Are you curious about the best places to visit in Liechtenstein? This tiny yet picturesque country in the Alps is nestled between Switzerland and Austria. Despite being one of the smallest and least visited countries in the world, Liechtenstein boasts a wealth of amazing sights, landmarks, and history. You’ll find castles, charming little towns and villages, stunning natural beauty, and breathtaking mountain views. With its extensive network of hiking trails, Liechtenstein is truly a paradise for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Thinking about visiting? Wondering what to do there? To help you plan, we’ve put together a list of some top destinations in Liechtenstein.
Starting with Vaduz, the country’s modest capital, you’ll find it offers plenty despite its small size. Vaduz is a great place to begin your trip and is home to several interesting museums and historical landmarks. Check out Vaduz Castle, the most popular tourist attraction in the city. St. Florin Cathedral, a neo-Gothic church built in 1874, is also worth a visit. For a glimpse of Liechtenstein’s past, wander through Mitteldorf, a neighborhood in Vaduz that features traditional houses and beautiful late-medieval gardens. Don’t miss the Alte Rheinbrücke, a historic 135-meter-long wooden bridge over the Rhine linking Vaduz with Sevelen. It’s the last remaining wooden bridge of its kind to cross the Alpine Rhine.
Next, head to Gutenberg Castle in Balzers, Liechtenstein’s southernmost town. This historic castle began construction in the early 12th century and saw several owners and renovations until the 15th century. While the castle itself isn’t open to visitors, you can explore its courtyard, chapel, and rose garden every Sunday during the summer tourist season.
Triesenberg, a mountain village above the Rhine valley dating back to the 13th century, is now a popular holiday resort. Perched on the slopes of the Alps, it offers spectacular views of the surrounding area and the Rhine valley. Stroll through the town center to find quaint shops, cafes, and restaurants. Be sure to visit Saint Joseph Parish Church and the nearby Llama and Alpaca farm, where you can interact with these friendly animals. Farms tours are held in small groups and must be booked in advance, making it a great family-friendly activity.
For winter sports enthusiasts, Malbun is a charming skiing and holiday resort in the Alps, and a must-visit. In the summer, take the Sareis chair lift to a peak 2000 meters above sea level for breathtaking views of the mountains and valleys, and enjoy a meal at the café while exploring various walking trails. In winter, the same chairlift takes skiers to the slopes. You can also hike to the nearby Pfälzerhütte, a mountain hut at 2108 meters above sea level, and continue to Naafkopf, a 2571-meter-high peak and border point of Liechtenstein, Austria, and Switzerland. Alternatively, hike Augstenberg, a 2359-meter-high mountain taking roughly 4 hours to complete.
Another notable spot is Drei Schwestern (The Three Sisters), a mountain chain on the border of Liechtenstein and Austria. Part of the Rätikon mountain range, the Three Sisters features three peaks, with the Great Sister being the highest at 2053 meters. This area is popular among hikers for its extensive network of trails.
Finally, the Ruggeller Riet Nature Reserve in the northernmost region of Liechtenstein is a beautiful natural preserve covering 90 hectares of ponds, meadows, and lowland moors. It’s home to many endangered plants and animals and is exceptionally picturesque with stunning mountain backdrops. The reserve is perfect for walks, cycling, and picnics, especially in late May and early June when the Siberian iris blooms, covering large areas of the park in a stunning blue carpet.
For hiking enthusiasts, the Liechtenstein Trail offers the chance to explore the whole country on foot. This 75 km-long trail passes through all the municipalities of Liechtenstein and connects 147 historical sites and landmarks. It takes just 2 or 3 days to complete the route. If you prefer a shorter hike, you can start from any municipality and complete the trail in several stages.
Liechtenstein, though small, is packed with unique experiences and attractions waiting to be explored.