Liechtenstein, all 62 square miles of it, sits entirely in the Alps nestled between Switzerland and Austria. We stopped for a visit in Liechtenstein’s capital, Vaduz, which its residents fondly refer to as “Staedtle” (Little Town).
It was a Monday, and unfortunately literally nothing but the tourist information office was open. But Vaduz was still worthy of a stroll around town. The Art Museum (Kunstmuseum) of Liechtenstein houses one of Europe’s oldest private collections in a modern, prize-winning museum building. While it wasn’t open, we did enjoy the outdoor art and sculptures all around the square housing the museum.
Vaduz Castle stands prominently above the town center on a cliff and is the home to the Prince of Liechtenstein. When the red and blue flag flies above the castle as it was on our visit, the Prince is in residence and the castle is closed to visitors.
Vaduz Cathedral is striking. It’s imposing door opens into a high-vaulted space filled with more light than most neo-gothic churches I’ve been in around Europe. The beautiful stained glass above the alter bounded prisms of color off the walls.
Driving through Liechtenstein, we realized it is a hiker and biker’s playground with trails and bike paths everywhere. We hope to be back soon to explore more of this tiny country.
Ali says
Andy and I took a quick trip to Liechtenstein last summer and really liked it. We spent a few hours walking around Vaduz but since we knew it would be pretty touristy, we booked a hotel in a village further up the mountains. We’re so glad we did because it was gorgeous up there, tucked away from everything, and had great views. I liked it so much more than I expected to.
Jennifer Dombrowski says
That sounds like a great idea, Ali! I think we will go back for some hiking. We spotted tons of trails and the snow capped mountains were so beautiful.
Andrew says
As Ali said we went last summer. I was not so impressed with Vaduz. Especially as I think I read that the castle is closed to visitors even if the prince is not there (but I don’t remember 100%). We enjoyed being up on the valley side and having such a great view of literally the entire country.
The place we missed and kind of regret is Balzers. It is a town near the south with a castle on top of a hill. I know nothing about it other than seeing it from the bus, yet it looks cool.