© Makalu/Pixabay
Liechtenstein may be small, but it blends culture, nature, and authenticity in a way few destinations can match.
With its 160 square kilometres and around 40,000 inhabitants (as of 2023), Liechtenstein ranks among Europe's smallest nations. What it lacks in size, it makes up for with a refined blend of culture, nature and authenticity.
Vaduz – a capital with a view
Vaduz, home to some 5,700 residents, serves as both the administrative and cultural heart of the country. Vaduz Castle, the personal residence of Prince Hans-Adam II, commands the skyline from its elevated perch. The sight is striking, even though the castle itself remains closed to visitors.
The Liechtenstein Museum of Fine Arts, a modern creation by architect Christian Kerez, presents avant-garde works from the 19th century to today. The Treasure Chamber at the National Museum offers a journey through the monarchy’s history, from ancient relics to princely jewels, underscoring the nation’s role in European history despite its small size.
Each summer, Vaduz comes alive with the Vaduz Summer open-air festival, where local and regional musicians, food trucks, artists and creatives fill the streets. Alongside music and gastronomy, visitors can explore crafts and design in a family-friendly setting. Entry is free, making it a fixed highlight on Liechtenstein’s cultural calendar.
Hiking paradise and alpine trails
The country offers over 400 kilometres of well-marked hiking routes – impressive for its scale. The 75-kilometre Liechtenstein Trail links all 11 municipalities, passing 147 historical sites through alpine and forest landscapes. The interactive LIstory app adds local stories to the journey.
A favourite among hikers, the Fürstensteig Trail spans 11.9 kilometres with around 819 metres of elevation gain. Traversing the Three Sisters ridge, it offers views over the Rätikon mountains, the Rhine Valley and even Lake Constance from its 2,052-metre vantage point.
Wine, gastronomy, and fine taste
At Vaduz’s Herawingert vineyard, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay thrive under optimal conditions. The Court Winery of the Prince of Liechtenstein hosts private tours and guided tastings, with Princess Marie – a trained sommelier – who gets personally involved in serving guests.
Facts and figures
Due to only 200 to 300 births annually, the country's maternity ward closed in 2014, making cross-border births in Switzerland or Austria the norm. Liechtenstein also lacks its own airport, with travellers flying into Zurich or Friedrichshafen before making the roughly 90‑minute trip to Vaduz.
For a more exclusive arrival, visitors can opt for a helicopter, landing at the heliport in Balzers, the smallest municipality in the principality..
D'Schlass Gutenberg zu Balzers. / © Randy Jost/Pixabay
Compact yet rich in offerings, Liechtenstein promises quality, authenticity and natural beauty.
From art and wine to hiking and heritage, this Alpine gem remains a must-see.
