Liechtenstein is the sixth smallest country in the world. Many visitors to Europe pass through Liechtenstein immediately, either because they are in a rush to get to their destination or simply do not know where it is. While small and landlocked Liechtenstein takes a while to get there due to its location, this country is worth a stop even if you spend a few hours there. If your itinerary takes you through eastern Switzerland or western Austria, consider a lunchtime visit. Enjoy a nice meal, then walk, shop, visit a museum, or go on a short walk.
Where is Liechtenstein located?
Liechtenstein is located between Austria and Switzerland. The capital, Vaduz, is a short distance from the Swiss N13 motorway. The entire country is only 160 square kilometers (about 59 square miles) in area. Although Liechtenstein is small, it is quite beautiful.
How do I get to Liechtenstein?
You can drive to Liechtenstein through Germany, Switzerland, or Austria. If you drive in Switzerland or Austria, you must buy a toll sticker, called a vignette, for each country. Austria offers 10-day vignettes for 9 euros, but you will have to purchase a one-year vignette (currently 40 Swiss francs, approximately 35 euros) if you are driving in Switzerland.
You cannot fly directly to Liechtenstein, there is no airport, but you can fly to Zürich or St. Gallen-Altenrhein, Switzerland, or Friedrichshafen, Germany.
You can take the train from Austria to Schaan-Vaduz station, Liechtenstein, and from Switzerland to Buchs or Sargans (both in Switzerland). From any of these stations, you can reach other cities in Liechtenstein by bus.
What places should I visit?
Liechtenstein offers many attractions and activities. The capital, Vaduz, has a beautiful main square with many works of public art. In the summer months, you can take the whimsical Citytrain from Vaduz; This narrated tour shows you the highlights of the city, including stunning views of the mountains and the exterior of Vaduz Castle, the residence of the Reigning Prince. You can also visit the Liechtenstein Center and the wineries of the Reigning Prince (Hofkellerei). If glitter is your thing, stop by the Principality of Liechtenstein Treasury Chamber and feast your eyes on crowns, jewels and moon rocks.
Outdoor activities abound in Liechtenstein; head to Malbun for skiing in winter and mountain biking and hiking in summer. Triesenberg-Malbun has a scenic chairlift and the Galina Falcon Center. Wherever you go, you can walk, ride a bike, or just sit back and watch the world go by.
Liechtenstein travel tips
It can be difficult to find detailed travel information on Liechtenstein because the country is so small. The official Liechtenstein tourism website has pages covering a variety of travel topics, including attractions, accommodation, and transportation.
Liechtenstein’s climate is continental. Expect snow in the winter and bring snow chains if you drive during that season. Be prepared for rain for the rest of the year.
Liechtenstein does not have its own currency. Prices are in Swiss francs, which are available at ATMs. The parking kiosk in the parking lot in the center of Vaduz accepts euro coins. Some attractions, like the Citytrain in Vaduz, accept euros.
German is the official language of Liechtenstein.
Liechtenstein is known for its beautiful postage stamps. You can see examples of them in the Vaduz Museum of Postage Stamps. This museum does not have an admission cost, so you can visit it for a short time without worrying about the cost. The Liechtenstein Center in Vaduz sells postage stamps.
Liechtenstein is a prosperous country with a thriving financial services industry. Prices for room and board reflect this.
Most restaurants include a service charge on guest checks. You can add a small tip if you wish, but the service charge is sufficient.
The crime rate in Liechtenstein is low, but you should avoid petty theft and pickpocketing, just as you would anywhere else.
Smoking is prohibited in restaurants, although smoking sections are permitted. If cigarette smoke bothers you or may affect your health, ask about the smoking policy before sitting at a restaurant table.
You can get your passport stamped at a tourist office for a small fee.
Although you can walk to Vaduz Castle, you cannot walk through it; The Reigning Prince lives there with his family and the castle is closed to the public.
