Do you think that country-bagging is the only reason to visit Liechtenstein? Think again.
During an Interrail trip from London to Budapest, I based myself in Feldkirch, Austria and took a 50-minute bus ride to Vaduz. What I discovered was a pocket-sized capital that’s more than cowbells and questionable bank accounts.
Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Liechtenstein in a day.
Liechtenstein is sandwiched between Austria and Switzerland. After Vatican City, Monaco and San Marino, it is the fourth-smallest country in the world. It is roughly the size of Washington DC or one-tenth the area of Greater London.
- Language: German (English widely spoken)
- Currency: Swiss Franc (Euros accepted, cards work everywhere)
- Safety: One of the world’s lowest crime rates
- Cost: Expensive (Swiss-level prices)
Getting to Vaduz
From Feldkirch, Austria (50 minutes)
Bus #11 runs regularly to Vaduz, terminating at Sargans. Pay the driver with cash or contactless card. The bus drops you at Vaduz Poste, a two-minute walk from the Tourist Information Centre. Check timetables at vmobil.at.
From Zurich, Switzerland (90-120 minutes)
Take a train to Sargans, just south of the border. From Sargans station, catch bus #11 (direction Feldkirch) or express bus #12E (direction Vaduz).
Note on trains: Liechtenstein’s railway line connects Switzerland to Austria but stops at only three stations (Schaan, Forst Hilti, Nendeln). If arriving by train, alight at Schaan and take a bus from there.
What to Do in Vaduz in One Day
Vaduz is tiny. Everything below can be reached on foot, though free bike hire is available and a city train does 35-minute circuits if you’re feeling lazy.
Start at the Liechtenstein Center (Tourist Information) for free maps and a photo op on their fake throne.
1. Cathedral of St. Florin
This Neo-Gothic cathedral (1868-1873) is Vaduz’s spiritual heart.
Designed by Austrian architect Friedrich von Schmidt, it’s known for stained glass windows that illuminate a gilded altar. The Princely Vault at the rear is the royal family’s final resting place.
2. Old Rhine Bridge (Alter Rheinbrücke)
Walk across this 1901 covered wooden bridge to Switzerland and back. At 135 metres long, it’s the only surviving wooden bridge across the Rhine. You’ll cross from Vaduz to Sevelen without passport checks.
3. Outdoor sculpture trail
The pedestrian area around Städtle has become an open-air gallery featuring works by Fernando Botero, Nag Arnoldi and Gunther Stilling. I particularly loved Stilling’s African King (2000).
4. Get your passport stamped
The Liechtenstein Center will add a souvenir stamp to your passport for a small fee. This isn’t an official border stamp (Liechtenstein doesn’t do border checks), just a novelty keepsake.
US travellers: The Department of State considers souvenir stamps a passport mutilation, so proceed at your own risk.
5. Hike to Vaduz Castle
Take the (very) steep pathway opposite the Rathaus to the place Prince Hans-Adam II likes to call home. Although you cannot visit Vaduz Castle, your reward for huffing and puffing your way up the hill is sensational views across the city and the Rhine Valley beyond.
Vaduz Castle started life as a fortress in the 12th century and came into the hands of the Princely family in 1712. On August 15th each year, the Prince opens his doors for the National Day celebration, where cheese and wine are served.
6. Try Liechtenstein wine
The Prince of Liechtenstein Winery produces excellent Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the Herawingert vineyards in the Rhine Valley.
Although I was gutted to learn that the Princely Cellars (Hofkellerei) were closed during my day in Vaduz, it wasn’t difficult to find a restaurant that served the sublime local Pinot Noir.
7. Eat Käsknöpfle
Liechtenstein’s national dish is essentially macaroni cheese on steroids: short pasta tubes smothered in cheese sauce, topped with crispy fried onions, served with apple purée.
Your arteries won’t thank you. Your taste buds will.
8. The Red House
Although this distinctive building dates back to 1338, the dark-red colour is a 19th-century addition. Since 1807, the Red House has been the private residence of the Rheinbergher family. It isn’t open to visitors, but is photogenic from the outside.
9. Walk through Mitteldorf
The route from the Red House back to the centre takes you through Mitteldorf’s narrow streets. Old houses line the way and you’ll get some of the best castle views from here.
10. Visit a museum (if it’s raining)
Vaduz punches above its weight when it comes to museums. Here is the pick of the best:
- Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein – Modern and contemporary art from the state collection
- Liechtenstein Landesmuseum – The country’s history and culture
- Liechtenstein PostMuseum – Postal history (more interesting than it sounds)
Is it Worth Taking a Day trip to Liechtenstein?
Is Vaduz worth visiting? Yes, as an add-on to an Austria or Switzerland trip.
Set in an Alpine valley ringed by snow-capped peaks, Vaduz packs more punch than its size suggests. Friendly locals, decent museums and a relaxed vibe make it more than just a country-counting exercise.
Curiosity might get you to Liechtenstein. The scenery and atmosphere will make you glad you came.
About Bridget
Bridget Coleman has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.
Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.
To get in touch, email her at hello@theflashpacker.net or follow her on social media.