A Lovely Little Day in Liechtenstein
Nestled between Switzerland and Austria is the tiny principality of Liechtenstein. Offering a perfect blend of stunning landscapes, rich (literally) history, and a warm community feeling. Though small in size, Liechtenstein is packed with delightful experiences that make for the perfect day trip. Here’s our guide on how to spend the perfect day in the sixth smallest country in the world!
Morning: Exploring Vaduz
8:00 AM – Breakfast at a Local Café
Start your day in the capital, Vaduz. Head to one of the cozy cafés in the city center for a traditional Liechtensteiner breakfast. Grab some freshly baked pastries and a cup of rich coffee while soaking in the quiet and quaint atmosphere.
9:00 AM – Vaduz Castle
After breakfast, make your way up to Vaduz Castle. Perched on a hill overlooking the city, the castle is the residence of the royal family, who, if you’re lucky enough, may still be there during your visit. While the interior is not open to the public, the panoramic views from the castle grounds and the castle itself are absolutely breathtaking. Being one of the few castles I’ve seen that feels like it’s straight out of a fairytale, this is a perfect spot for some early morning photos.
Vaduz Castle
10:00 AM – Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein
After admiring the stunning castle and its surrounding views, head back down and immerse yourself in contemporary and modern art at the Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein. This state-of-the-art museum houses an impressive collection of artworks from international artists. The striking architecture of the building itself is worth admiring should you choose not to visit the exhibition itself.
11:30 AM – St. Florin Cathedral
A tiny walk from the museum will bring you to St. Florin Cathedral. This neo-Gothic church, built in the late 19th century, is known for its beautiful stained glass windows and serene ambiance. It’s a great place to pause for a moment and take in the peaceful surroundings.
Midday: Museums and Jumping between Countries
12:00 PM – Lunch in Vaduz
For lunch, head to a local supermarket and grab essentials for a picnic. I wouldn’t recommend eating in any of the restaurants in Vaduz, simply because of the sheer expense of them. This paired with the fact you are in the middle of the Alps, and when else will you get the chance to picnic surrounded by mountains and valleys? If you aren’t on a budget and fancy trying some local cuisine, don’t miss out on Käsknöpfle, a cheesy pasta dish similar to mac and cheese, served with crispy onions. Pair it with a local wine for a truly Liechensteinian experience.
Once you’ve grabbed your picnic, take the short walk over to Alte Rheinbrücke (old Rhine Bridge). This historical wooden bridge was constructed to travel goods between Switzerland and Liechtenstein and provides the unique experience of being able to literally jump between two countries! Situated over an alpine water river, and surrounded by greenery and walking paths we found this the perfect place to picnic and truly admire your surroundings.
Old Rhine Bridge
1:30 PM – Liechtenstein National Museum
After a stunning picnic, head to the Liechtenstein National Museum to dive deeper into the country’s interesting history and culture. The museum offers fascinating exhibits on everything from archaeology to folk culture, providing a comprehensive overview of Liechtenstein’s heritage.
3:00 PM – Postage Stamp Museum
Liechtenstein is famous for its postage stamps, and the Postage Stamp Museum is a must-visit for history enthusiasts. Even if you’re not a stamp collector, the museum’s displays are intriguing and provide insight into the country’s postal history. And speaking of stamps, because you’ll most likely be flying into Switzerland to get to Liechtenstein (there are no airports here!) head to the local tourism office where you can get your passport stamped!
Postage Stamp Museum
Afternoon: Nature and Adventure
4:00 PM – Hike to the Three Sisters
Liechtenstein’s natural beauty is one of its greatest attractions, so it’s essential we fit in a hike in our 24 hour itinerary! In the afternoon, embark on a hike to the Drei Schwestern (Three Sisters), a group of peaks offering spectacular views of the Rhine Valley. The well-marked trails are suitable for varying levels of fitness, and the fresh alpine air is truly invigorating. If you’re lucky you might spot some glorious alpine eagles and other birds of prey on your hike, offering a truly unforgettable experience amongst the natural beauty of this small country.
The Three Sisters
6:00 PM – Explore Malbun
If hiking isn’t your thing, drive or take public transport to the mountain village of Malbun instead. Known for its ski slopes in winter, Malbun is equally charming in summer, with lush meadows and picturesque landscapes. Take a leisurely stroll through the village, grab some for coffee and perhaps enjoy a ride on the village chairlift for stunning views over the valley.
Evening: Relax and Unwind
7:30 PM – Dinner in Malbun
Have dinner at a traditional mountain inn in Malbun. Savor local specialties like Ribel (a type of cornmeal dish) and hearty soups. Dinner at these traditional alpine inns are so inviting and a must-do during your time in the country. The warm, open-fire and rustic atmosphere of the inns make for a cozy dining experience and a truly memorable dinner.
The Rolling hills of Malbun
9:00 PM – Stargazing in the Alps
One of our favourite memories of Liechtenstein. As the sun fades and the stars awake, you’ll be treated to a truly spectacular sky, due to the height and low-light pollution of the country. End your day with a magical stargazing session. The clear mountain skies of Liechtenstein provide an excellent backdrop for observing the stars. Find a quiet spot, lay down in the grass, and be left in awe of the milky way as it passes overhead.
Late Night: Return to Vaduz
11:00 PM – Wine time in Vaduz
Back in Vaduz, unwind at a local bar. Being in the alps, you’re only ever a few miles away from vineyards and breweries. Reflect on your incredible day while sipping on a glass of Liechtenstein’s finest wine or a locally brewed beer. Because of the community closeness of the country, you’ll find most people to be exceptionally friendly, engage in conversation with the bar staff and waiters and tell stories of your day, you’ll be sure to be treated to some amazing stories yourself and maybe some free drinks!
12:00 AM – Time to Rest
With a belly full of wine, retire to your cozy accommodation in Vaduz, truly content after a day of exploring the hidden gems of Liechtenstein. Having experienced the majestic mountains, alpine waters and charming streets of Vaduz, you’ll sleep well after a lovely little day in this enchanting country. Liechtenstein may be small, but it offers a wealth of things to do that make it a must-visit destination. From its cultural (and real) treasures to its natural wonders, a day spent in Liechtenstein is truly magical.