwvink or grouse, a hike further uphill is required.

Among the rarities recorded here are about a dozen sightings of the Roodpootvalk and Grauwe Kiekendief during migration.

Details

Toegang

The site is easily accessible via public transport, with Maienfeld railway station serving as the starting point. Those traveling by car should also park at the station, as roads and parking options further up are narrow and limited. While the paths are well-maintained, some are steep; only those built for vehicular traffic are wheelchair accessible.

Terrein en leefgebied

Bos , Berg , Landbouw , Verspreide bomen en struiken , Grasland/weide , Stad/dorp

Omstandigheden

Heuvelachtig

Rondlopende wandeling mogelijk?

Ja

Telescoop meenemen?

Nee

Wanneer hier vogels kijken?

Lente , Herfst , Zomer

Toptijd voor dit gebied

Lente

Route

Breed pad , Onverharde weg

Zwaarte wandeling

Gemakkelijk

Toegankelijk via

Te voet , Rolstoel

Vogelkijkhut aanwezig?

Nee

Extra info

It is advisable to familiarize oneself with the calls and songs of target species beforehand. This region is a paradise for songbirds, and on a warm spring day, one can get a sense of how bird songs once filled our landscapes!

Wine lovers will also find plenty to enjoy here; the wines are generally high-priced but of outstanding quality. Those planning to dine at a restaurant after birdwatching should consider making a reservation in advance.

Similar birdwatching opportunities can be found in other locations within the Bündner Herrschaft, such as Fläsch, Jenins, and Malans.

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Kaart

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