Highlights
Vaduz
The small capital is overlooked by Vaduz Castle, the residence of the princely family, which is closed to the public but can be reached on foot for views over the Rhine valley. Below, the Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein in its black concrete cube shows modern and contemporary art.
Liechtenstein Trail
A long-distance walking route of about 75 kilometres, created for the country's 300th anniversary in 2019, which links all eleven municipalities. It can be walked in stages over several days, passing vineyards, villages and mountain viewpoints.
Malbun
A small mountain resort at the head of the Saminatal valley, with family-friendly ski slopes in winter and hiking and chairlift rides in summer. It is a winding drive or bus ride up from the valley.
Fürstensteig
A historic ridge path above the Rhine valley, starting near Gaflei, with sections secured by cables and handholds. It is a classic hike for sure-footed walkers with a head for heights, and connects with routes up the Drei Schwestern peaks.
Gutenberg Castle, Balzers
A restored castle on a rocky hill in the south of the country, rising above the village of Balzers. The grounds and surroundings are pleasant for a short walk, and the castle hosts occasional events.
Princely Wine Cellars
The Hofkellerei in Vaduz produces wine from the prince's own vineyards on the sunny slopes above the town. Tastings show off local Pinot Noir and white wines from vines you can walk past.
Rhine cycle route
The flat path along the Rhine embankment forms the border with Switzerland and is part of a long-distance route following the river. It is an easy way to see the country and cross into Swiss towns by bike.
Interesting facts about Liechtenstein
- Liechtenstein is one of only two doubly landlocked countries in the world, meaning it is surrounded only by landlocked countries; the other is Uzbekistan.
- It has had no army since 1868, and it has no airport of its own; most visitors fly into Zurich.
- Liechtenstein uses the Swiss franc and has a customs union with Switzerland dating from the 1920s, so there are no border checks between the two.
- A Liechtenstein company is one of the world's largest makers of dental products, including artificial teeth.
- It is a constitutional monarchy where the reigning prince holds unusually strong powers compared with most European monarchs.
Best time to visit
June to September is the best time for hiking, cycling and mountain views, when the high trails around Malbun and the Drei Schwestern are free of snow. Late spring brings blossom and green fields in the valley, while autumn is good for walking among the vineyards around harvest time. From December to March, Malbun offers skiing and winter walks, though valley towns see more grey than snowy days. Weather in the mountains changes quickly at any time of year.
Practical information
| Capital | Vaduz |
|---|---|
| Currency | Swiss franc (CHF); euros are often accepted, with change in francs |
| Languages | German |
| Plugs | Type C, J |
| Voltage | 230 V, 50 Hz |
| Emergency | 112 (general), 117 police, 144 ambulance, 118 fire |
| Driving | On the right |
| Tipping | Service is included in prices; rounding up or adding a little for good service is common but not required. |
Getting around
The country is easy to reach by train to Sargans or Buchs in Switzerland or Feldkirch in Austria, followed by a short bus ride. The bus network operated by LIEmobil covers all the villages and runs up to Malbun, and timetables are integrated into Swiss journey planners. Distances are tiny, so a bike is an excellent way to get around the valley. Driving is straightforward, but parking in Vaduz is limited. Note that the few trains crossing Liechtenstein are part of the Austrian network and stop only at a handful of small stations.
Staying connected in Liechtenstein
Mobile coverage is excellent across the Rhine valley and in the villages, with fast 4G and 5G. In the mountains around Malbun and on high trails it is generally good but can drop in steep valleys. Because Liechtenstein sits between Switzerland and Austria, phones near the border sometimes connect to networks in those countries, which can matter if your plan charges differently by country. Cafés and hotels offer Wi-Fi. Install an eSIM before you travel and switch it on when you arrive in the region.
See Liechtenstein eSIM plans · How to install an eSIM
Useful apps for Liechtenstein
- SBB Mobile: Swiss rail and bus timetables, which also cover Liechtenstein bus connections from Swiss stations.
- Google Maps: Walking and cycling routes, and directions between villages.
- MeteoSwiss: Detailed forecasts for the Alpine region, useful before mountain hikes.