Trip to Liechtenstein: what to see, what to do, useful tips and entry rules
Liechtenstein, despite its small size, is a popular tourist destination due to its stunning natural scenery, rich history and cultural attractions. Find out what to see, what to do in Liechtenstein and what entry rules are relevant in 2024
The Principality of Liechtenstein is a small country in the heart of Europe, bordering Switzerland and Austria. The state is known for its medieval castles, alpine scenery and villages connected by a network of trails. The country has a very high standard of living and is home to incredibly beautiful mountain landscapes. The principality's capital, Vaduz, is a predominantly modern city and a major center for trade and international banking.
What to see in Liechtenstein? What rules of entry are relevant in 2024? We tell in our material.
What to see in Liechtenstein?
Liechtenstein, despite its small size, has many sights and places worth visiting. The best of them are:
1. Vaduz is the capital of Liechtenstein
Vaduz is the best place to visit in Liechtenstein, one of the most picturesque and certainly the smallest capitals of Europe. Vaduz is a popular tourist destination due to its picturesque scenery, rich history and cultural attractions. Several important museums and galleries can be found in the city, including the Liechtenstein Museum of Fine Arts, which houses a world-class collection of contemporary art.
Popular attractions: Vaduz Castle, which is located on top of a hill and serves as the official residence of the Prince of Liechtenstein. The Red House is a historic building that is a cultural center and venue for events.
2. Gutenberg Castle, Balzers
The Gutenberg Castle (Burg Gutenberg) is a well-preserved castle in the city of Balzers, which is the administrative center of the municipality of Balzers. It is located just across the bridge connecting Liechtenstein and Switzerland. Gutenberg is one of the five castles of the principality and one of the two that have survived to this day. Gutenberg Castle, unlike Vaduz Castle, is not the residence of the princely family of Liechtenstein and is open to the public as a museum. The castle is located on a hill not far from the center of Balzers and is reached by the Burgweg road.
3. Triesenberg
With a population of 2,618, the municipality of Liechtenstein is the largest municipality in the country with a total area of 30 square kilometers. Triesenberg is located south of Vaduz, high in the Alps, with an amazing view of Liechtenstein and the Rhine Valley. Famous vineyards are also located here.
4. Nendeln
Nendeln is a small village in the west of Liechtenstein, not far from the border with Switzerland. Nendeln is a charming village with a fascinating history and numerous sights, home to the Church of St. Mamerten, a beautiful 12th century Romanesque church with an impressive bell tower and ornate frescoes. Hiking and cycling paths wind through the nearby hills and forests, making Nendeln a great place to explore the surrounding area.
5. Malbun
Malbun, the main resort village in the Principality of Liechtenstein. It got its name from the highest valley in Liechtenstein, the Malbun, located at an altitude of 1,600 meters above sea level. The steep mountains at the end of the Malbun valley form an arena around the small resort of Malbun.
Malbun is a family resort due to its small size. Around Malbun, a wide network of mountain routes leads to beautiful, almost undisturbed natural landscapes. The location of this small resort makes it a great destination for cyclists. In winter, it turns into Liechtenstein's only ski resort.
What to do in Liechtenstein?
1. Cycle (or walk) across Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein is only 25 km long, but here they managed to create a route 75 km long, which runs through 11 municipalities, so that you can get to know every centimeter of the country.
As you'd expect, the scenery along the way captures the best of Liechtenstein, with green vineyards, hilltop castles, nature reserves and mountain peaks.
2. Climb the mountains
Connoisseurs of outdoor adventures should choose one of the routes and climb the mountains in Liechtenstein. The most popular routes are the Fürstensteig and the Three Sisters, which date back to 1898, but today are well-marked and controlled routes. The hike will pass along steep paths, mountain ridges and is suitable for confident tourists.
The highest point is the Kugrat ridge at an altitude of 2,123 meters, which offers a panorama of the Retikon ridge, as well as views of the Swiss and Austrian mountains.
3. Try traditional dishes at Triesenberger
The traditional cuisine of Liechtenstein was influenced by Austria and Switzerland. Its national dish is kösknöpfle, a pasta-like dough topped with local cheese and fried onions. Ribel is another traditional dish that is made from corn and has the consistency of porridge. For dessert, Öpfelchüachli is a sweet apple doughnut.
4. Go on a trip through the small towns of Liechtenstein
One of Liechtenstein's best small towns is Nendeln, thanks to its heritage of pots. The Schädler Pottery is the oldest craft workshop in the country and has been making ceramic tableware since 1836. Admire the 14th-century Pfrundhaus in Eschen, Mauren is home to the SammlungMura, a museum containing Liechtenstein's largest collection of cultural artefacts.
5. Visit winter resorts
Winter in Liechtenstein will give tourists many more adventures - go skiing, take a walk through the forest on snowmobiles. Fans of extreme sports should visit ice climbing in Malbun.
Where to stay in Liechtenstein?
On your first visit to Liechtenstein, we recommend staying in Vaduz, the capital, as it offers easy access to the main attractions.
Also suitable for tourists is Malbun, a picturesque mountain village located in the Alps, known for its skiing and hiking opportunities, as well as stunning alpine landscapes.
Bux has a strategic location and is suitable for tourists who want to explore Liechtenstein and Switzerland in one trip.
Best time to visit Liechtenstein
The climate of the country is moderate, with warm summers and mild winters. The best time to visit Liechtenstein depends on the type of vacation you choose for yourself:
- The warmest period is from June to August, this period is best suited for outdoor activities (hiking, sightseeing, etc.).
- The winter months from November to March can be cold and snowy, this period is best for skiing and winter sports.
For a safe move to any country in the world, obtaining citizenship and employment, use the advice of an international lawyer. We help solve complex and simple issues for your comfort and safety in any corner of the world.
Before traveling to Liechtenstein, it is useful to know
- Liechtenstein uses the Swiss franc as its official currency.
- Liechtenstein is a small country, so it is easy to travel by bus or train. The public transport system is highly developed here. You can also rent a bike or explore the country on foot.
- In Liechtenstein, you can find a wide range of accommodation options, from inexpensive hostels and guest houses to more luxurious hotels.
- The official language is German, but many people in Liechtenstein speak English and other languages.
- Liechtenstein is one of the safest countries in the world, the crime rate here is relatively low.
Rules of entry into Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein is a member state of the Schengen area, but is not a member state of the EU.
Liechtenstein does not issue its own visas. The same rules apply to entering the Principality of Liechtenstein as for Switzerland. As there are no border controls between Liechtenstein and Switzerland, travelers to Liechtenstein are subject to the same visa requirements as travelers to Switzerland.
Citizens of EU countries and countries with which Liechtenstein has a visa-free regime can visit the country without any obstacles.
All other travelers must obtain a Schengen tourist visa before traveling.
Documents for obtaining a tourist visa to Liechtenstein
To obtain a tourist visa to Liechtenstein, you will need documents that confirm that you are actually traveling there for tourist purposes:
- Completed and signed tourist/visitor visa application form.
- Two passport-sized photographs that meet the Schengen visa photo requirements.
- Your valid passport.
- Medical travel insurance that covers the entire duration of your stay.
- A cover letter confirming that the reason for your trip to Liechtenstein is tourism or a short-term visit.
- Confirmation of the availability of sufficient financial resources.
- Confirmation of the paid fee for issuing a tourist/guest visa.
- Confirmation of residence.
- Documents confirming the trip for tourist purposes (tourist voucher, etc.).
Liechtenstein is an interesting and mysterious country that is sure to surprise even the most experienced travelers, so choose a route and go on an adventure.
We will remind you! Liechtenstein is one of the richest countries in Europe, where thousands of expats dream of moving. However, it is quite difficult to do this, because in the country there is a quota for issuing a residence permit. We have already told what methods of moving to Liechtenstein are available to foreigners and how to obtain a residence permit in the country in 2024.
Are you planning to travel or move abroad? An important component of a successful trip is a travel insurance policy, because it guarantees the provision of high-quality medical care in any corner of the world and is able to protect you from unnecessary expenses during the trip. You can buy insurance from verified agents on the Visit World portal.
Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:
Checklist for obtaining a visa and necessary documents for Liechtenstein;
Legal advice on immigration to Liechtenstein;
Travel insurance for foreigners in Liechtenstein;
Medical insurance all over the world.
We monitor the accuracy and relevance of our information. Therefore, if you see any error or discrepancy, please write to our hotline.
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