Best things to do in Liechtenstein
Find out more about those top places in Liechtenstein
Find out more about those top places in Liechtenstein
Tucked away between Switzerland and Austria, in the heart of the Alps, lies a country so small you could blink and miss it—but don't you dare. Liechtenstein may be tiny, measuring just over 160 km² (that’s about the size of Washington, D.C.), but it's bursting with charm, mountains, castles, and a financial sector that could make Wall Street blush. Welcome to your ultimate Liechtenstein travel guide, where we dive into the top attractions, quirky facts, and all the places to visit in this princely paradise.
Liechtenstein is a doubly landlocked country in Central Europe. That means it’s not only landlocked, but all the countries that surround it are landlocked too. If you’re into niche travel bragging rights, this is gold.
Bordered by Switzerland to the west and Austria to the east, Liechtenstein is the only country that lies entirely within the Alps. It’s also the only German-speaking country that doesn’t border Germany—talk about being the cool cousin who moved to the mountains and made it big.
Why visit? Because it’s the perfect combo of fairy-tale scenery, top sightseeing spots, world-class hiking and skiing, charming towns, and a capital city where you can literally bump into a prince.
Vaduz is the capital city of Liechtenstein and the country’s beating heart. While it’s more of a village by international standards, Vaduz has enough charm to fill a capital ten times its size.
Top attractions in Vaduz:
Vaduz Castle: Home to the royal family, this hilltop castle isn’t open to the public (unless you’re personally invited by the prince—let us know how you pulled that off), but the views are amazing and worth the uphill walk.
Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein: A sleek modern art museum that contrasts beautifully with the surrounding Alpine landscape.
Liechtenstein National Museum: Dive into the quirky and rich history of this mini nation—plus, where else can you see an exhibit on alpine farming and ancient coins in the same place?
Just north of Vaduz lies Schaan, the largest town in Liechtenstein (don’t worry, it’s still super walkable). It’s the business hub of the country, but don’t let the suits fool you—it has plenty to offer curious visitors.
Things to do in Schaan:
Visit DoMuS, a cultural center with local art exhibitions.
Explore the Roman ruins of Schaan, which are a fascinating glimpse into the ancient history of the region.
Walk along the Rhine River Trail for peaceful views and a chance to cross into Switzerland on foot.
If you love nature, you're in luck. Liechtenstein is like a playground for outdoor lovers, with hiking, skiing, and fresh mountain air that practically demands deep breaths and long sighs of joy.
The country has over 400 kilometers of hiking trails—not bad for a nation you could cross in a couple of hours. Trails range from gentle valley walks to challenging alpine routes.
Top hiking spots:
The Princes’ Way (Fürstensteig): A legendary trail with jaw-dropping views, dizzying ridges, and just the right amount of adrenaline.
Malbun to Pfälzerhütte: A scenic mountain hike that takes you through alpine meadows and ends at a cozy mountain hut where you can refuel with soup and schnapps.
Liechtenstein may not have its own Olympic team (okay, technically it does, but it’s small), yet the Malbun ski resort holds its own against the big players.
Things to do in Malbun:
Skiing and snowboarding for all levels.
Tobogganing for the kid in you.
Après-ski without the crowds—think alpine coziness, not drunken chaos.
Beyond the capital and ski slopes, Liechtenstein has some surprisingly quirky and unforgettable places to visit.
In the southern region of the country lies Balzers, home to the majestic Gutenberg Castle. Unlike the Vaduz Castle, this one is open to visitors during summer. Stroll the castle gardens and pretend you're in a medieval Netflix series.
Perched high above the Rhine Valley, Triesenberg is a picturesque village with a strong Walser culture, distinct dialect, and cozy alpine vibes. It’s also a great base for hikes or just for sipping hot chocolate with a view.
Let’s talk finance—Liechtenstein is famously known as a tax haven. But don’t worry, you don’t need a trust fund to enjoy it. In fact, the country is refreshingly accessible for travelers who plan ahead.
Travel tips:
Currency: Swiss Franc (CHF). Euros are sometimes accepted, but don’t count on it.
Language: German, though most people speak excellent English.
Getting around: The Liechtenstein Bus is efficient and connects all towns. You don’t need a car unless you’re chasing mountain peaks.
Population: Around 35,000. That’s smaller than most neighborhoods in New York.
Area: 160 km². Blink and you might end up in Austria.
Best time to visit: Year-round! Summer for hiking, winter for skiing, and spring/fall for fewer crowds.
Is it safe?: Absolutely. It’s one of the safest countries in the world. Leave your crime dramas at home.
Liechtenstein isn’t just another checkbox on your country count—it’s a travel experience that feels like stepping into a fairy tale, one with snow-capped peaks, royal castles, charming villages, and zero stress. It’s the kind of place where locals still say hello, cows have better views than most city dwellers, and your postcard home will leave friends Googling "Where is Liechtenstein?"
Whether you're into sightseeing, nature, quirky trivia, or just collecting unique passport stamps, this little principality packs a big punch.
So go ahead—add Liechtenstein to your next Europe itinerary. You might arrive curious, but you’ll leave enchanted.