Destination Articles

The Principality of Liechtenstein

The tiny principality of Liechtenstein is often a ‘blink or you’ll miss it’ part of a European holiday itinerary, but the country should be considered as more than just another place to tick off on your ‘been there, done that’ list.

Nestled ideally between Austria and Switzerland, Liechtenstein is governed by the Swiss and uses Swiss currency, but maintains its own postal system, producing the often-souvenired Liechtenstein postage stamp). The national population stands at only 32,900.

In recent years, Liechtenstein has probably been more well-known for allegations of bogus bank accounts and the protection of tax-evaders than for its appeal to the tourist, but this little country is definitely worth a visit.

Covering an area of only 150 square kilometres, it is relatively easy to see most of Liechtenstein in a day, and the place most people start is in the capital Vaduz. The car-free main street houses mainly cafes, souvenir shops and tax-free stores and is the ideal place to while away a few hours and people watch.

Keeping watch over the diners and tourists is the stately Liechtenstein castle, still home to the country’s monarch, Prince Hans-Adam. As a private residence, the castle is closed to the public, but the Prince opens it to his fellow countrymen each year on August 15, Liechtenstein’s national day and provides a fireworks display and free drinks for his subjects. With the royal family estimated to be worth in excess of ₤3 billion, it’s probably the least he should do!

For visitors with a car, (or those happy to use the Post Bus service), a trip up the mountain is a must. Triesenberg is a pretty little village which sits on a terrace overlooking Vaduz. It provides stunning views of the capital and the Rhine valley below. This is one place that guarantees views abroad – with Austria and Switzerland so close, you don’t have to look hard to take in the Swiss or Austrian Alps.

But for real bragging rights, continue on up the mountain a little further to the village of Malbun, population 100. How many of your friends can say they’ve been to Liechtenstein’s only ski resort? If you’re visiting between December and April you can try the slopes for yourself. The runs are mostly for beginners and intermediate skiers and offer some of the cheapest skiing in Europe. Summer visitors can enjoy the fresh mountain air and spectacular scenery as they hike some of the 400 kilometres of trails in the tiny country, or jump on a bike and head off for a day’s cycling.

Getting to Liechtenstein is easy. Just an hour from Zurich, the tiny principality is also easily accessible from both Austria and Germany. Lake Constance, the huge lake that borders Switzerland, Austria and Germany, is also only an hour away, whilst Innsbruck is a scenic two hours’ drive. So if your itinerary takes you through Liechtenstein, or you find yourself with a free day in Zurich or one of the neighbouring countries, why not allow a few extra hours and take the time to have a good look at this delightful little country?

© Holidays to Europe