If you’re planning a visit to the beautiful country of Liechtenstein, you’re in for a treat. Nestled between Switzerland and Austria, Liechtenstein is known for its stunning mountain scenery, charming towns, and rich history. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best places to visit in Liechtenstein, from its top cities to its famous landmarks.
Facts About Liechtenstein
Before we delve into the best places to visit in Liechtenstein, let’s take a look at some interesting facts about this small yet fascinating country:
- Liechtenstein is one of the smallest countries in the world, with an area of just 160 square kilometers.
- It is a constitutional monarchy with Prince Hans-Adam II as its head of state.
- The official language is German, but English is widely spoken.
- Liechtenstein is known for its strong economy, with a highly developed financial services industry.
- The country is renowned for its stunning Alpine scenery, with more than 400 kilometers of marked hiking trails.
Now that we’ve covered some basic facts about Liechtenstein, let’s turn our attention to its top cities.
Liechtenstein Top Cities
Balzers
Balzers is a picturesque town located in the southern part of Liechtenstein. It is home to the iconic Gutenberg Castle, which dates back to the 12th century. Visitors to Balzers can explore the castle’s towers and ramparts, as well as enjoy stunning views of the Rhine Valley. Other attractions in Balzers include the St. Nicholas Church, the Walser Museum, and the lovely Eschen-Nendeln-Balzers Nature Reserve.
Summary:
- Home to Gutenberg Castle
- St. Nicholas Church
- Walser Museum
- Eschen-Nendeln-Balzers Nature Reserve
Malbun
Nestled in the Alps, the town of Malbun is a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts. It offers a range of activities, including skiing, snowboarding, and sledding. In the summer months, visitors can enjoy hiking and mountain biking on the many trails that crisscross the surrounding mountains. Other attractions in Malbun include the Sareis Chairlift, the Alpine-Coaster, and the Malbi-Park playground.
Summary:
- Popular winter sports destination
- Skiing, snowboarding, and sledding
- Hiking and mountain biking in summer
- Sareis Chairlift
- Alpine-Coaster
- Malbi-Park playground
Nendeln
Nendeln is a small village located in the central part of Liechtenstein. It is known for its beautiful Gothic-style St. Florin Church, which dates back to the 15th century. Visitors to Nendeln can also explore the nearby Giessen Park, which features lovely walking trails and a scenic pond. Other attractions in Nendeln include the Mühleholz Sports Centre and the Galina Falconry Centre.
Summary:
- St. Florin Church
- Giessen Park
- Mühleholz Sports Centre
- Galina Falconry Centre
Schaan
Schaan is the largest municipality in Liechtenstein, and it is known for its thriving business community. However, it also has plenty to offer tourists, including the charming Old Town with its traditional architecture and quaint shops. Other attractions in Schaan include the Rheinpark Stadion, home to the national football team, and the lovely Princes’ Way hiking trail.
Summary:
- Largest municipality in Liechtenstein
- Charming Old Town
- Rheinpark Stadion
- Princes’ Way hiking trail
Schellenberg
Schellenberg is a small village located in the northeastern part of Liechtenstein. It is known for its stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, as well as its quaint architecture. Visitors to Schellenberg can explore the nearby Eschnerberg Trail, which offers panoramic views of the Rhine Valley and the Swiss Alps.
Summary:
- Stunning views of mountains and valleys
- Quaint architecture
- Eschnerberg Trail
Triesen
Triesen is a small town located in the central part of Liechtenstein. It is known for its lovely vineyards and orchards, which produce some of the country’s finest wines and fruits. Visitors to Triesen can also explore the charming Old Town with its traditional architecture and historic buildings. Other attractions in Triesen include the lovely countryside hiking trails and the popular Malbuner Festival.
Summary:
- Lovely vineyards and orchards
- Charming Old Town
- Countryside hiking trails
- Malbuner Festival
Triesenberg
Perched on a hill overlooking the Rhine Valley, the village of Triesenberg offers stunning views and a tranquil atmosphere. It is known for its traditional architecture and charmingstreets, as well as its lovely hiking trails. Visitors to Triesenberg can explore the St. Joseph’s Parish Church, which features beautiful stained glass windows and intricate frescoes. Other attractions in Triesenberg include the Bergbahnen Malbun ski resort and the Walser Museum.
Summary:
- Stunning views of Rhine Valley
- Traditional architecture and charming streets
- St. Joseph’s Parish Church
- Bergbahnen Malbun ski resort
- Walser Museum
Vaduz
As the capital of Liechtenstein, Vaduz is a must-visit destination for any traveler to the country. It is known for its stunning castle, which serves as the official residence of the Prince of Liechtenstein. Visitors to Vaduz can explore the castle grounds and take in panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Other attractions in Vaduz include the Liechtenstein National Museum, which features exhibits on the country’s history and culture, and the lovely pedestrianized Old Town with its many shops and restaurants.
Summary:
- Capital of Liechtenstein
- Vaduz Castle
- Liechtenstein National Museum
- Pedestrianized Old Town
Now that we’ve covered some of the top cities in Liechtenstein, let’s turn our attention to some of the country’s famous landmarks.
Liechtenstein Famous Landmarks
Vaduz Castle
Perched on a hill overlooking the city of Vaduz, Vaduz Castle is one of Liechtenstein’s most iconic landmarks. It serves as the official residence of the Prince of Liechtenstein, but visitors can explore the castle grounds and take in stunning views of the surrounding area. The castle dates back to the 12th century and has been expanded and renovated over the centuries.
Summary:
- Perched on a hill overlooking Vaduz
- Official residence of the Prince of Liechtenstein
- Dates back to the 12th century
Gutenberg Castle
Located in the town of Balzers, Gutenberg Castle is another iconic landmark in Liechtenstein. It dates back to the 12th century and has been restored to its former glory. Visitors to Gutenberg Castle can explore the castle’s towers and ramparts, as well as enjoy panoramic views of the Rhine Valley.
Summary:
- Located in Balzers
- Dates back to the 12th century
- Towers and ramparts to explore
Eschnerberg Trail
The Eschnerberg Trail is a popular hiking trail that winds through the hills and valleys of Liechtenstein. It offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, as well as the chance to see some of the country’s native flora and fauna. The trail is well-marked and suitable for hikers of all skill levels.
Summary:
- Popular hiking trail
- Stunning views of mountains and valleys
- Native flora and fauna
Rheinpark Stadion
Located in Schaan, the Rheinpark Stadion is home to the national football team of Liechtenstein. It can seat up to 6,000 spectators and hosts regular matches throughout the year. Visitors to the stadium can take guided tours and learn more about the history of football in Liechtenstein.
Summary:
- Home to national football team
- Can seat up to 6,000 spectators
- Guided tours available
The Prince’s Way
The Prince’s Way is a popular hiking trail that winds its way through the mountains and valleys of Liechtenstein. It is named after Prince Franz Joseph II, who personally oversaw the creation of the trail in the 1960s. The trail offers stunning views of the surrounding area, as well as the chance to see some of the country’s native flora and fauna.
Summary:
- Popular hiking trail
- Named after Prince Franz Joseph II
- Stunning views of mountains and valleys
- Native flora and fauna
Liechtenstein National Museum
Located in the capital city of Vaduz, the Liechtenstein National Museum is a must-visit destination for any traveler to the country. It features exhibits on the history and culture of Liechtenstein, as well as temporary exhibitions on a variety of topics. Visitors to the museum can learn about the country’s past, from its early Roman settlements to the modern era.
Summary:
- Located in Vaduz
- Exhibits on history and culture of Liechtenstein
- Temporary exhibitions on various topics
Now that we’ve covered some of the best places to visit in Liechtenstein, let’s wrap up with a brief conclusion.
Conclusion
Liechtenstein may be small, but it packs a big punch when it comes to tourist destinations. From its charming towns to its stunning mountain scenery, there is something for everyone in this tiny but fascinating country. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or outdoor activities, Liechtenstein has plenty to offer. So why not plan your next vacation to this hidden gem of Europe?
