While in Zürich, due to the ease of travel to one of Europe’s microstates I seized the opportunity and spent a few hours in Liechtenstein. This country is a constitutional monarchy lying entirely in the alps and bordered by Switzerland and Austria.
Some little facts about Liechtenstein:
- Is approximately 160 square kilometres and has a population of a little over 37,000.
- Has one of the world’s lowest crime (last murder apparently happened in 2007) and unemployment (approx. 1.5%) rates.
- Was once accidentally invaded by Switzerland and had to be informed of this since they didn’t notice! Liechtenstein has no army of its own, the last military engagement was in 1886 when 80 soldiers were sent off and 81 returned…an Italian ‘friend’.
- On national day the Prince invites residents for a little party at his castle.
- Is the largest producer of false teeth in the world.
- Has been described as a tax haven and with a very high GDP per capita it is one of the richest country in the world.
- Only resumed diplomatic relations with the Czech Republic and Slovakia formerly Czechoslovakia in recent times. At the end of WWII large swathes of land in Moravia, far bigger than Liechtenstein and dotted with castles that belonged to the Princely house was confiscated with the excuse that the Czechs thought it was German owned. Although Czechoslovakia acknowledged the mistake it only offered to return the castles and not the land…
My trip
From Zürich central station I got on a train heading to Sargans then took a bus to Vaduz, the capital. Due to time constraints I didn’t do any exploring in the city centre but went straight to my numero uno item: visiting the vineyards. With succulent grapes everywhere, my hands were itching to pick one but the setting looked so fairy-tale like with the impressive Vaduz castle in the background that instances of unsuspecting people picking things and then having to pay dearly afterwards just stopped me short. I read too many stories about castles, princes and princesses plus witches as a child…
After admiring the vines and the nearby winery I went straight to the polished City Hall and had lunch next to a small packed sports arena. A visit to Liechtenstein makes a lovely day trip and the best thing about it is the break from crowds with the added bonus of spectacular views. Also, I don’t know anyone who has visited this little state so be a part of the rare crowd. The check-in guy at my hostel in Switzerland who has lived in Europe his entire life had never visited! Don’t forget to get your passport stamped from the Liechtenstein Tourist Information Centre for a few francs.
After lunch I boarded a bus and returned to Zürich having spent just a few hours in Liechtenstein. All fares were covered by my Swiss Travel pass.
Other Sights
Vaduz Cathedral
Neo-Gothic styled Catholic church constructed during the 19th century. This is one of the most iconic places in Liechtenstein
Parliament building in Vaduz
The Parliament consists of 25 members and the Prince representing the people of the Principality of Liechtenstein and the Princely house. The 25 members are elected every 4 years.
Nice building
While in the bus I glimpsed this building with the interesting design.
Highlights to explore
- Gutenberg Castle – One of five castles in Liechtenstein however, this one is open free of charge to the public. The well-preserved castle overlooks the town of Blazers.
- Liechtenstein Museum of Fine Arts – state-owned museum that showcases modern art.
- Liechtenstein National Museum – this museum details the history of the Principality of Liechtenstein from people, to wildlife and monarchy.
- Princes’ Way Hike – Get a bit fit while after trying the local cuisine.
- Malbun – high altitude village specializing in family oriented fun and outdoor activities such as skiing.
- Ruggeller Riet Nature Reserve – get out your binoculars just in case the local wildlife wanders near you. Haven for Liechtenstein’s fauna and flora.
No Comments