Summary
Small and often overlooked on the European tourist path, the teardrop-shaped nation of Liechtenstein presents a surprising variety of destinations, ranging from secluded Alpine villages on the plateaus of the Rakiton to emerging cities characterized by industry, modern art, and regal castles.
Let us examine the 15 best places to visit in Liechtenstein:
1. Vaduz
This close-knit capital city, home to a modest population of 5,100, sprawls along the meanders of the Rhine River at the border with Switzerland.
In the 17th century, Hans-Adam I asserted the family’s dynastic seat in Vaduz Valley, thereby entering the upper echelons of power in the Holy Roman Empire.
Today, the town is bordered by the jagged peaks of the Swiss Glarus Alps and the enchanting spires of Vaduz Castle.
This castle remains the residence of the principality’s ruling family and serves as a nostalgic reminder of the nation’s 16th-century history with its turrets and steep walls. Additionally, the city is home to attractions such as the renowned KunstMuseum, numerous wine cellars, and local taverns.
2. Nendeln
Idyllic little Nendeln sprawls down the slopes of the fir-covered Ratikon ranges, just a short distance from the Austrian border and the charming town of Feldkirch.
Surrounded by dense forests and snow-covered peaks, this village boasts a postcard-perfect setting and an aura of tranquility, enhanced by its proximity to the busier village of Eschen.
Amid its neat streets, visitors will encounter a smattering of quaint Austrian-style taverns, some Roman remains, the specialized Schadler Ceramics Workshop that produces exquisite handmade china, and several wine cellars featuring Chardonnay and Gewurztraminer.
3. Steg
Perched on the plateaus of the Alps near Triesenberg, Steg exemplifies Liechtenstein’s mountainous allure, nestled between cloud-capped summits and dense forests of silver fir and Norway spruce.
More secluded than many of the more popular winter sports resorts, the verdant valleys around this hamlet bloom in winter with hardy edelweiss and Alpine flowers, additionally featuring a stunning high-altitude lake renowned for its crystal-clear, turquoise waters.
The village is overlooked by the impressive 2,000-meter high Kirchlespitz and is ideally situated near the famous ski areas of Malbun.
4. Triesenberg
Situated in the distinctive dialect of Walser German, Triesenberg flows down the slopes of the Alpine hills above Vaduz.
This village is at the heart of a beautifully picturesque region marked by rolling meadows and high-altitude pastures.
Visitors can catch sight of charming timber barns and farmhouses along the periphery, while the heart of the town is graced by St. Joseph at Parish Church, adorned with Austrian-style domes and a captivating cemetery.
5. Mauren
Home to approximately 4,000 residents, Mauren is located right at the border between Liechtenstein and the Austrian Vorarlberg region to the east.
Often overlooked by travelers moving between Feldkirch and other points, this settlement has a rich history dating back to the Bronze Age, with its first church spire emerging in the 7th century, which underwent continuous renovations in subsequent centuries.
Today, the parish showcases beautiful Gothic glassworks alongside traces of Romanesque style from the 16th century, while picturesque Mauren lies beneath the snow-capped peaks of the Three Sisters.
6. Eschen
Also nestled beneath the renowned Three Sisters peaks is Eschen, located in the valley.
This charming town, clustered around the main thoroughfare running from north to south through Liechtenstein, serves as an excellent stop for drivers traversing the country.
The Holy Cross Chapel, an impressive whitewashed structure overlooking the village square, is perhaps the highlight, complemented by elegant half-timbered homes that reflect Saxon and German influence.
Among these, the Pfrundhaus stands out as a venue for wine tastings and medieval music performances within its 14th-century walls.
7. Malbun
Malbun, the premier winter sports destination in the Ratikon region, is ideally located deep within the Liechtenstein Alps.
This exclusive ski resort attracts a significant number of visitors, featuring an altitude exceeding 1,600 meters above sea level (situated just above the treeline) and an array of challenging red and gentle blue runs.
Modern amenities include state-of-the-art chairlifts and the family-friendly Malbi Park Kinderland for younger, novice skiers, establishing Malbun as Liechtenstein’s foremost family-oriented resort.
Moreover, the breathtaking views over the Vaduzer Tali valley and the high Central Eastern Alps are truly remarkable!
8. Balzers
Located in the shadow of the sculpted Regitzer Spitz of Switzerland, Balzers occupies a picturesque spot on the lowlands of southern Liechtenstein, adjacent to the meandering River Rhine.
This town is best recognized for the historic Gutenberg Castle, one of only two surviving medieval fortifications in the country.
Dating back to the 12th century, this hilltop castle offers insight into medieval fortification, featuring captivating tours through its interior spaces, courtyard, and beautifully maintained rose gardens.
Balzers itself sprawls below, filled with wine bars and intriguing chapels.
9. Schaan
Liechtenstein’s economic and industrial hub, Schaan does not possess the gritty atmosphere common in larger German boomtowns of the Rhineland to the north.
With a population of 5,800, this municipality is characterized by its modernity and approachability.
While the streets are framed by the jagged peaks of the Rakiton Alps, the area is also home to the Church of St. Laurentius, which features a striking Gothic spire and an inviting stone façade.
Travelers will find the manufacturing districts at the edges of the town, while the Austrian-owned Schaan-Vaduz train station serves as a major arrival point within the state.
10. Schellenberg
One of the northernmost sites in Liechtenstein, Schellenberg is nestled beside the rivers of the Rhine.
Just outside the town lies the impressive ruins of what was once possibly the most significant castle in the country, positioned on the brink of the Austrian border in the district of Hinterschloss.
The Upper Castle, dating back to the 14th century, showcases fascinating remains of interior spaces and robust fortifications.
In contrast, the even older Lower Castle offers insight into the history of lowland Liechtenstein.
Both sites are easily accessible by foot.
11. Planken
Situated in the remote areas of the Ratikon, the tranquil village of Planken epitomizes a high Alpine settlement.
Home to merely 366 residents, it attracts primarily hikers and mountain bikers traversing the area, exploring the massif of the Three Sisters or visiting popular hiking huts like Sucka and Furstensteig.
Others come to appreciate the village’s modest timber church spire, believed to have originated in the 19th century (though it has been reconstructed), while clusters of warm, hearty Liechtensteiner inns offer delightful mountain accommodations.
12. Schalun Castle
Schalun Castle undoubtedly ranks among the most enchanting ruins in Liechtenstein.
Nestled between Alpine peaks and easily accessed by a short hike from Vaduz, it lies under the shade of swaying Spanish firs, adorned with lichen that has grown since the fortification was abandoned and destroyed sometime before the 18th century.
Dating from the 11th century, the ruins are among the oldest in the region, with remnants of courtrooms and a grand hall still visible, exuding a magical fairy-tale charm reminiscent of fantasy tales.
13. Gaflei
Bathed in fresh Alpine breezes year-round, the quaint Gaflei serves as the first health and recovery resort in Liechtenstein, popular among hikers and trekkers traversing the Triesenberg plateaus.
Perched high above the Rhine Valley, it offers sweeping vistas of the Swiss Glarus Alps to the west.
Numerous popular walking routes begin here, scaling the Gafleispitze and Alpspitze valleys, while other trails delve into the Furstensteig area.
Nearby, travelers can find the geographical center of the country at Bargalla.
14. Silum
This small, elevated village on the Triesenberg plateau is favored by hikers and trekkers for its cozy timber-clad walking hut, while offering magnificent views of the Swiss Alps to the east and the snow-capped Ratikon ranges to the west.
Enclosed by lush fir forests and the rugged heights of central Liechtenstein, the scattering of timber barns and guesthouses creates a picturesque setting throughout both summer and winter.
Furthermore, Silum serves as an ideal stop if heading eastward by foot or on ski tours, deeper into the valleys around Steg and the Malbun ski fields.
15. Ruggell
Ruggell is situated at the furthest possible distance from any mountains in Liechtenstein, making it easily accessible for a short hike from the Ratikon ranges. The Rhine flows through the town’s center, meandering past the charming façade of St. Fridolin’s Parish Church and providing segments of scenic jogging and cycling paths.
Additionally, the renowned Ruggell Film Festival attracts short filmmakers from across the continent each year, and a central art and culture center enhances the town’s appeal for a culturally enriching visit.
