Liechtenstein is a tiny country in the Alps. However, in a small area, you will find many interesting places that are worth visiting. The beautiful Alps, breathtaking hikes, local culture and many castles will definitely enchant you. The great thing is that you don’t have to travel far to see the places. Even 2 days are enough to explore the whole country. So let’s take a look at what to do in Liechtenstein.
Liechtenstein
Many of you may not even have heard of this country or know very little about it. Before we look at what is worth seeing here, let’s introduce this little country. Liechtenstein is located between Austria and Switzerland. It is the 6th smallest country in the world and the 2nd in Europe. It has only 36,000 inhabitants. The largest city is Schaan with a population of 6,000. Approximately 5,500 people live in the capital – Vaduz.
At the same time, it is one of the richest countries in the world with the highest salaries. It is a tax haven full of banks and financial institutions. Together with tourism, they are the main source of income. However, more than 50% of the workers commute daily from nearby foreign countries.
There are no controls at the borders. However, you must have a passport or ID with you. If you want a stamp as a souvenir in your passport, you can get it in the tourist office in the capital Vaduz for €3. They speak Swiss German and pay in Swiss francs.
Trains in Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein’s railway system is very small. There is only one line that connects Buchs in Switzerland and Feldkirch in Austria. It has only 4 stops in Liechtenstein – Schaan, Forst Hilti, Nenden and Schaanwald. In other words, you can’t get almost anywhere here by train. You have to rely on bus transport.
Our vlog from Liechtenstein
Top things to do in Liechtenstein
1. Balzers and Burg Gutenburg
Balzers is a small village where you have nothing to do except the castle. You can reach the castle from the aforementioned parking lot in about 15 minutes. Only the outdoor area is freely accessible. If you are interested in a tour of the interior, you must make a reservation. More info HERE. It is forbidden to fly drones in a 5 km radius around Balzers.
2. The capital - Vaduz
The capital city is not big at all. You can see it all in an hour or two. So let’s take a look at what is worth seeing in Vaduz. If you stay longer than 3 hours, park near the stadium (link above). From there you are in the city center in about 10 minutes. The first hour is free at both parking lots.
1. Schloss Vaduz (Vaduz castle)
You can reach the castle from the city center in 15-20 minutes. The castle is on a hill above the town, so there is a bit of a climb ahead of you. This castle is still inhabited by the prince and his family. That’s why no one gets in. You can only admire it from the outside.
2. Rotes Haus ("Red house")
In fact, we are not even sure why Rotes Haus (“Red House”) ranks among the TOP places in Vaduz. There are said to be impressive stairs inside. However, visitors can only admire this house from the outside. I have to admit that even from the outside this house looks interesting. It’s a nice stop for a few minutes. There is also a tourist train passing by.
3. Old town
The old town is really small. It consists of only a few streets and restaurants. However, you will also find a few attractions here that will surely interest you. Among them are the Cathedral of St. Florin, Old cinema or various museums. We will talk more about these places below.
4. St. Florin cathedral
You will find this cathedral right at the beginning (or end) of the old town. It is a neo-Gothic church built in 1874. It is a Roman Catholic cathedral. At first glance, you will definitely be attracted by its high stone tower with a colorful clock. Beautifully decorated windows add charm to this building.
5. Old cinema
The main significance of this cinema is the screening of the documentary film “Princely moments”. In this document, you have the opportunity to learn more about the life of the prince and his family, as well as about the castle itself. It is a unique opportunity to see its interior. Entrance costs 10CHF and shows are running every day. In addition, the cinema also has its own programme, which you can find HERE. The cinema is very small, but its seats are really comfortable.
6. Museums
There are three museums in Vaduz. The first of them is the Postal Museum focusing on the history of Liechtenstein’s postal services. You will find mainly postage stamps here. We were not personally interested in this museum. Entry is free. The prince’s “Treasure chamber” is also located in the same building. Here you will find a collection of rare pieces belonging to the princely family. I think the entrance fee is 8CHF per adult.
The National Museum depicts the history and culture of Liechtenstein since the Stone Age. It really is a mix of everything – clothes, flora, fauna, work tools and much more. The combined entrance here and to “The treasury” costs 13CHF. More about all museums HERE.
7. Old bridge over Rhine
The old bridge over the Rhine was built in 1901. It is 135 m long. Today it is the only wooden bridge leading over the Rhine. The bridge was destroyed several times. Liechtenstein was once often plagued by floods. Later, a dam was built in the town of Schaan and the Rhine was diverted. Motor vehicles are prohibited from entering the bridge. It is especially popular among cyclists.
Map
3. Hiking "Princess Way" (Fürstensteig)
Hiking trail length: 6.1 km
Duration: 3 hours
Elevation: 713 m
Princess way hike is an incredible experience. We both really enjoyed this hike. The great thing is that you can see almost all of Liechtenstein from every side. Half of the route is very exposed and leads dirrectly through the side of the mountain. The trail is quite narrow, and most of the way there is a steep drop-off next to you. However, this hike is not at all physically demanding and even children can handle it (just be extra careful). TOP experience from Liechtenstein for us! On the route you have a view of Vaduz, Schaan, Schellenberg or Steg.
4. Triesenberg
Bus number 21 runs from Vaduz via Triesenberg, Steg to Malbun. From Vaduz to Malbun route takes 30 minutes. The bus goes several times a day. You can find the current schedule on the LIE MOBIL website.
There is many parking lots everywhere.
Triesenberg, Post (map)
Triesenberg surprised us with its size. It’s relatively big. It is a city built at the foot of mountains. It is full of picturesque narrow streets. Simply park and go for a walk. You will definitely come across many beautiful corners.
5. Steg and Gänglesee
The village of Steg consists of only a few houses. Most of them are wooden, which makes them unique. It is located in a beautiful alpine environment. Here you will also find the beautiful lake Gänglesee, which will fascinate you with its colors.
6. Malbun ski resort
Liechtenstein has only one ski resort – Malbun. It consists of only a few slopes and about 3 or 4 decent cable cars. In winter, it is an ideal place for skiing in Liechtenstein. In summer, it offers several trekking routes.
7. Schellenberg
Although we were not here in person, we want to mention it in this article. In Schellenberg you can find two castles – the ruins of the old castle and the Upper Castle (Obere Burg). You will also find beautiful hiking through the Eschnerberg. The “Traditional Farm House” is also an interesting place, which shows how local farmers used to live. More info about this museum HERE.
8. National day of Liechtenstein
August 15 is a big day for Liechtenstein. Every year, festivities are held here at the castle. The prince invites every single citizen to a party at the castle. Admission is completely free and everyone is treated to wine and cheese. The prince later makes a speech. The city hosts markets and various concerts throughout the day. All museums and the old cinema are open to the public completely free of charge. There are fireworks in the evening, and you can also hike the Princess way with torches.
We went to Vaduz on this special day. The atmosphere in the whole city was amazing. At every step we encountered locals in traditional costumes. It was a beautiful and authentic experience that we recommend everyone to experience! Prince Alois even said hello to Slovakia on your YouTube vlog!
