What to do in Liechtenstein: the best options for tourists

At first glance, it may seem that there is nothing much tourists can do in the Principality of Liechtenstein – the dwarf state's area is only 160 square kilometers, which is not much larger than, for example, Lviv. However, experienced tourists say that you can spend a whole vacation here and not be bored for a minute.

A detailed guide to the tiny principality, which is located on the border between Switzerland and Austria, was compiled by Lonely Planet. It turns out that mountain lovers, cycling enthusiasts, and city vacationers will find something interesting in Liechtenstein.

Explore the historic capital of Vaduz

With a population of barely 6,000 people, this town is a full-fledged European capital with interesting sights. Start with the slender spire of the 19th-century St. Florin's Cathedral. Be sure to visit Peter-Kaiser-Platz, where the government building is located, and also take a look at the main street of Vaduz, Städtle, and you will see the Landtag, where the 25-seat parliament of Liechtenstein meets.

Nearby is the Landesmuseum, the National Museum of Liechtenstein, which will take you through the past, heritage, and natural history of the principality, from medieval witch trials to the production of false teeth. Opposite the Postmuseum is a shimmering black cube of concrete and basalt, the building of the Liechtenstein Art Museum, which hosts exhibitions of contemporary art. Walk past the arcaded Rathaus Vaduz, turn right, and head uphill to Mitteldorf, a charming neighborhood of traditional houses and rose gardens. A 10-minute uphill walk from the main road will reward you with magnificent alpine views from Vaduz Castle.

Admire the alpine views from Vaduz Castle

At the top of a hill above the capital is the medieval castle with towers, Schloss Vaduz. It is the residence of the Prince of Liechtenstein. The castle grounds are closed to the public, but you can see the former fortress nearby. On the way from Vaduz to the castle, you can admire the stunning alpine scenery. On August 15, a fireworks party is held here in honor of Liechtenstein's National Day.

Dine like a king

The Michelin-starred Torkel restaurant overlooks the prince's vineyards. The building of the former distillery was renovated in 2021, complementing the medieval flavor with modern amenities. An old grape press has been preserved here, and the restaurant's menu is tailored to the season.

Taste wine from the princely cellar

Although Liechtenstein is a small country, it is famous for its viticulture, which dates back 600 years. Local wines are popular all over the world. Climbing the flower-covered vineyards of Vaduz, you will find yourself in the Hofkellerei – the wine cellars of the Prince of Liechtenstein. Be sure to try pinot noir with a berry flavor and fresh white chardonnay wines with citrus notes.

Admire the unique treasures in the Schatzkammer

The Schatzkammer (Treasury), located in the heart of Vaduz, displays princely collections including royal jewelry, Fabergé eggs, and other treasures. Also admire historical weapons, works of art, luxurious gifts to the rulers of Liechtenstein, and even the first postage stamp issued by the country. Don't forget to stop by the Liechtenstein Center next door to the Schatzkammer to learn about Liechtenstein and get a souvenir stamp for your passport.

Get to know the Walzer culture in Triesenberg

From Vaduz, take a day trip to Liechtenstein's largest municipality, Triesenberg, to immerse yourself in the Walzer culture. Triesenberg is a beautiful mountain village with dark wooden chalets and a church with an onion dome. However, this is not an ordinary alpine village. It was home to the Walsers, a German-speaking people of cattle breeders and farmers from the Swiss Valais. In the 13th century, they migrated across Europe and settled in many places. The locals still preserve their culture and language. The Walzer Museum tells their intriguing story.

Take a walk in Fürstensteig

North of Treisenberg is the incredibly high Fürstensteig trail, one of the most famous hiking routes in the Riatikon Mountains. Its length is about 6.5 km, and the walk will take about 2.5 hours. At the end, you can admire the view of the peaks of the Drei Schwestern (Three Sisters) mountain. But check the weather in advance.

Stay under the sky in Pfälzerhütte

Pfälzerhütte is a stone hut located in the Naftal Valley. It is located at an altitude of 2108 meters and is convenient for hiking on the surrounding alpine trails leading to the remote mountains. Here you can also meet wild animals such as shrieking marmots or elusive mountain goats.

Enjoy an alpine adventure in Malbun

Make the steep climb from Vaduz to the resort of Malbun, located at an altitude of 1602 meters. In winter, it turns into a real Christmas wonderland. Lifts take skiers and snowboarders to Sarais at an altitude of 199 m, where they can access more than 22 km of slopes. Off-piste, there are winter hiking trails that wind through the pine trees. The most beautiful and popular of these is the two-hour, 4.8 km long Sassweg. For extra romance, go for fondue at the Berggasthaus Stücka, and then be sure to go horse-drawn sleigh rides. In summer, Malbun is no less wonderful, offering guests magnificent alpine views. The 12-kilometer, five-hour long Fürstin-Gina-Weg circular route, which leads to the top of the Augstenberg (2358 m) and offers breathtaking views of Austria, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein, is definitely worth a visit.

Take a walk in the peaceful meadows of the Ruggeller Riet

Nature takes center stage in the Ruggeller Riet, a marshland near the northern tip of Liechtenstein. Bring your binoculars to see the wildlife-rich peatlands, bogs, and heathland of the Ruggeller Riet Nature Reserve. When the blue irises bloom here in late May and early June, storks flock to the area. The reserve covers 220 acres along the Rhine River. A circular route leads hikers past rock caves and peat bogs to an inland canal and introduces tourists to the richness of the local nature.

Explore Liechtenstein by bike

Liechtenstein is tiny and can be easily explored by bicycle. The infrastructure for this mode of transportation is extremely well developed. Rent a bike for a day or two to explore Vaduz along the Liechtenstein Trail in the Rhine Valley, or head to the mountain trails for a more challenging adventure. For experienced cyclists, there's the Drei-Länder bike tour, which spans three countries.

Travel all over the country on the Liechtenstein Trail

The best way to get to know this small country is to set out on the 75-kilometer-long Liechtenstein Trail, which starts in castle Balzers on the border with Switzerland in the south and ends in Schaanwald, which is cozy with Austria in the north. Walking through vineyards, meadows, and forests, jumping over marshes and mountains, and occasionally descending to the waters of the Rhine, this route will win your heart.

The trail passes by some of the best places to visit in Liechtenstein, from the serene fields of Ruggeller Riet and Drei Schweestern to medieval castles such as Burg Gutenberg in Balzers and the impressive ruins of Schellenberg. Halfway along the route, you'll pass through the capital city of Vaduz and the traditional village of Triesenberg. Explore the best this small country has to offer from museums to mountains. The route has been divided into five one-day stages, which gives you enough time to relax.

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