Overview
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About Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein is a small, landlocked country in Central Europe, bordered by Switzerland to the west and south and Austria to the east and north. Being located in the alpine region, Liechtenstein has a mainly mountainous landscape.
With an area of around 160 square kilometers, it is one of the smallest countries in the world. The population is about 39.000, with Vaduz as the capital and Schaan as the largest municipality. It is a constitutional monarchy led by Prince Hans-Adam II, with his son, Prince Alois, serving as regent.
Liechtenstein’s official currency is the Swiss Franc (CHF) due to a customs and monetary union with Switzerland. German is the official language, with Alemannic dialects commonly spoken.
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1. Vaduz
Vaduz is the capital city of Liechtenstein and the main center for business and politics. It is located in the western part of the country, on the banks of the Rhine River. You will find many nice restaurants, souvenir shops, museums, art on the streets, and so much more. The main highlights of Vaduz include the Vaduz Cathedral, Vaduz Castle, which is the residence of the Prince of Liechtenstein, Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein, and the Liechtenstein National Museum, which displays the country’s history, traditional culture, and art.
All the main attractions are within a short walk of each other, making it easy to explore the city on foot and stumble upon the giant sculptures scattered throughout. If walking isn’t your preference, you can hop on the tourist train and enjoy the city’s highlights at your own pace.
2. Vaduz Castle
It is hard to miss when visiting Liechtenstein: Vaduz Castle or Schloss Vaduz. From afar you can see the castle proudly on the hillside above the city. As it is still the residence of the royal family, the castle isn’t open to visitors, but it’s still worth the trip for a closer view and the stunning panorama of the valley and the Rhine. You can reach it with a 15-20 minute uphill walk from the city center or a quick 5-minute drive if you prefer not to hike.
3. Discover Liechtenstein's Wine Culture
Liechtenstein’s winemaking history stretches back over 2,000 years, originating in the pre-Christian era. When the Romans settled in the region, they initially tried growing southern European vines but eventually turned to native grape varieties better suited to the Rhine Valley’s climate. Today, the country has more than 100 winegrowers, with Pinot Noir being the standout variety.
The Princely Winery in Vaduz, offers tastings, tours, and insights into local wine culture. You can explore the scenic vineyards and sample wines in the Prince’s Wine Cellar, also known as the Hofkellerei.
Hotels
Find the best places to stay in Liechtenstein and enjoy a comfortable trip.
Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein
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4. Gänglesee - Steg
One of our favorite things to do in Liechtenstein was definitely enjoying the serene atmosphere at Gänglesee in Steg.
Steg is a small, lovely village in Liechtenstein, located in the municipality of Triesenberg. It’s known for its beautiful alpine landscapes, and outdoor activities, especially in winter when it becomes a popular spot for skiing, snowboarding, and sledding.
Its most beautiful feature is the Gänglesee. This small but beautiful mountain lake is located in this stunning alpine setting, with trails leading to stunning viewpoints of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
5. The Liechtenstein Trail
If you are an avid hiker, you should definitely hike the Liechtenstein Trail or Liechtensteinerweg. This is a unique hiking trail that spans the entire country of Liechtenstein, covering about 75 kilometers. This trail is special because it connects all 11 municipalities of the principality, allowing you to explore the diverse landscapes, cultural landmarks, and historical sites of the country.
The trail is well-marked and offers a mix of urban and rural scenery, from the charming towns of Vaduz and Schaan to the beautiful alpine meadows and forests in the mountains. Along the way, you will pass castles, churches, museums, and other things to do in Liechtenstein. Ideal to see the best of the country in combination with a nice multi-day hike. Of course, it is also possible to hike only part of the entire Liechtenstein Trail if 75 km is a bit too much.
If you plan to hike the Liechtenstein Trail, be sure to download the “LIstory” app. It is full of interactive information and stories about various locations along the trail, making the hike both educational and enjoyable.
6. Schaukelpfad - Malbun
Malbun is a famous winter destination for skiing and other winter sports. However, it’s also a great spot in the summer for hiking and enjoying the beautiful scenery. One of the highlights is the Swing Trail, or Schaukelpfad, where swings are placed along the route. These swings offer a chance to pause, relax, and take in the stunning views. While the Schaukelpfad isn’t marked separately, you can follow the Liechtensteinerweg signs and keep an eye out for the swings, some of which are slightly hidden off the main path, adding to the fun of the hike.
7. Gutenberg Castle
Vaduz may be the most famous castle in Liechtenstein, but Gutenberg Castle is also worth a visit! This castle, also known as Burg Gutenberg, is located on a hilltop 70 meters above the town of the town of Balzers and is one of Liechtenstein’s most impressive castles. The hill has been inhabited since the Neolithic period, while the castle itself was constructed during the High Middle Ages.
While much of the castle is not open to the public, you can explore the beautiful rose garden and chapel during the summer months. It’s also possible to join a guided tour, arranged by appointment, to get more information about the castle’s history.
8. Explore Liechtenstein's Ruins
Besides castles, Liechtenstein also has some ruins, or remains of castles, that are worth a visit for a taste of Liechtenstein’s medieval history and stunning views. In fact, Liechtenstein has 5 castles of which 3 are ruins. With all the castles in such a small country, it reminded us a bit of Luxembourg but set in a mountainous region.
The most famous ruins are the Wildschloss Ruins or Schalun Castle. It is located in Triesenberg and dates from the 13th century. These ruins feature the remains of walls and a tower, with spectacular views of the surrounding Alps.
Another interesting place is the Schellenberg Ruins in the village of Schellenberg. Built in the 13th century atop a hill, these ruins offer impressive panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Practical information
How to get to Liechtenstein
By Car: From Zurich, it is 1,5 hours drive by car to Vaduz, the capital city. Liechtenstein is a great stop to visit on a road trip through Austria.
.By Air: Although Liechtenstein does not have its own airport, you can fly into one of the three nearby airports:
– Zurich, Switzerland
– St. Gallen, Switzerland
– Friedrichshafen, Germany
Each of these airports is within an hour’s drive from Liechtenstein.
By Train: The easiest way to get to Liechtenstein by train is taking a train to one of these nearby stations:
– Sargans, Switzerland
– Buchs, Switzerland
– Feldkirch, Austria
From these stations, you can continue your journey with the Liechtenstein bus service (LIEmobil).
By Bus: Flixbus operates routes to Feldkirch, Austria. From there, you can take the Liechtenstein bus (LIEmobil) into the country.
Book your transport in Liechtenstein now!
How to get around
The easiest way to get around and visit all the best things to do in Liechtenstein is by car. The roads are in great condition, and with the country being so small, you never have to travel far.
If you’re not driving, LIEmobil buses are a good option. They cover the whole country and connect to nearby Swiss and Austrian stations. You can buy tickets on the bus, at stops, or through the LIEmobil app.
For those who like being active, there are plenty of cycling and hiking trails to explore. Taxis are available but can be expensive, and ride-sharing services are rare. Guided tours are also a great way to learn more about Liechtenstein’s history and attractions.
Where to stay in Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein offers a variety of accommodations, from budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses to luxurious hotels and resorts. It’s advisable to book in advance, especially during peak season. Vaduz, the capital, is one of the best places to base yourself because of its central location and great access to all the best places to visit in Liechtenstein.
Hotels
Find the best places to stay in Liechtenstein and enjoy a comfortable trip.
Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein
via Booking.com
Best time to visit Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein is a year-round destination, so the best time to visit depends on the purpose of your trip! The country has a temperate climate with warm summers and mild but snowy winters.
Spring, summer, and autumn are perfect for hiking and outdoor activities. During summer, the weather is warm and there are a lot of festivals and events. Spring has milder temperatures, beautiful blossoms, and fewer tourists than summer. In Autumn, you can enjoy the stunning foliage, milder temperatures, and fewer tourists and it is harvesting season so ideal for wine tasting!
The winter is perfect for skiing and winter sports, especially in Malbun, though some outdoor activities may be limited. It’s also the ideal period for strolling the cozy Christmas markets. The temperatures are cold temperatures between -5°C and 5°C.
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Win-Win for everyone
Did you know that, if you buy or book something through our links, we receive a small commission?
However, you still pay the same and therefore have no extra costs! So a win-win for everyone. This way, we can continue to add even more travel inspiration and tips to this blog for your next adventure. Thanks a lot!
