Liechtenstein trail, royal hike around the Principality

Coinced between Switzerland and Austria, Liechtenstein looks like a pinhead when we look at it on a planisphere. However, historical and natural treasures do not lack the appeal.

Liechtenstein derives its name from an eponymous Princière House originating from this country. Nominated in the immensity of the German Roman Empire, the small province aspired to participate in the operation of the territory of which it was infed. The royal family therefore negotiated with the Teuton emperor and ended up pulling out the counties of Vaduz and Schellenberg for financing.

In 1719, the principality saw the day but remained under the yoke of the Imperial House, the Habsburgs. However, less than a century later, this dynasty does not resist the Napoleonic and abdic conquests. His empire was dissolved and Liechtenstein became totally independent.

To survive, it becomes an agricultural land and exports its food. Then, after the Second World War, the country develops through banking services. Liechtenstein has recently tended to diversify its economic resources, especially by highlighting its cultural wealth. So, for his 300th anniversary, he inaugurated his own trail, the « Liechtenstein Trail » .

Through the 75 km of hiking, cross the 11 provinces of the Principality to discover the splendour of the region. Put your most beautiful hiking shoes on, it’s gone for adventure!

Day 1: From Balzers to Triesenberg

While your journey has not yet begun, a first obstacle is on your way. Of the 197 independent states that the Earth counts, you chose one of the 5 that does not have its own airport. You will have to land in Zürich then take the train to finally reach the first city of this trail, Balzers.

Understanding the relationship between Estso-liechtenstein

Once you arrive at your destination, come back a little on your steps, at the border post of Sainte Katrinabrunna. Faced with this stele, if you look on your left, you can see the mountain peak of Gonzen. So you're facing Switzerland.

A special relationship links the principality to its neighbour. Liechtenstein uses the Swiss franc as an official currency but, above all, it is the Swiss army that defends its defence. However, this does not prevent them from getting confused from time to time.

In the 1930s, Switzerland feared a German invasion and asked Liechtenstein if it could purchase Ellhorn Mountain to build a military outpost there. The microscopic state refuses.

Other odds are committed, each time because of cataclysmic climate conditions. During a training exercise in the Alps, Swiss soldiers cross the border and accidentally invade Liechtenstein. In December 1985, it was even rocket fire that landed in the green pastures of the Bannwald Forest. As a result, it fires and Switzerland compensates the principality in order to stop the diplomatic incident.

The Castle of Gutenberg

It is now time to start your hike. A few steps in the streets of Balzers are enough to fall nose to nose with the Castle of Gutenberg (no connection with the inventor of the printing). Not quite.

It is first of all the hill on which he is cheated that reveals himself. To reach this building dating from the 13th century, just follow the dedicated road. Now, perched several hundred meters away, once again enjoy the show that comes before you. Mountains, meadows, vineyards, everything blends to subjugate you.

Also enjoy this stop to visit the medieval fortress transformed from a museum. You will notice that recent constructions – due to renovations – blend perfectly with the original building. And if its architecture pleases you, know that you can rent it for any event.

Walk through the German Roman Empire and South America

Once your visit is complete, get out of the city to access the Alte Straße. As its name suggests, it is the old road where the citizens of the Holy Roman Germanic Empire transited. Along this path you will never stop admiring the picturesque landscapes of the surroundings. On the road to Triesenberg, you will see here and there many farms.

Your attention will surely be paid to one of them, Lama- ' Alpakahof. This exploitation is distinguished from others because it raises alpacas. And it’s probably not in the Alps that you expected to find this kind of animal.

You're gonna face a dilemma. Either you join Triesenberg, which is only a few blocks away and where several guest houses are available, or you offer a night to the star in a tipi of this farm. The experience is confusing but it is a memory that you will keep until the end of your days.

Whatever your choice, resting is essential to pursue the adventure.

Day 2: From Triesenberg to Vaduz

After a good night's sleep, the petrifications resume. Start by strolling through Triesenberg boutiques to turn your muscles back on. Then, when you feel ready, direction Vaduz.

Just out of town, you notice a huge rock on the coast. His presence remains a mystery. Scientists have been able to say that it is composed of gneiss, a kind of granite that we find on the mountain ranges. Problem, no river on the horizon takes its source in the summits and could have transported the imposing stone so far. The specialists dug the meninges and date this fall to the ice age.

Pass your way to the edge of a forest. The vision of the melezes, maple, limestone, ormes or ash does not surprise you. Indeed, from the beginning of your journey, you cross greener places than others. And yet! In the 1960s, the green spaces of the Principality were in a pitiful state. The country had to launch the "Integrated restoration of mountain forests" project so that they would not disappear.

The company is a success. Thanks to this, you can walk peacefully between the peaks of the local flora, while scrolling around to see a deer or other wild animal.

The forest eventually leads you to the ruins of Schalun Castle. Built in the 1100s, the building was deserted and burned in the 18th century. Since then, the lichen has become more and more appropriate, but the main room and the courtroom are still visible. In the middle of these, nothing will prevent you from taking you for the former master of the place!

Vaduz, capital and royal residence

To reach Vaduz, a negative 300m gap awaits you. On the other hand, don't imagine running such Laura Ingalls in the credits of Petite Maison in the Prairie. The route that awaits you includes many loops and you will therefore feel like a Sébastien Loeb in hiking shoes.

Once the capital is reached, follow the signs to find you in front of the Castle of Vaduz. Residence of the royal family, it is unfortunately closed to the public. However, technology allows you to discover the building. The Tourist Office has developed the LIstory® app, which lists more than 130 points of interest across the country. It also offers several experiences of augmented reality including the famous visit of the castle.

Activate it so that the place reveals its secrets to you. Tables, books, swords, the royal family has a beautiful collection and wanted to share it with potential tourists. When you think you know the building in all its seams, take your walk in Vaduz to meet the Cathedral of Saint-Florin.

Previously simple parish church, it was raised to the rank of Cathedral in 1997 when John Paul II ordered the creation of the archdiocese of Vaduz. The interior does not differ in any other religious buildings, but the white stones that make it denoted with the green landscapes around it. Its size also makes it majestic, especially since the height of the city’s housing remains modest.

For the folklore you can always go to the RheinPark Stadium, the Liechtenstein national team and the Vaduz FC. Bringing a jersey from one team will always be a good way to keep a memory of your trail.

Who wants to travel away cleanses his mount, so stop in one of the local hotels to recharge the batteries.

Day 3: From Vaduz to Nendeln

The day rises on Vaduz, a sign that it is time to go back to adventure. The rays of the sun illuminate a building in the distance, the Red House. Not stopping in front would be a crime of lèse-majesté.

Built in 1338, it houses very impressive gabled stairs that you can't see! Indeed, it is closed to the public. However, making the tower of the building remains interesting. In addition to the stones of the original construction are the famous cramese bricks. Another trace of a contemporary extension, the tower of an immaculate whiteness.

The next remarkable site forces you to walk several kilometers before reaching it. Don't go ball in the lead and always take a moment to appreciate the landscapes along your path.

The Castle of Schaan

The Schaan Castle is one of the many vestiges of the Roman Empire on the Principality. In the year 15 Jesus Christ, Drusus and Tiberius, the adoptive son of Emperor Augustus, were responsible for conquering the Alps. From this military campaign the kingdom of Rhetia was born.

After centuries of tranquility, the Roman Empire suffered the attacks of the barbaric peoples. He then ordered the construction of the fort to monitor the Alamans. The ruins of the castle and your historical knowledge remind you of the vanity of the company.

The importance of Johannes II

And since you are in Schaan, it is impossible to miss the monument erected in honour of Johannes II. Without it, Liechtenstein would never have become the country with the highest per capita GDP in the world.

In more than 70 years of reign, he had the telegraph installed and the telephone, ordered the laying of railways and negotiated the many agreements with Switzerland. The monument erected in his honour is not so imposing as his influence was great.

This trail commemorates the birth of Liechtenstein then walk to the Scheidgraben ditch in the commune of Planzen. So you are on the old border between Vaduz County and Schellenberg County. Although this state border has disappeared, the gap still separates the two regions of the country, the Unterland and the Oberland.

Last year, 800 Libyans and Liechtensteinans were slaughtered to take part in a march between Schaan and Scheidgraben to celebrate the 300 years.

After being impregnated with the history of the place, you resume your journey to Nendeln. This is where the third stage ends.

Day 4: From Nendeln to Ruggell

Your legs are starting to be heavy but it’s not time to plug! You’ve already made more than half of your trip, it wouldn’t be a matter of spitting at 200m from the buffet. Especially since it is the smallest stage of the trail.

The coming of John Paul II

At the border between Nendeln and Eschen are a strange monument, 3 metal structures that hold a crucifix surrounded by a golden crown. He celebrates one of the most important events in Liechtenstein, the coming of John Paul II.

Indeed, Christianity is the state religion of the Principality. It is not a coincidence that his national holiday falls on the day of the Assumption. In September 1985, the Sovereign Pontiff moved to the Lands of Liechtenstein for the first time in his history. 30,000 people travel for the occasion, more than the local population of the time.

The Prince then regent, François-Joseph II, ignites and declares that the visit of John Paul II is the most important and significant in the history of the Principality.

The Chronicles of Johan Georg Helbert

Lost in your thoughts – you still imagine how these 30,000 people could be present in such a small place – you enter Eschen. In the city centre there is a sculpture, that of Johan Georg Helbert, writer of the eponymous Chronicles.

In almost 300 pages, he was able to identify the various events that have taken place in the region. A work of goldsmith that allows this work to be a local historical reference.

However, Helbert also exposes his conservative Christian ideas, his rejection of the French Revolution and his loyalty to the Holy Roman Empire. Peter Kaiser, of whom we will speak later, was strongly inspired by him.

The successive constructions of the parish church of Bendern

The next step is in the nearby town of Bendern and, like the Château de Vaduz, it is the LIstory® application that will reveal the secrets of the parish church of the neighborhood. Before supporting the religious building, the hill saw several buildings succeed.

First a farm came out of the ground, probably at the age of Bronze. Then, for one does not know what reason, it was destroyed and its walls served as a base for a chapel. Nor does it resist time and Gamprin's patronage needs to recover the ground so that this neo-Gothic construction can see the day.

Have fun tapping several on your screen with LIstory® to see the evolutions over the centuries. Then gather on the tombs on the side and admire the building.

Your journey begins to reach its end. The way to Ruggell starts to make you melancholic because you haven’t seen them spend the last 4 days. If only we could go back to time...

Day 5: From Ruggell to Schaanwald

After discovering many curiosities, you are in the last stage of Liechtenstein trail! A final effort is necessary for you and your legs, before the satisfaction of the fulfilled duty invades you. And to start gently, nothing is worth a visit to the museum.

Küefer Martis Huus

The Küefer Martis Huus is a museum specialized in the study of water and its impact on life. And since we are in Liechtenstein, the Rhine necessarily takes a central place.

You will thus discover the influence of the river on the lives of the locals, which still depend today on the river to live easily in the heart of the Alps. What to take a step back on our operating modes and the importance of elements on our societal evolution.

Once the museum is visited, it is time to go back on a hike, towards the next place of interest, 4 km from here.

The ruins of Schellenberg

Here you are in the Schellenberg town. A short walking hour is necessary to discover the two remains of Obere Burg – literally the “High Castle” in French – and Untere Burg, the Bas Castle. The first city will focus the majority of your attention, as it has the most elements. In addition, its access is easier.

Your efforts will be quickly rewarded. The two villages are excellent witnesses of the medieval life of the 13th and 14th centuries and allow us to understand why the population has settled. Also, the fans of architecture will be served, since the ruins, although they are by degraded definition, allow us to have a more than clear idea of the type of construction privileged in this part of the German Roman Empire.

The frame is also majestic. Ancient life is drawn before your eyes. A fairly agricultural life, where only fortifications came to dress the landscape other than pastures and high-montagne.

The memorial Peter Kaiser

And as we go back to time, go back to the heart of the 19th century, in the city of Mauren. The Peter Kaiser Memorial awaits you in this commune. The bust of one of the founding fathers of Liechtenstein’s identity makes you aware and hopes that you were respectful of his country. However, Kaiser has not always had good press, nor in his duchy, nor in the rest of the Germanic countries.

This reputation, he owes it to his defence of the unification of Germany – like Johann Georg Helbert – while Mauren’s native lives in Vienna. A position that will force him to leave the city, to take refuge in Switzerland. Nevertheless, his political work and his history work will eventually be recognized in the second part of his life.

For example, Kaiser was a strong defender of the rights of non-privileged persons and slaves, in a state where nobles and aristocrats care only about them.

The day starts to leave room at night. You are rewarded with your efforts. You have managed to accomplish Liechtenstein trail. After kilometers of effort, admiration before nature, cultural and historical discoveries, it is time to finish this extraordinary stay in beauty.

The night of Funkensonntag

If a good meal or an aperitif are a great way to conclude this adventure, those who come in February will have the most beautiful ends. Every Sunday following the Ash Wednesday, the Funkensonntag takes place. It is a celebration widely celebrated in the Germanic countries, which consists of lighting lights of joy or firing fireworks, supposed to represent the end of winter.

The show offers another way of admiring the landscape, always as beautiful, but highlighted by the light of the lights of joy.

It is therefore under these festivities that you can enjoy this last day of trail, a sporting and tourist adventure. A unique moment that only Liechtenstein offers. A small country, but whose history and culture has nothing to envy others.