The 9 most beautiful places to visit in Liechtenstein

Want to discover one of the smallest countries in Europe? Come visit Liechtenstein with our selection of the 9 most beautiful places!

It is not unusual for Liechtenstein to go unnoticed in the European landscape. This last monarchy of the former German Confederation is 160km2 and has 11 municipalities. Nestled between Austria and Switzerland , the Principality, which celebrated its 300th anniversary in 2019, makes little talk about it although it is one of the richest countries in the world. To visit Liechtenstein is to spend a childhood in the life of the famous heroine with braids, Heidi . Moreover, part of the country is nicknamed Heidiland, a region of tourist mountains on horseback on Switzerland.

Visiting Liechtenstein is an opportunity to discover a dynamic contemporary art scene with renowned museums and art centres. Many historical buildings have also been preserved and of course, it is an ideal destination for nature lovers and mountain landscapes. Thus, to visit Liechtenstein, here is our selection of the 9 most beautiful places to visit in this small country.

1. Vaduz

Visit Liechtenstein begins with a tour in its capital, Vaduz. The first thing we notice is the castle that overlooks the small town of a little over 5000 souls. Built on a hill in the 12th century, it is still today the residence of the princière family that governs the country and thus, does not visit but nothing prevents you from going to admire its turrets.

The city centre of the capital does not lack attractiveness with a mix of ancient and contemporary architecture. You can see, among other things, the famous Red House that overlooks a plot of vineyards. Don’t forget to go to the Liechtenstein Museum to learn more about the country’s original history and discover the Treasury of the Principality. On the contemporary side, don’t miss the art centre designed by Cuban artist-architect Ricardo Porro. Finally, the pedestrian center is renowned to be a very nice place to enjoy the terraces in the beautiful days and go in the footsteps of the statues scattered here and there.

2. The Kunstmuseum, Hilti Art Foundation

It is the most famous museum to visit in Liechtenstein. The building whose contemporary architecture is easily recognizable with its facade of polished basalt stones, houses modern and contemporary art collections post 1945. Although it dates back to the 2000s, the museum has already built a strong international reputation.

However, its collections and exhibitions can derogate non-initiates. In fact, they focus particularly on the currents of Arte Povera and post-minimalism, rather sharp currents. However, it would be a shame to pass by because the museum is coupled with the funds of the Hilti Foundation, the name of a family of collectors. Over the years, the latter has collected works that speak more to the general public, such as Picasso or Giacometti. It may be a good opportunity to be surprised.

3. Liechtenstein trail

With this trail, you can visit Liechtenstein on foot and take a full tour. On 75km, it crosses the country's 11 municipalities. In all, more than a hundred points of interest were selected. There are all, fascinating historical sites such as the ruins of Schellenberg, superb panoramas and bucolic landscapes.

For example, you cross the country's most beautiful vineyards, but also the peatlands of the Ruggeller Riet reserve, pastures and Eschnerberg mountain, not to mention the shore of the Rhine. To accompany you, the National Tourist Office has launched a "Listory app" application that allows you to learn more about each site.

4. The castle of Gutenberg

Located in Balzers, it is one of the points of interest by which the visitor passes on the Liechtenstein trail and you must not miss it. It is impossible to miss its massive silhouette which dominates the village 70 meters high.

According to archaeological excavations, the site is inhabited from the Neolithic and the most important found objects can be seen at the National Museum in Vaduz. Although restored in the early twentieth century, the fortress kept its medieval footprint with high walls, turrets and murderers.

If the castle is only rarely visited and only during the summer season, the ramparts are accessible throughout the year. Visitors can also see the old chapel and the rose garden.

5. Nature Reserve Ruggeller Riet

If you want bucolic landscapes to be desired, you have to go for a tour in this reserve. Small streams, green pastures, majestic trees that appear in the morning mist, everything is there.

The reserve covers a total of 90 hectares, yes it is little but remember the size of the country, and has a peat-rich soil. Thanks to this, nature exposes its wonders as the blooming of thousands of Iris of Siberia in May-June. The lucky ones will also be able to observe storks that have relocated there a few years ago.

In addition, the banks of the canal and the Rhine have been arranged with rest areas, picnics, even barbecue for the summer evenings. What more?

6. Malbun

This is the resort to visit in Liechtenstein and no matter what season. With its 1600 meters of altitude at the bottom of the slopes, the snow is guaranteed in winter and makes the happiness of the skiers. Those who want to test mountaineering will be able to do this because, every winter, an ice tower of 20 meters high is erected in the resort.

Children will certainly love the zoo with a space dedicated to falconry and a special corner where they can be directly in contact with a number of farm animals. You can even make a trek accompanied by lamas and alpacas.

In the summer, it is on Lake Gaenglese that tourists go for the farniente or endless fishing parts.

7. The Fürstensteig

This is the hiking trip to Liechtenstein. Also known as the "Three Sisters" trail, this hiker attracts the premises that practice it as a passing rite. Attention, however, the inhabitants are experienced hikers, which is not necessarily the case of everyone, but it is worth the effort to get there as the panorama is exceptional.

At the beginning, the trail crosses forests and pastures and then arrives in the rock. This is where you must have the heart tightened because you cross suspended bridges. In addition, some passages are very airy although secure and there is even a mini via ferrata. But this is the price if you want to play the adventurer of the summits. As a reward, you pass under impressive arches of rocks and the view in clear weather overlooks superb massifs with shredded ridges, or even to Lake Constance.

8. The Samina Valley

The Samina River valley is one of the most beautiful to visit in Liechtenstein. It lies at the foot of the Three Sisters summit and hides beautiful wild landscapes. The hike is accessible for beginners, although it lasts 5 hours and takes 13km.

The trail gently winds on the slopes through the conifer forests. Sometimes the hike takes the walkers to the nearest river with bridges on pilots that allow you to admire the reflections of the mountains in crystalline water. To delight lovers of virgin nature and large spaces.

9. The Walser Museum, Triesenberg

This museum is one of the cultural jewels to visit in Liechtenstein. It allows to discover the history of the Walser people. It is a German-speaking people who settled in the country in the 12th and 13th centuries. They emigrated from Valais to Switzerland and settled in Triesenberg, a traditional mountain village. Still today, the locals perpetuate the traditions of their ancestors and always practice their language, which can be confusing during a discussion.

This museum will particularly appeal to those who want to discover the traditions of ancient peoples. There are artifacts of everyday life, folk costumes and the interior of a traditional old chalet is restored. To go further, do not miss walking on one of the historic circuits established by the municipality or even participating in the annual meeting of the community.

So, what do you expect to visit Liechtenstein?