Liechtenstein: The most beautiful sights and highlights

Contents:

• Vaduz: The stylish capital and its highlights
• Malbun & the mountains: Liechtenstein from above
• The Unterland: The quieter, rural side of Liechtenstein
• The Oberland: The south, with castles, mountain villages and sweeping views
• The Liechtenstein Trail: Discovering the Principality step by step
• Cuisine in Liechtenstein: Small, exquisite and surprisingly varied
• Accommodation in Liechtenstein – stylish in the valley or peaceful in the mountains
• Conclusion: Liechtenstein – small in size, big on experiences

Vaduz: The stylish capital with its highlights

Vaduz is the cultural and social heart of Liechtenstein, combining history, art and a relaxed urban atmosphere in a particularly charming way. Despite its compact size, the capital surprises visitors with a remarkable variety of sights and invites you to discover Liechtenstein at a leisurely pace. The Städtle, the central promenade in the heart of Vaduz, defines the city’s character with its well-kept alleyways, cosy cafés, stylish boutiques and contemporary sculptures. High above the city stands Vaduz Castle, the country’s landmark and the residence of the princely family.

A particular highlight is the compact museum mile, where several cultural attractions are clustered close together. The Liechtenstein Art Museum, the Liechtenstein National Museum, the Post Museum and the Treasury offer fascinating insights into the art, history and cultural heritage of the Principality. The experience is complemented by the historic Red House and the Känzile viewpoint, which offers beautiful views over Vaduz and the Rhine Valley.

Malbun & the Mountains: Liechtenstein from above

Malbun is Liechtenstein’s charming mountain village and the ideal place to experience the Principality from its alpine side. At around 1,600 metres, you can expect fresh mountain air, impressive peaks and a natural backdrop that is astonishingly diverse within a small area. A particular highlight is the ride on the Sareis chairlift, which takes you up to 2,000 metres. At the top, an impressive panorama opens up over the Rätikon mountains and the Rhine Valley. This is also the starting point for some of the region’s most beautiful hikes, which showcase Liechtenstein at its most spectacular.

Malbun is also a wonderful starting point for a wide variety of mountain experiences. In summer, hiking trails and nature walks invite you to explore, whilst in winter, ski slopes and family-friendly activities ensure active days in the mountains.

The Unterland: The quieter, more rural side of Liechtenstein

The Unterland in the north of Liechtenstein reveals the Principality at its most peaceful and unspoilt. Between Ruggell, Schellenberg, Mauren, Eschen and Gamprin, the landscape is characterised by vast meadows, forests, small villages and rolling countryside. For anyone who appreciates nature, a slower pace of life and tranquil views, this region offers a lovely contrast to Vaduz and the alpine mountain scenery around Malbun.

The Unterland is particularly appealing for leisurely walks and easy hikes. The historic Unterland High Trail leads over the Eschnerberg through varied landscapes and past archaeological and historical sites. Another natural highlight is the Ruggeller Riet, a nature reserve covering around 90 hectares in the far north of the country, which delights nature lovers in particular. The Unterland also has plenty to offer culturally. In Schellenberg there are two atmospheric castle ruins, of which the Obere Burg in particular can be reached after just a short walk. Also well worth a visit is the church hill in Bendern, which is regarded as one of the country’s most historically significant sites and offers fascinating insights into Liechtenstein’s early history.

The Oberland: the south, with castles, mountain villages and sweeping views

The Oberland in the south of Liechtenstein showcases the Principality’s scenic and cultural diversity in a particularly striking way. Nestled amongst vineyards, valley villages and hillsides offering sweeping views, this region harmoniously blends history, nature and panoramic vistas. Towns such as Balzers and Triesenberg epitomise this charming contrast between the Rhine Valley and the Alpine highlands. 

A particular highlight is Gutenberg Castle in Balzers, which towers over the village from a hill some 70 metres high and is one of Liechtenstein’s best-known landmarks. Further up, Triesenberg captivates visitors with its distinctive Walser culture. The Walser Museum brings the history and way of life of the Walser people to life, whilst the Walser Legends Trail winds through the impressive cultural landscape, offering beautiful views of the Rhine Valley at every turn. 

The Liechtenstein Trail: Discovering the Principality step by step

For those who wish to experience Liechtenstein not just in bits and pieces but as a whole, the Liechtenstein Trail offers a particularly wonderful opportunity to do so. Officially, the route stretches for over 75 kilometres through all eleven municipalities of the country, combining nature, history, culture and breathtaking views in a truly harmonious way. It is precisely these short distances that make the trail so appealing: you discover an entire country step by step, whilst experiencing a surprising amount of variety along the way. Typically, the hike begins in the south in Balzers and proceeds in several stages to Schaanwald in the north. Officially, the Liechtenstein Trail is divided into five day stages – from Balzers to Triesenberg, then on to Vaduz, Nendeln, Ruggell and finally Schaanwald. Those who do not wish to walk the entire route in one go can also choose to walk just individual sections. 

What makes it particularly special is that the Liechtenstein Trail is far more than just a classic hiking route. Along the way, historic sites, vantage points, vineyards, village centres and nature experiences come together to form a multifaceted picture of the Principality. The LIstory app also enhances the route with stories and background information on Liechtenstein’s culture and history.

Cuisine in Liechtenstein: Small, exquisite and surprisingly varied

When it comes to cuisine, too, Liechtenstein has far more to offer than one might expect at first glance. With its traditional inns, cosy beer halls and sophisticated gourmet cuisine, the Principality proves to be a delight and surprisingly diverse. Among the best-known specialities are Käsknöpfle and Ribel, which are officially recognised as the country’s national dishes. At the same time, Liechtenstein Tourism highlights an exceptionally high concentration of excellent gourmet restaurants for a country with a population of around 40,000. 

A particularly delightful aspect of the country’s culinary identity is its wine culture. Wine-growing has a long tradition in Liechtenstein, and the Prince of Liechtenstein’s estate winery in Vaduz is situated in the Herawingert vineyard, which, with its south-westerly aspect and mild Föhn climate, offers ideal conditions for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. 

If you’re looking for specific recommendations, you should visit the Wirtschaft zum Löwen in Schellenberg for its Käsknöpfle, the Berggasthaus Masescha above Triesenberg for regional cuisine with a view, and the Liechtensteiner Braustube in Schaan for home-brewed beer and hearty fare. For fine dining, Torkel and Marée in Vaduz are also among the country’s best-known establishments.

Accommodation in Liechtenstein – stylish in the valley or peaceful in the mountains

Liechtenstein also offers a surprisingly wide variety of accommodation options. Whether centrally located in Vaduz, with stunning views in Triesenberg or right in the heart of nature in Malbun – there are hotels, holiday flats and chalets to suit every travel style. Those who prefer comfort and an urban atmosphere will find the valley the ideal place to stay, whilst Triesenberg and Malbun are particularly appealing to anyone who values peace and quiet, mountain air and beautiful views. It is precisely these short distances between the town, nature and the mountains that make Liechtenstein particularly attractive when choosing accommodation.

Our accommodation recommendations:

• Park Hotel Sonnenhof, Vaduz – a stylish hotel with a sophisticated ambience and beautiful views

• Central by Hotel Residence, Vaduz – ideal for anyone looking for a central and comfortable stay

• Hotel Oberland, Triesenberg – perfect for peace and quiet, panoramic views and mountain charm

• JUFA Hotel Malbun, Malbun – a good choice for nature holidays and active days in the mountains

Conclusion: Liechtenstein – small in size, big on experiences

Liechtenstein demonstrates just how much diversity a small country can offer. From Vaduz via Malbun to the tranquil and historic regions of the Unterland and Oberland, the Principality combines culture, nature and enjoyment in a particularly compact way. It is precisely these short distances that make Liechtenstein ideal for a varied short break offering a surprisingly rich experience.