Liechtenstein is a tiny principality tucked between Switzerland and Austria. Saying it’s small isn’t an exaggeration: the country is only 25 km (15 miles) long! Though it is tiny, Liechtenstein is big on attractions. It is a mountainous country with stunning landscapes and opportunities for lots of outdoor activities like skiing and hiking. It is also rich in history, with a royal lineage that extends far beyond its founding in 1719. Though it is historic, Liechtenstein is also modern and contemporary, with shopping and theater that rival any major European country. It also has the perfect combination of climate, soil, and location to produce some of the Rhine Valley’s best wines. Though it is small, this is not just a country you pass through: read on for some of the many things to do in Liechtenstein.
1. Check out Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein
You could spend hours perusing the collection of art at the Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein. Located in Vaduz, the museum is centered around modern and contemporary art. The artworks at the museum are primarily three-dimensional objects, like sculptures and installations. The museum rotates through its collection in temporary displays to keep the experience fresh and dynamic. Several years ago, the museum opened the Hilti Art Foundation building, which houses a private collection of art that dates back 130 years.
Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein
Address: Städtle 32, 9490 Vaduz, Liechtenstein
Website: Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 5pm (Closed on Mon)
Price: 15 USD
2. Hike along the Historical Eschnerberg Trail
Learn about the history of Liechtenstein while taking a breathtaking hike by walking the Escnerberg Trail. This trail starts in Bendern and stretches 15 km (9 miles) to Schellenberg. Along the way, you will walk past sites of historical importance, including places where archaeological discoveries were made or that are significant to local myths and legends. Though the trail is along the side of a mountain, it is an easy hike that is fun for people of many activity levels. You’ll also be treated to stunning vistas of the Rhine Valley and Alvier mountain range.
Historical Eschnerberg Trail
Address: Giessenstrasse 24, 9491 Ruggell
Website: Historical Eschnerberg Trail
Opening hours: Sunrise - sunset (daily)
Price: Free
3. Visit Gutenburg Castle
Another historical place to add to your itinerary is Gutenberg Castle. Located in the municipality of Balzers, this structure dates back to the middle ages. The history of the hill it sits on dates back even farther, and archaeological evidence shows that people have inhabited the area since the neolithic era. The current building started as a church but was expanded to a castle starting from the 12th century. The building was restored in the early 1900s and it is now open to visitors. You can see the preserved interior or walk around the pretty rose gardens outside.
Gutenburg Castle
Address: Burgweg 5, 9496 Balzers, Liechtenstein
Website: Gutenburg Castle
Opening hours: 10am - 7pm (daily)
Price: Free
4. Explore the Calculator and Typewriter Museum
Kids and adults will get a kick out of visiting the Calculator and Typewriter Museum. The museum has an extensive collection that includes 250 exhibits about these machines. Visitors will learn how they work and their history- some of the objects in the museum are over 150 years old. There are a couple of items of important significance: the smallest known calculator in the world, made in Liechtenstein, and an Enigma machine used by the Germans in WWII to encrypt and send secret messages.
Calculator and Typewriter Museum
Address: Altes Riet 121, 9494 Schaan, Liechtenstein
Website: Calculator and Typewriter Museum
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: Free
5. Hike along the Fürstensteig
The Fürstensteig trail is one of the classic mountain hikes in Liechtenstein. The trail is not easy, but it’s well worth the gorgeous views and the sense of accomplishment you’ll feel upon completion! The trail begins in Galflei and travels 12 km (7.5) miles to Planken. Though that may not seem like a great distance, the trail has a steep ascent and descent that typically takes five hours to complete. It also consists of steep, narrow trails that are often on the sides of high cliffs. If you’re a sure-footed hiker, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking vistas of the Voralberg Mountains in Austria and Lake Constance.
Fürstensteig
Address: Äulestrasse 30, 9490 Vaduz
Website: Fürstensteig
Opening hours: Sunrise - sunset (daily)
Price: Free
Tip from Content Creator
Hiking along the Fürstensteig path was quite the experience! The fog was intense around the mountain, meaning it was very hard to see anything beyond a 5-meter (16.4-foot) radius.
After around 40 minutes of the hike, we found some strange tracks on the ground. We realized that there were lynxes in that area. Since I'm not a big fan of wild animals, I didn’t want to test our luck and we turned around.
Either way, the hike was super cool!
6. Visit the Red House in Vaduz
The Red House is one of the symbols of the capital city of Vaduz. It is a stone structure with a gabled tower that can be seen around the city. The house gets its name from the red brick facade on one side. The building dates back to the middle ages and it has served various uses. It has been owned by a monastery and served as a private home. Since the early 1800s, it was owned by the family of Egon Rheinberger, a famous painter. Visitors cannot enter the house, but its pretty exterior is worth a visit to the grounds.
Red House in Vaduz
Address: Fürst-Franz-Josef-Strasse 102, 9490 Vaduz
Website: Red House in Vaduz
Opening hours: 9am - 9pm (daily)
Price: Free
7. Go skiing in Malbun
Liechtenstein’s mountainous terrain makes it an ideal place for a skiing trip. The country’s most famous winter resort is located in Malbun, which attracts visitors from far beyond the area. It is a bustling ski resort with 23 km (14 miles) of slopes available. The mountain has seven chairlifts so you can easily get to your desired trails. One chairlift even goes down into the village so you’ll have easy access to your hotel room or chalet for apres ski activities.
Malbun Ski Resort
Address: Malbun, Liechtenstein
Website: Malbun Ski Resort
Opening hours: 8:30am - 4pm (daily)
Price: 49 USD
8. Have fun at Malbi Adventure Playground
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
A fun option for kids in Melbun is a day at Malbi Adventure Playground. Children can participate in various activities that will make their visit to Lichtenstein even more enjoyable. Activities range from the traditional, like arts and crafts and games, to things unique to Malbi, like going on a treasure hunt, making bread or ice cream, and seeing where marmots live. The Malbi Adventure Playground is a great idea if parents want to have some time together on the slopes or just sightseeing in Melbun.
Malbi Adventure Playground
Address: Malbunstrasse 60, 9497 Malbun, Liechtenstein
Website: Malbi Adventure Playground
Opening hours: 9am - 4pm (daily)
Price: 15 USD
9. Tour Liechtenstein's National Museum
Learn all about Liechtenstein’s history and culture at the National Museum. The large collection is spread out over 42 exhibit rooms, and it has items dating all the way back to the neolithic period, which were found in archaeological sites. Other artifacts include weapons, artworks, and household items. There are also replicas of a late Gothic room and a farmhouse parlor. The museum has two additional areas open to visitors. The Postal Museum covers the history of the postal service in the country, including a complete collection of all official stamps dating to 1912. The Farmhouse Museum reproduces what everyday life was like in the area in the 19th century.
Liechtenstein National Museum
Address: Städtle 43, 9490 Vaduz, Liechtenstein
Website: Liechtenstein National Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 5pm (Closed on Mon)
Price: 10 USD
10. Ride the Citytrain in Vaduz
A fun way to explore the capital of Liechtenstein is aboard the Citytrain! This charming trolley looks just like a small train and transports visitors around Vaduz. Take the 35-minute ride around and get oriented to the city through the multi-language audio tour. They also have special themed tours if you want to learn about Liechtenstein’s royal family, history, or wineries. Though Vaduz is a small city in a small country, it has lots to offer and the Citytrain is a fun way to experience it.
Citytrain
Address: Rathausgasse 1, 9490 Vaduz, Liechtenstein
Website: Citytrain
Opening hours: 8:30am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 10.50 USD
11. Have a look inside the ruined castles of Schellenberg
One of the most popular attractions in Liechtenstein is the castle ruins of Schellenberg. Walk around the remains of two castles. The larger one, called Obere Burg, was built around 1200 and has all the features of a typical medieval castle. The second castle, called Untere Burg, was built around 50 years later. It is thought that the castles fell into disrepair after they ceased to be inhabited in the 1500s. The rocky ruins provide an eerie but educational setting that is a must-add to your itinerary.
Castle ruins in Schellenberg
Address: Gemeindeverwaltung, Dorf 49, 9488 Schellenberg, Liechtenstein
Website: Castle ruins in Schellenberg
Opening hours: 8am - 8pm (daily)
Price: Free
12. Explore the Church Hill of Bendern
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Church Hill in Bendern is one of the most important historical sights in all of Liechtenstein. It is at this site that subjects under Schellenburg rule swore their loyalty to a new local ruler in 1699. This event marked the creation of what is today known as Liechtenstein. The hill does have a church on it that was built in 1481. However, the site has had a church on it long before that date and evidence shows that one was located there as early as the 6th century.
Church Hill of Bendern
Address: Haldengasse 93, 9487 Gamprin-Bendern, Liechtenstein
Website: Church hill of Bendern
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: Free
13. Check out the interesting exhibits at Lawena Museum
Learn all about the history of electricity at Lawena Museum. Exhibits in the museum date back to 1910 and cover the history of the iron, the electric stove, the washing machine, the radiator, the vacuum cleaner, and much more. You’ll never realize there was so much to learn about the items we use in our everyday lives! The museum is named for the Lawena Power Plant, and there is an exhibit dedicated to the power plant and its electrical parts.
Lawena Museum
Address: Sägastrasse 33, 9495 Triesen, Liechtenstein
Website: Lawena Museum
Opening hours: 1pm - 5pm (daily)
Price: Free
14. Cycle across the Old Bridge
The Old Bridge in Vaduz is a charming covered bridge that looks perfect against the backdrop of the Rhine River and mountains beyond. The bridge is 135 meters (445 feet) long, and it is the last remaining wooden bridge spanning the Rhine. It has been in use since 1901. To preserve the bridge, no cars are permitted to cross it, which means the only vehicles allowed on the bridge are bicycles! Make a day out of it and bike around the charming streets of Vaduz and the rolling hills beyond.
Old Bridge
Address: Städtle 6, 9490 Vaduz, Liechtenstein
Website: Old Bridge
Opening hours: Sunrise - sunset (daily)
Price: Free
15. Sample the wines at the Prince of Liechtenstein Winery
Though Liechtenstein is the smallest wine-producing country in the world, it is a big part of the principality’s culture and economy and produces some of the best wine in the Rhine Valley! One of the biggest wineries is actually owned by the royal family, but visitors are welcome to tour the facilities and taste the wines too! Wine lovers should definitely put the Prince of Liechtenstein Winery on their agenda. The winery is home to the sprawling Herawingert vineyards, which produce excellent grapes for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay because of the mild climate and ideal soil. Tastings are available every day except Sunday and include four wines. You can also stroll around the vineyards and even tour the old wine cellar.
Prince of Liechtenstein Winery
Address: Feldstrasse 4, 9490 Vaduz, Liechtenstein
Website: Prince of Liechtenstein Winery
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 6pm; Sat: 9am - 5pm (Closed on Sun)
16. Marvel at St. Florin Church and Cathedral
Also known as the Vaduz Cathedral, St. Florin Church is the spiritual center of Vaduz. This Gothic cathedral has a sweeping spire which is a noticeable part of the Vaduz skyline. Though a chapel was probably present at the location since the first century, the current building dates back to 1874. Several members of the Liechtenstein royal family, including Prince Franz Joseph II, his wife Princess Georgina, and Princess Elisabeth are buried there.
St. Florin Church and Cathedral
Address: St. Florinsgasse 15, 9490 Vaduz, Liechtenstein
Website: St. Florin Church and Cathedral
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: Free
17. Watch artisans make Schadler Pottery
See potters and ceramics painters hard at work on their masterpieces at the Schadler Pottery Workshop. This arts and crafts workshop is the oldest in Liechtenstein and it has been in operation since 1836. Artisans produce handcrafted items like earthenware dishes, art ceramics, and tiled stoves. Visitors will not only see the makers at work, but they will get a complete tour of the kiln room, the tile production unit, and the glazing area. You’ll get to see, up close, how much work and attention goes into creating these pieces of pottery, and appreciate these items more!
Schadler Pottery Workshop
Address: Churer Strasse 60, 9495 Nendeln, Liechtenstein
Website: Schadler Pottery Workshop
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 5pm (Closed on Sat & Sun)
Price: Free
18. Check out the birds at Galina Falconry Center
The Galina Falconry Center offers a unique opportunity to get up close with some feathered friends! Galina is home to several species of birds of prey, including falcons, eagles, and owls. They offer a daily show in which these birds perch on their handlers’ hands and do other tricks. You can also purchase food and drink during the show. If you’d rather take a more active role than sitting and watching a show, sign up for the Eagle Adventure Hike. You’ll be guided through the majestic mountains by a falconer who brings his bird along–it may even fly around the group as you walk!
Galina Falconry Center
Address: Dorfzentrum, 9497 Triesenberg, Liechtenstein
Website: Galina Falconry Center
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 3pm - 5pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 8 USD
19. Whizz around the Nendeln Go-Kart Track
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
For a fun change of pace from your typical European tourist activities, head to the Nendeln Go-Kart Track! The track is 150 meters (492 feet) long, so you’ll have plenty of room to get up to fast speeds. Up to five cars can be on the track at once, so bring some friends and turn it into a race! You can also be assured that this is a safe activity for the whole family. The cars are exhaust-free so the track won’t fill up with smoke, and they have taken measurements to make the track and cars fire-resistant.
Nendeln Go-Kart Track
Address: Sägastrasse 38, 9485 Nendeln, Liechtenstein
Website: Nendeln Go-Kart Track
Opening hours: Fri: 5pm - 10pm; Sat - Sun: 1pm - 7pm (Closed from Mon - Thu)
Price: 18 USD
20. Go cross country skiing in the resort area of Steg
Malbun isn’t just a resort for alpine skiing–it’s also a great place to try out cross-country skiing. The best spot to go cross-country skiing is at Steg Ski Resort. Steg is the beginning of a 15 km (9 mi) skiing trail in the picturesque Valünatal. A short section of the trail is even illuminated at night so you can still ski if you get a late start during short winter days. Aside from cross-country trails, Steg also has a 1 km (0.6 mi) long toboggan run which you can sled down! In the summertime, it’s a popular place for hikers.
Steg Ski Resort
Address: 9497 Triesenberg-Malbun, Liechtenstein
Website: Steg Ski Resort
Opening hours: 8am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 32 USD
21. Sip on coffee at Bäckerei Guflina
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Just enjoying the pretty mountain vistas is one of the best parts about visiting Liechtenstein, and one of the best places to do it is at Bäckerei Guflina. This cafe has a spacious sun terrace where you can take in a panorama of mountains and idyllic ski chalets. The views aren’t the only reason to visit Bäckerei Guflina though. They also have a delicious menu of pastries and bread. Pear bread, pretzels, savory party bread, and gingerbread are just a few of their offerings. If you’re hungry enough for a full meal, they also offer larger dishes and have brunch on Sunday mornings.
Bäckerei Guflina
Address: Rotenbodenstrasse 3, 9497 Triesenberg, Liechtenstein
Website: Bäckerei Guflinat
Opening hours: Wed - Mon: 7am - 7pm (Closed on Tue)
22. Dance the night away at Alpenchique Schaan
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
After taking in all the natural beauty and cultural attractions Liechtenstein has to offer, blow off some steam by going to the trendy Alpenchique Schaan. This club offers great food, drinks, and music for a fun evening out. Alpenchique Schaan is both sophisticated yet rustic, creating a cool yet cozy vibe. The music starts at 10 pm and dancing doesn’t end until the wee hours of the morning!
Alpenchique Schaan
Address: Riet 22, Schaan, Liechtenstein
Website: Alpenchique Schaan
Opening hours: Fri - Sat: 10pm - 3pm (Closed from Sun - Thu)
23. Stroll in the beautiful pedestrian street of Städtle
Vaduz is one of the most charming cities in Liechtenstein, and nowhere is this more evident than Städtle street. This pedestrian-only walkway is the heart of the city. Along the street are dozens of quaint shops and charming eateries. However, it is also home to several museums including Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein and the Post Museum. You can also admire the city’s gorgeous architecture at buildings like the Regierungsgebäude, a government building, and the Rathaus, or city hall.
Städtle pedestrian street
Address: Städtle, 9490 Vaduz, Liechtenstein
Website: Städtle pedestrian street
Opening hours: Sunrise - Sunset (daily)
Price: Free
24. Pamper yourself at Bodhi Massage
After days spent skiing or sightseeing, you’ll be due for some relaxing! Head over to Bodhi Massage for a luxurious spa experience that will leave you feeling rejuvenated. The spa has several different massage options including Thai yoga massage and a reflexology massage. Get a herbal stamp therapy treatment for purifying and detoxing the body or an aromatherapy treatment to stimulate your body’s functions. The experts at Bodhi Massage use the soothing techniques that have been in practice for thousands of years to get you utterly relaxed and pampered.
Bodhi Massage GmbH
Address: St. Luzi-Strasse 22, 9492 Eschen, Liechtenstein
Website: Bodhi Massage
Opening hours: Fri - Sat: 9am - 8pm (Closed from Sun - Thu)
Price: 112 USD
25. Visit the Rheinerberger House and Monument
Explore some of Liechtenstein’s history by visiting the Rheinerberger House. This structure was one of the first government buildings in Vaduz, dating all the way back to the 16th century. It is named for Princely Tax Collector John Rheinerberger, whose family was assigned the home in 1826. One of his descendants was a famous composer named Josef Rheinerberger. After he died, the home became the property of the government and was made into a music school in 1969 to honor the late musician. You will also see a memorial to him on the side of the house, consisting of a bust of the composer in bronze and a relief of a lyre.
Rheinerberger House and Monument
Address: Städtle 6, Rathaus, 9490 Vaduz, Liechtenstein
Website: Rheinerberger House and Monument
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: Free
26. Shop your heart out at Mühleholzmarkt
Vaduz may be rich in history, but it is also a modern city complete with a contemporary shopping mall. Mühleholzmarkt is located on the road between Vaduz and Schaan. The mall has everything you could need in the way of fashion, accessories, and home goods. There are also several health and beauty stores perfect for replenishing necessities during your trip. Visit the food court to rest and refuel during your shopping trip.
Mühleholzmarkt
Address: Landstrasse 117, 9490 Vaduz
Website: Mühleholzmarkt
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 7pm; Sat: 9am - 5pm (Closed on Sun)
27. Try delicious Swiss cuisines at Torkel Restaurant
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Liechtenstein’s proximity to Switzerland has greatly influenced the country’s cuisine. One of the best places to eat delicious Swiss food is at Torkel Restaurant. This luxurious eatery is actually part of the royal winery and Herawingert vineyards. It has a breathtaking interior which includes an old wine press. Part of the restaurant is also located outside, with stunning views of the vineyards and mountains beyond. The restaurant earned a Michelin star in 2017, which speaks to the quality of the cuisine, and you know that the food will be paired with the best wine that Liechtenstein has to offer!
Torkel
Address: Hintergass 9, 9490 Vaduz, Liechtenstein
Website: Torkel
Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 11:30am - 9pm; Sat: 6:30pm - 9pm (Closed on Sun & Mon)
28. Catch a hit movie at Schlosskino Balzers
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
If you are tired after a long day of sightseeing but you’re not quite ready to turn in to your hotel, see a movie at Schlosskino Balzers. This is not your typical movie theater: it is a film club that brings lesser-known films to the area instead of just big-budget blockbusters. This is a place where you go to see a movie to think about it, discuss it, and laugh at it together with the other moviegoers. It also looks unlike any other cinema: inside the theater, instead of individual seats, you sit on cushy couches. There are enough of them to seat up to 99 people.
Schlosskino Balzers
Address: Unterm Schloss 90, 9496 Balzers, Liechtenstein
Website: Schlosskino Balzers
Opening hours: Depends on showtimes
Price: 15 USD
29. Have drinks at Black Pearl Bar
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Black Pearl is a cocktail and cigar bar where you can try drinks you won’t find anywhere else. It has a reputation for being one of the best nightlife options in Schaan and draws crowds from all over the area. In the summer, you can hang out on the patio and take in the fresh mountain air. In the winter, the bar is a cozy spot for sipping drinks.
Black Pearl Bar
Address: Bahnhofstrasse 6, 9494 Schaan, Liechtenstein
Website: Black Pearl Bar
Opening hours: Fri - Sat: 4pm - 1am; Sun - Thu: 4pm - 12am
30. Watch a live dramatic performance at TAK Theater Liechtenstein
TAK Theater is Liechtenstein’s best offering for live theater! They have all kinds of performances: plays, musicals, and concerts are the more traditional offerings but they also have dances, talks, cabaret, and comedy! If you’re traveling with kids, bring them along: TAK offers programs for kids of different age groups including teens. The cultural institution is spread across several venues which vary in size, so you can choose a performance as big or intimate as you desire.
TAK Theater Liechtenstein
Address: Reberastrasse 12, 9494 Schaan, Liechtenstein
Website: TAK Theater Liechtenstein
Opening hours: Depends on showtimes
Price: 35 USD
Your next European vacation
Liechtenstein deserves just as much attention as its larger European neighbors. It has charming and historic cities, world-class museums and cultural institutions, and unbeatable food and drink options. You’ll probably be able to enjoy all of that with fewer crowds and tourists too! If you like what you see, consider adding Liechtenstein to your next European vacation–whether you come for a day or a week, it’s bound to be worth your while.
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