Liechtenstein: soaking in the Alpine sights

Liechtenstein

Are you ready for some Liechtenstein? Just barely bigger than Manhattan, this pint-sized country is filled with rolling hills, lush forests and quaint villages.

Sandwiched between Switzerland and Austria, this little piece of heaven is ideal for all seasons. Summer sees outdoor sports enthusiasts hiking rocky cliffs and cyclists zipping down winding paths, while winter welcomes skiers and ice-skaters ploughing the powdery snow.

Vaduz City

The nation’s capital, Vaduz is a collision of old and new. Home to the Prince of Liechtenstein who still lives in a castle, the city also houses modern structures like the Liechtenstein Museum of Fine Arts in a futuristic cube-like building. In the heart of the city- a car restricted zone, visitors can roam freely to appreciate the architectural concoction of medieval, gothic and baroque delights.

The Liechtenstein National Museum is a good place to learn about this pocket-sized country. In a historic building at the city center, the museum takes you back to the days before the country’s creation by the Viennese princes. There are six thousand years of history housed here, including the Iron and Bronze Age, with preserved pottery and fossil displays.

Tip: If you’re a stamp collector, don’t forget to drop by the Postage Stamp Museum when you’re at the National museum. It covers the country’s postal service and contains an extensive collection of stamps, some of which are extremely rare.

Vaduz’s old bridge is a must-visit, and the walk there offers a stunning view of the mountains wrapping the city. Spanning across the Rhine River that parts Liechtenstein and Switzerland, its rustic, weathered appearance gives it an old-world feel. The bridge welcomes visitors on foot or on bicycles. Cars are frowned upon. Cross the bridge and you’ll find yourself in Switzerland. There’s no need to flash your passports here, there are no border checks.

The Vaduz Cathedral (or Cathedral of St. Florin) began as a parish church and is now a cathedral. When in Vaduz, swing by to admire its neo-Gothic design from the 1800s, built in early medieval style.

If you want to see as much as possible in Vaduz without spending too much time, hop on the City Train. It’s a 35-minute journey through the city center with commentary on the country’s history, insights to its beautiful sights and introduction on its royal family. The ride takes you through residential areas, vineyards and the town landmarks. It costs 10.50 Swiss Francs, not the cheapest, but it gives you a good feel of the country and how the people live.

Tip: Before hopping on, make sure you let them know you need the English commentary. The default guides are in German and French.

To see how folks of Liechtenstein once lived, visit Mittldorf, a street north of the city centre. Cobblestone streets lead you to what looks like a mini village centuries ago, with traditional houses with flower gardens. The building that catches the eye the most is the Red House, a late-medieval building that rises above the vineyards.

Vaduz Castle

Watching over the city on a hill, the Vaduz Castle is an imposing symbol of the capital. Still home to the royal family, this means no visitors are allowed into the castle. Still, making a trip to the castle is recommended for its sweeping views. At the end of the Vaduz city center, take the flight of stairs to get to the path to the castle, which takes around 15 to 20 minutes. There are benches along the way for you to take a breather and soak in the sights. Views of the city from outside the castle grounds make the climb worthwhile.

Tip: If you really, really want to get into the castle, visit on 15 August, where you get a rare glimpse of the castle grounds. It’s Liechtenstein’s National Day where fireworks light up the night sky and the prince himself is in a welcoming mood.

Hiking and skiing in Liechtenstein

Tucked away in the Alps, the ski resort village of Malbun is where you want to be for outdoor sports both summer and winter or if you just want a visual feast of the Alps.

In winter, the slopes here have varying levels of difficulty, which means family with small children can enjoy the joys of skiing. For the little ones and beginners, there is the Malbi Park, where they will glide up the “malbi-teppic” (the conveyor belt bringing them a 40-meter slope) to learn skiing. Parents can choose to accompany their kids or leave them with instructors.

For the breath-taking views of the mountainous Alps, take the chairlift (35 Swiss Francs) to the top. The Sareis chairlift brings you to Sareiserjoch. In summer, it makes the perfect beginning for a hike and in winter, the ideal start for your ski down. The third option is of course to soak in the tranquil surroundings. You get amazing views of Austria, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. And when you are done, pop by the Sareis mountain restaurant for a bite before calling it a day.

Summertime in Liechtenstein means blooming flowers and lush vegetation, attracting hikers to embark on their adventures. Hikers can easily find rare flower species, trees and shrubs. Popular hiking trails include Saminatal Valley, Princess Gina Trail (which starts in Malbun and leads to Schonberg), Alp Gapfahl and more.

The Princess Gina Trail, in particular, starts at Sareiserjoch. Named after Princess Gina of Liechtenstein, the path brings you to a flowered mountain ridge, where you’ll get to a trail secured with steel ropes and handholds to lead you to the Liechtenstein Alpine Club’s Pfälzerhütte hut at the base of the Naapfkopf Mountain. If you’re a hiking enthusiast, conquer the Naapfkopf Mountain. You’ll be rewarded with spectacular views.

Tip: If you’re a couple looking to inject some love in your hiking adventure, stay the night at the Pfälzerhütte Hut. The sunrise the next morning is to die for.

Getting around in Liechtenstein

Transport is convenient in Liechtenstein. There is only one bus operator in the country and the fares are reasonable.

Tip: if you’re in town for up to one week, get the 7-day unlimited day pass, which costs only 24 Swiss Francs.

Another way to get around is on bicycles. In fact, one of the best ways to see the country is to bike across it. Enter from Austria all the way through to Switzerland, the journey takes a few hours. Pack a small bag of food items and you’re all set for some gorgeous Alpine scenery.

If you’re planning a holiday to Switzerland or Austria, it’s worth popping by Liechtenstein for a short spell (around three days should suffice) to take in its charming views.