Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
20 May 2025
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 3 days
Feedback
48
Email verified
Badges (3)
Give the gift of Workaway
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Details
Description
We'd really like helpers from May till end of October. For at least 3 weeks. Who'll come and join us?
We're looking for someone to help with the weeding, watering, picking, gathering of different fruits, herbs and vegetables from our gardens. Also to help with the preservings. This is from June till October. Who'd like to give us a hand?
Who's available and would like to enjoy the mountains? We always need help in our gardens & vineyards and general housekeeping. If you're willing to help us 5 days a week, 5 hrs a day, for at least 3 weeks, then get in touch with us.
We're a family with 5 kids (all grown up) and 13 grandkids. We're in the Swiss Alps, just above the Rhone river. Close to hiking, in the middle of the vineyards. Our village is a winemaking village. Some of the best Pinot Noir in the world.
We're a large family and are trying to be self-sustainable. We like to share our way of life and to learn from others about their life. We try hard to live off what we have and grow ourselves or find growing wild in the area. We produce our own electricity, the water gets warmed by the sun, and we use our resources wisely. We're working towards zero waste.
In the home you'll be helping with keeping the living areas of the workawayers and family in order, clean and proper. Those who are interested can help with the meal preparation.
We have vineyards, large gardens, and a large house to take care of.
We speak German and English fluently. Just a little Italian and French. German (dialect) is our main language.
We're looking forward to getting to know lots of people.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Farmstay help
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Interests
Sustainability
Farming
Charity work
Books
DIY & crafts
Plant care
Languages
Gardening
Cooking & food
Carpentry
Nature
Mountain
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Swiss life, swiss food, swiss people, hiking in the mountains, cultural exchange, nature. We have enjoyed the cultural exchange through volunteers for 13 years, and we want to go on meeting new people and learning about their culture in return for experiencing our way of life.
Help
Help with general housekeeping and maintenance of our home, help in the gardens, vineyards. Always depending on the time of year. There's always something to do. Oppurtunity to learn/practice German or English.
5 hours of help, 5 days a week. 2 days off (usually Sunday and one other day)
Languages spoken
German: Fluent
English: Fluent
French: Beginner
Italian: Beginner
Accommodation
One of the rooms just outside our house will be used by the volunteers. The room is shared with other workawayers. 3 Meals a day are at our house. Free WLAN.
What else ...
closest train station is Leuk. If no bus at arrival time we can pick you up. To be arranged ahead. Public parking very close to the house.
Closest cities: Sierre, Sion, Visp , Brig and Zermatt. Farther: Lausanne, Geneva, Bern, Zurich and Milano.
Attractions: Matterhorn, thermal baths, hiking, mountains, nature, butterflies, dragonflies, sports...
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
This host has indicated that they love having digital nomads stay.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Host ref number: 984899725647
Feedback (35)
8 Nov 2021
Left by Workawayer (Zuzana & Jan) for host
Our family has spend with Heidi and Thomas more than 5 lovely weeks and it was definitely one of the workaways we will always remember ❤ We were helping around the house and with Heidi's super busy B&B, with tidying up, recycling and cooking. We all loved the regular raclette Saturdays, Benjamin's chilli pizzas and all the other yummy, healthy and… read more
11 Oct 2021
Left by Workawayer (Priya) for host
I spent a lovely month in Varen with Heidi and Thomas. The location is beautiful and the family is incredibly kind and generous with their time, cooking, and conversation. The work was very fair and organized; I spent my mornings and afternoons blanching carrots, picking beans and raspberries, weeding the vineyard, and doing some cleaning around… read more
2 Sep 2021
Left by Workawayer (Alexandru) for host
Well organized work, good cheese and wine, beautiful mountains - these were the main coordinates around which gravitated my time in Varen, helping this large and lovely family. I enjoyed the atmosphere of my room in a 200 years old wooden hut, the raclette evening, the wine tasting, the long hikes, the visits in Barnabas' clockmaker workshop and… read more
Photos
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(4.8)
8 Nov 2021
Left by Workawayer (Zuzana & Jan) for host
Our family has spend with Heidi and Thomas more than 5 lovely weeks and it was definitely one of the workaways we will always remember ❤ We were helping around the house and with Heidi's super busy B&B, with tidying up, recycling and cooking. We all loved the regular raclette Saturdays, Benjamin's chilli pizzas and all the other yummy, healthy and… read more
11 Oct 2021
Left by Workawayer (Priya) for host
I spent a lovely month in Varen with Heidi and Thomas. The location is beautiful and the family is incredibly kind and generous with their time, cooking, and conversation. The work was very fair and organized; I spent my mornings and afternoons blanching carrots, picking beans and raspberries, weeding the vineyard, and doing some cleaning around… read more
2 Sep 2021
Left by Workawayer (Alexandru) for host
Well organized work, good cheese and wine, beautiful mountains - these were the main coordinates around which gravitated my time in Varen, helping this large and lovely family. I enjoyed the atmosphere of my room in a 200 years old wooden hut, the raclette evening, the wine tasting, the long hikes, the visits in Barnabas' clockmaker workshop and… read more
26 Jul 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Sonakshi)
It was great having Soakshi at our place helping out. She got along well with our family and the other workawayers. She was fun to have around and interesting to talk to. She adapts well to different sittuations and helped in the gardens, vineyards, kitchen and housekeeping.
Sonakshi, you can come join us again anytime.
Sonakshi, you can come join us again anytime.
(Excellent)
9 Aug 2020
Left by Workawayer (Jose A.) for host
Varen is a really beautiful place where you have the chance also to hike to other close villages or take the train down in Leuk to places and enjoy the beautiful mountains and landscapes. Heidi, Thomas, their family and friends in the village are wonderful people. I had the chance to help in the vineyards, gardens but most of it was in the BnB. I… read more
17 Dec 2019
Left by Workawayer (Marija-Elena) for host
Dear Thomas and Heidi, Barnabas, Johannes, Benjamin! Thank you for the warm welcome, for the beautiful room, for the pleasant work in the garden, in the vineyard. In this house everything is perfectly organized thanks to Heidi, everything goes in order, all things in their places and it makes it easier to work.From Ivan Hello to the chickens. What… read more
18 Nov 2019
Left by Workawayer (Archana) for host
I stayed with Heidi and Thomas and their family for 2 weeks in October.They really made me feel welcome!The work is not at all difficult,food was organic and delicious,my room extremely comfortable!
It's a wonderful cultural exchange.
Thomas and Heidi's generosity with chocolates wine and cheese is something that I will always remember (Thank… read more
It's a wonderful cultural exchange.
Thomas and Heidi's generosity with chocolates wine and cheese is something that I will always remember (Thank… read more
9 Nov 2018
Left by Workawayer (Manuel) for host
First of all, I want to thank Heidi and Thomas for hosting me, the whole family is very kind and sweet (and big). I won't forget the wine, Raclette and chocolate, I could say that I have tasted the very real ones.
I am not used to such kind of family and maybe because of that I didn't show my gratitude enough, but I am really thankful. I hope… read more
I am not used to such kind of family and maybe because of that I didn't show my gratitude enough, but I am really thankful. I hope… read more
1 Nov 2018
Left by Workawayer (Sin Bei & Chang Dar) for host
What you will get to stay with Heidi and Thomas:
- the fantastic scenery of Swiss Alps
- good food made by Heidi
- chocolate and wine
- sweet home away from home
- the philosophy of life
- the laughter
Heidi, mum of five and großmama of seven, taught us a lot. How to fold sheets properly, to keep the house dry and tidy, to support good products,… read more
- the fantastic scenery of Swiss Alps
- good food made by Heidi
- chocolate and wine
- sweet home away from home
- the philosophy of life
- the laughter
Heidi, mum of five and großmama of seven, taught us a lot. How to fold sheets properly, to keep the house dry and tidy, to support good products,… read more
24 Oct 2018
Left by Workawayer (Mizuki) for host
I stayed with them for just 10 days but now I peeled like I was dreaming about Swiss life then. Time flied, my 10 days went the fastest ever.
My main work was cooking Swiss food. Heidi taught me hundreds important thing about protecting environment and saving energy. I learned so many things that nobody taught me ever in Japan. And now I can cook… read more
My main work was cooking Swiss food. Heidi taught me hundreds important thing about protecting environment and saving energy. I learned so many things that nobody taught me ever in Japan. And now I can cook… read more
10 Sep 2018
Left by Workawayer (Zuleyha) for host
I stayed for 2 weeks in Heidi's and Thomas's house. They and their children are very nice people and the work wasn't very hard. I also met lots of interesting volunteers here and spent good time with them traveling around Switzerland and even the North of Italy. We spent every evening together having fun and drinking the best wine in the world.… read more
8 Sep 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Josie )
Josie & Sean were a great help to have at our place. They tried hard to do their best. We had good times together and hope to meet again.
Have fun on your further travels, and when you come back to Switzerland come and stay with us.
Have fun on your further travels, and when you come back to Switzerland come and stay with us.
(Excellent)
8 Sep 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Anastasiia & Oleksii)
Anastasia and Alec are a very helpful, friendly couple. We enjoyed our time with them and they helped out in the rooms, gardens and vineyards. We wish you all the best and hope to meet you again.
(Excellent)
27 Aug 2018
Left by Workawayer (Anastasiia & Oleksii) for host
We stayed at Heidi's and Thomas's house for 3 weeks. And it was unbelievable experience :)
They have big and friendly family. We felt very comfortable helping them and living together.
We had our own room.
The tasks were structured and clear: to clean BnB rooms, do laundry, recycle gargabe, work in the vineyard and water garden, help with… read more
They have big and friendly family. We felt very comfortable helping them and living together.
We had our own room.
The tasks were structured and clear: to clean BnB rooms, do laundry, recycle gargabe, work in the vineyard and water garden, help with… read more
6 Jun 2018
Left by Workawayer (Marc) for host
My stay at Heidi's place was very nice. All the family is very nice and welcoming, they really help you to feel like home. The area is very beautiful and quiet, surrounded by mountains. The meals were delicious and healthy. I finally stayed shorter than expected because of an external issue but i enjoyed the week that I stayed in Varen, there are… read more
9 May 2018
Left by Workawayer (Thomas) for host
I’ll be honest if I say, that I needed time in the beginning to feel comfortable and I sensed Heidi and Thomas did the same to me. But by the time we got respect for each other and the understanding how we manage our life and our kind of thinking. These are most important experiences, we can get as workawayer. And now, three month later, I feel… read more
4 May 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (June)
Thanks June for helping us out for 6 weeks. You were great! You helped the rooms and cleaning and organizing many of my cupboards. Thanks so much. You spiced up my boutique so my guests can see the products better. You also helped to make my Facebook page more alive.
Come back any time, we miss you too.
Come back any time, we miss you too.
(Excellent)
26 Apr 2018
Left by Workawayer (June) for host
Only left yesterday, I miss so much Heidi &Thomas, their clean and elegant home, Heidi's healthy Swiss cooking, the magnificent view of the alps and vineyards, and various hiking & biking tours with my buddy T... time went so fast when you're having fun. I genuinely liked the tasks Heidi gave me - housekeeping, some cooking, FB marketing, they… read more
8 Jan 2018
Left by Workawayer (Luis Rodrigues ) for host
So, I had done a workaway before, but this was the first time I lived together in the same house with the family. Being in the local culture for 20 days made me rethink my most intimate values. Heidi, Thomas and children welcomed me and taught me a lot. I lived as an eternal apprentice in every respect. Thank you so much Heidi for all the… read more
21 Nov 2017
Left by Workawayer (Sarai & Daniel) for host
Heidi & Thomas have a very special place here. Right amidst the mountains and vineyards they are surrounded by family in this small village with their own vegetable garden, chickens and a very hands-on household.
The B&B is cozy and casual but Heidi takes great pride in doing this well. She has amazing knowledge about not only how to run a B&B… read more
The B&B is cozy and casual but Heidi takes great pride in doing this well. She has amazing knowledge about not only how to run a B&B… read more
26 Aug 2017
Left by Workawayer (Claire & Chase) for host
We stayed only a week but were able to see so much of the beautiful area in Switzerland during that short time. We had a room with two beds to ourself which was right next to the main house. We helped Thomas with construction, tearing down wood walls and floors of a shed. We also helped with putting up walls and insulin, and wood flooring. We… read more
23 Apr 2017
Left by Workawayer (Pandi) for host
My first workaway in my life. To stay with your family was a nice experience. I have seen how this people have build with love and patient a nice swiss "watch" who every one of them was useful gear to be part of happy country like Varen. Was so nice to stay with you Tomas and Heidi and with your big and happy family. I will say THANK YOU. Hope to… read more
28 Feb 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Karyn)
Thank-you K.K
We enjoyed having you with us and thanks for all you did for us. The cultural exchange was good for us. Thomas and I'll be in Asia in Nov. and would like to visit you. Hope to see you in Wallis again too.
We enjoyed having you with us and thanks for all you did for us. The cultural exchange was good for us. Thomas and I'll be in Asia in Nov. and would like to visit you. Hope to see you in Wallis again too.
(Excellent)
27 Feb 2017
Left by Workawayer (Karyn) for host
My reply is long overdue as I had left Heidi, Thomas and family in June 2016! I had such a remarkable experience here with the family who treated me so warmly and generously. I often reminisce and miss the warmth of their home and also the beautiful surroundings! I learnt a lot here, especially a new and different culture and enjoyed the… read more
8 Feb 2017
Left by Workawayer (Masahiro ) for host
I stayed 3 weeks in January and it was unbelievably fantastic days!
I had a dream to live in Alps. It's came true in this perfect place.
Their home is abundant in love and laughter. And this sunny side village is surrounded by perfect Alpine nature. It was almost heaven for me because I could explore everywhere using hitchhiking and hiking… read more
I had a dream to live in Alps. It's came true in this perfect place.
Their home is abundant in love and laughter. And this sunny side village is surrounded by perfect Alpine nature. It was almost heaven for me because I could explore everywhere using hitchhiking and hiking… read more
9 Oct 2016
Left by Workawayer (Fanni) for host
I spent a wonderful month at Heidi’s place. I had many kinds of work, I never get bored, and I have learnt so many new things!
I have been there in August, in a perfect summer month, so I could help in the vineyard, in the garden and I also had some household tasks– really various, every day was different. It is fantastic, not only because of… read more
I have been there in August, in a perfect summer month, so I could help in the vineyard, in the garden and I also had some household tasks– really various, every day was different. It is fantastic, not only because of… read more
26 Sep 2016
Left by Workawayer (Anna) for host
Staying with Heidi and her nice family was my first workaway experience and I couldn't wish better!
I loved to work with the tomatoes in the garden with the most beautiful mountain-panorama or just perform some simple house-holding stuff. I learnd countless new and intresting things and improved my English and German too. :)
I came home a bit… read more
I loved to work with the tomatoes in the garden with the most beautiful mountain-panorama or just perform some simple house-holding stuff. I learnd countless new and intresting things and improved my English and German too. :)
I came home a bit… read more
17 Aug 2016
Left by Workawayer (Simon & Milena) for host
I was looking for a nice place to stay, to do hard work and have a lot of free time to enjoy nature and to study. I couldn't be luckier, because Heidi and Thomas's place has been really a pleasant home to me, with a nice family athmosphere, and lots of nice friends from all around the world. Thomas has a good sense of humour, and Heidi cares about… read more
14 Aug 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Janis)
Thanks Yannis,
we enjoyed having you with us and thank you for all you did for us. You always tried your best and got along well with the other helpers and our family.
All the best to you. We'll see you one day when you come back to sign our guestbook...
we enjoyed having you with us and thank you for all you did for us. You always tried your best and got along well with the other helpers and our family.
All the best to you. We'll see you one day when you come back to sign our guestbook...
(Excellent)
5 May 2016
Left by Workawayer (Janis) for host
Staying at Heidi's was my 4th workaway experience, and it was the first time I really wanted to stay longer than I did. The house is very beautiful as is the surroundings. I just stayed 3 weeks but had a wide range of work to experience. I usually helped Heidi in the house which includes maintaining the BnB but also doing all-day work necessary… read more
14 Aug 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Maria)
Thanks Masha for your help. It was fun having you here and you're welcome back anytime.
(Excellent)
11 Aug 2016
Left by Workawayer (Maria) for host
It was my first workaway experience and one of the best in my life. Just many thanks to the whole family. I felt like home. The area is amazing, the small village sorrounded with the mountains. You really feel like in paradise) I hope to go back one day and to take a bit more care of Heidi's garden)) It was great to be there! Many thanks to Heidi… read more
8 Oct 2015
Left by Workawayer (Yijou) for host
This was my first workaway experience and I learned a lot from Heidi and the family for 6 weeks. They have a healthy diet and a comfortable environment. I enjoyed working as well as went lots of hiking within mountains and valleys on my day off. I felt like home here and appreciate to all of them!
10 Sep 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Tram)
Thanks Tram, was great to get to know you. Thanks also for your help, especially when I wasn't around. When you're in the area, stop by for a visit.
All the best with your travels
All the best with your travels
(Excellent)
10 Sep 2015
Left by Workawayer (Tram) for host
It was my great pleasure to stay with Heidi and the family. They are a sweet and fun-loving family which made me feel like home away from home :) Heidi is a super caring person and she gave great tips to get around the area. Get ready to be amazed of her knowledge and sure there is a lot to learn from her!
Again I apologized for leaving the… read more
Again I apologized for leaving the… read more
10 Jul 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Martina)
Thanks Martina for joining us for 3 weeks. It was good to get to know you. Many thanks also for your help. You always did your best and tried hard to do everything just right. We wish you all the best in your future volunteer work, finishing school and for your new life after that.
Have fun!
Heidi
Have fun!
Heidi
(Excellent)
10 Jul 2015
Left by Workawayer (Martina) for host
I spent 3 great weeks at Heidi and Thomas´s house. The work wasn´t monotonous at all. I did things concerning bed and breakfast but I also worked in vinyards, I did some gardening... Heidi is well organized and she can teach you a lot about running bed and breakfast and about gardening, too. The whole family are very nice people:)
24 Apr 2015
Left by Workawayer (Marie) for host
It was a great experience to stay at Heidi's house (1 month in March).I only keep good memories from this place ! I enjoyed work with her, she's very organized and she taught me a lot especially about running a B&B, but also gardenning, making soaps, triming the vinyards, cooking, ...........
They all make you feel at home as a part of the… read more
They all make you feel at home as a part of the… read more
31 Dec 2014
Left by Workawayer (KIT YING SHIRLEY) for host
I planned to stay with Heidi and her family for one month in mid-July, but turned out two months finally. It was awesome experience to me. I learnt a lot from Heidi. I learnt from her how to make tasty salad and cooking Swiss Rosti which I can make it at home now. I am so glad that I helped them captured some special moments photos. Helping in the… read more
18 Nov 2014
Left by Workawayer (ISABELA) for host
I had a very good time at Heidi's house. Heidi is very organized and she can be very critic (especially with folding the bed linen), but in the other hand she was also very kind and patient with her instructions!
Her son Barnabas was very kind taking me to different places and showing me around. A big thank to him! :)
Thank you Heidi for having… read more
Her son Barnabas was very kind taking me to different places and showing me around. A big thank to him! :)
Thank you Heidi for having… read more
9 Nov 2014
Left by host for Workawayer (ISABELA)
Thanks Isabela for your help. It was interesting to get to Know you. Good luck in your workawaying. Come back and visit someday,
Heidi
Heidi
(Excellent)
29 Sep 2014
Left by Workawayer (Samantha) for host
I stayed with Heidi for two weeks in May. It was my first workaway experience, and I'm very grateful that I got to spend it with her and her family. The work was mostly helping with housework and a bit in the garden, and I got to help out a bit in the vineyards too (which I LOVED). Heidi is SO organized that you always know exactly what is… read more
31 May 2014
Left by host for Workawayer (Samantha)
Tahnks Samantha for your help in the vineyard, garden and in the house. we enjoyed having you volunteer for us. Hope you have many more great workaway experiences. You can join us again someday, even just a weekend, if you like. Have fun discovering the world!
(Excellent)
18 Jun 2013
Left by Workawayer (Kristi) for host
I have only one word for Heidi and her family: super!
I very much enjoyed the time working there and exploring Wallis´ canton. Hopefully we meet again! :)
I very much enjoyed the time working there and exploring Wallis´ canton. Hopefully we meet again! :)
23 May 2013
Left by host for Workawayer (Kristi)
Kristi is great to have around. She works really well, cares and likes to laugh. We look forward to hosting Kristi again!
(Excellent)
15 May 2013
Left by Workawayer (Sivaprasad) for host
It was an awesome experience to work with Heidi and Thomas. Heidi was very kind to offer a comfortable stay in one of her house. I guess the entire family enjoyed our indian cooking. Benchamin and Johannas and Barnabas are wonderful youngsters who were very helpful. A big thanks to Heidi and Thomas, once again. We look forward to work with you… read more
22 Apr 2013
Left by host for Workawayer (Merchi811)
Our first workaway experience with Merceds was very good. She's willing to do her best and worked hard for us. She was willing to learn new things and shared the knowledge and experiences she already made.
Merceds you're welcome at our place anytime!
Merceds you're welcome at our place anytime!
(Very good)
15 Apr 2013
Left by Workawayer (Merchi811) for host
My first workaway experience with Heidi and her family was excellent. I really enjoyed my time there although I went to Switzerland to improve my English!I learn many things there and they made me feel at home from the beginning.
Varen is a quiet and nice village. A perfect place to relax and enjoy the mountains!
I would recommend this… read more
Varen is a quiet and nice village. A perfect place to relax and enjoy the mountains!
I would recommend this… read more
