Experience Liechtenstein’s Natural Beauty and Outdoor Adventures

Liechtenstein is gearing up for its birthday bash in 2019 as the principality turns 300. To celebrate, it will be pulling out all the stops with a line-up of special events, exhibitions, and parties – the big one will be the National Day on 15 August, featuring a spectacular firework finale.

For a country that loves hiking and skiing, it’s little wonder that all the anticipation surrounds the brand-new Liechtenstein Trail. If hiking isn’t your preferred activity, you’ll discover a wealth of other outdoor experiences to enjoy in this Alpine paradise.

Liechtenstein Trail

If you’ve ever dreamt of walking around an entire country in a weekend, now you can. In late May 2019, Liechtenstein celebrates its birthday with a brand-new hiking trail, designed to showcase the country’s ‘greatest hits’ in a nutshell. Indeed, there’s no better way to get acquainted with Europe’s fourth-smallest nation – sandwiched between Switzerland and Austria, adorned with mountains, straddling the Rhine, and dotted with castles – than by hitting the trail.

Easily navigable over two to three days of trekking, the 75km hike starts in the petite capital, Vaduz. Dominated by the prince of Liechtenstein’s charmingly turreted, 12th-century castle and home to His Highness’ wine cellar, this urban start point ticks off all 11 of the nation’s municipalities. The trail guides you through vineyards and pastures, alongside the Rhine, and across moors and mountains. Along the way, you can explore enchanting castles like the ruined Schellenberg and the turreted Gutenberg in Balzers. For a history primer, download the LIstory app when it launches in May. You’ll also marvel at the wildlife-rich peatlands of the Ruggeller Riet and the mountain ridge of Eschnerberg, which offers incredible views into the Rhine Valley. For accommodation details and a map, check the tourist office website.

High-altitude hikes in Liechtenstein

If the Liechtenstein Trail has whetted your appetite for trekking in this phenomenally beautiful, enticingly compact country, there’s plenty more to explore. A celebrated route is the 12km, five-hour Fürstensteig, considered a rite of passage for most Liechtensteiners. Providing you’re fit, sure-footed, and comfortable with heights, you’re prepared to tackle this sometimes narrow and steep trail.

Starting at 1400m in Gaflei and concluding in Planken, the FÜRstensteig winds through lush pastures and tall pines, with exposed sections secured by ropes and railings in a via ferrata style. From Gaflei saddle, breathtaking views of the jagged Drei Schwestern (‘Three Sisters’) mountain range unfold. The hike’s highest point is the cross-topped Kuhgrat at 2123m, boasting panoramic views of the Rätikon range as well as the Swiss and Austrian Alps. To maximize your experience, you might consider spending the night at the Gafadurahütte at 1428m.

Another fantastic option is the 12km, five-hour Fürstin-Gina-Weg, which begins at the top of the Sareis chairlift in Malbun. This circular hike ascends to the stunning summit of Augstenberg (2359m), offering expansive views into the Liechtenstein, Swiss, and Austrian Alps. You could even choose to overnight at the Pfälzerhütte where the three countries meet. For a slightly shorter and easier experience, the three-hour jaunt on the 5km Grüschaweg takes you from Vaduz to the traditional mountain village of Triesenberg, passing through beech forests and charming Walser settlements. Here, you can learn more about the heritage of the Walsers – a German-speaking group that emigrated across Europe in the 13th century – at the Walsermuseum.

Trekking with llamas

If your children need a little extra encouragement to go hiking, what could be more enticing than a furry, four-legged companion? In Triesenberg, Lama & Alpakahof offers two-hour, half-day, and full-day hikes into this mountainous, lushly forested corner of Liechtenstein. They embark on adventures in all weather, and there’s something quite special about trudging through quiet, snowy woods with a llama at your side. These pack animals, native to South America, appreciate personal space but are content to stroll along at a laid-back pace. Outdoor fondue or barbecues can also be arranged to enhance your walking experience.

On your bike

One of the delightful aspects of exploring a small country like Liechtenstein is that you can discover it on two wheels in just a day. You can even venture into neighboring Switzerland and Austria to extend your cycling experience. The country boasts well-signposted cycling routes and off-road mountain biking trails that reward you with stunning Alpine views at every twist and turn. Bicycles and e-bikes can be rented at the central Liechtenstein Center in Vaduz.

One of the most celebrated routes is the 59km, approximately four-hour Three Country Tour (Drei-Länder Tour), suitable for both road and e-bikes. This route begins and ends in Vaduz, winding through the Rhine Valley while showcasing majestic mountain backdrops in Eschen and the charming, late-medieval old town of Feldkirch in Austria. It then continues along the Rhine to the enchanting castle-topped Buchs (in Switzerland) and crosses the newly developed Energy Bridge in Schaan before returning to Vaduz. The route is relatively flat, making for an enjoyable ride.

If you’re particularly fond of castles, the 45km, roughly three-hour Five Castle Tour might be more appealing. This route connects Liechtenstein to Switzerland and includes visits to five majestic castles in Vaduz, Buchs, Wartau, Sargans, and Balzers. Alternatively, the 50km, two-stage SwitzerlandMobility Rheintal Bike route covers many of Liechtenstein’s attractions, showcasing the beauty from vineyards to tranquil pastures and grand peaks.

Let it snow

As the only country completely nestled within the Alps, Liechtenstein offers breathtaking vertical landscapes and a winter wonderland ambiance. While the principality may not match the scale and height of slopes found in Switzerland and Austria, there’s still excellent skiing available, particularly for beginners, intermediates, and families eager to hit the slopes. At its snow-sure altitude of 1600m, Malbun is the prime destination for downhill skiing and snowboarding. This quaint village, dotted with charming timber chalets, becomes a lively hub during the winter season, featuring chairlifts and a draglift that transport skiers to Sareis at 2000m.

If you prefer to glide through snow-blanketed forests in serene exhilaration, cross-country skiing awaits in the Valüna Valley, featuring 15km of classic and skating tracks originating in Steg, including a 3km illuminated trail for nighttime skiing. Equipment rentals, passes, and instruction are available from Valünalopp. Additionally, you can partake in a variety of other winter activities, primarily centered in Malbun, including snowshoeing, ice climbing, tobogganing, ice skating, and backcountry ski touring.

Getting there

While Liechtenstein is petite, planning your visit ahead of time is beneficial, especially if you intend to hike the Liechtenstein Trail. You can check bus network schedules on the LIEmobil website. The closest airport is Zürich in Switzerland. From there, it’s a straightforward train ride to Sargans followed by a bus to Vaduz, with the entire journey taking approximately two hours. For further details, take a look at the SBB website.

https://shop.lonelyplanet.com/products/switzerland-liechtenstein-9