This is a post about all you need to know about what to do in Liechtenstein.
Tucked between Switzerland and Austria, Liechtenstein is one of Europe’s smallest and most overlooked countries. But what it lacks in size, it makes up for with mountain views and charming villages. A little while ago, my partner and I drove all the way from London to Triesenberg via the capital Vaduz and we still regularly talk about how beautiful it was! If you’re planning to visit Liechtenstein, this guide has everything you need to know about what to see, where to go and why it’s worth a stop on your European adventure.
We LOVE visiting small countries! No rhyme or reason, just why not?! We actually just got back to Andorra which was interesting…I’ll write a post about it at some point soon but, in the meantime, you can also read my post on the best places to visit in Luxembourg when you’re done here. But for now, check out what to do in Liechtenstein below:
Start in Vaduz, the Capital
Vaduz might be one of the quietest capitals in Europe, but it’s a great place to start. You can explore the main street, Städtle, which is home to cafes, museums, art galleries and shops selling stamps and coins, two of Liechtenstein’s most famous exports. Stop by the Liechtenstein National Museum to learn about the country’s history, then head to the Kunstmuseum for contemporary art. Don’t miss the Postal Museum if you’re into quirky niche museums. Vaduz Cathedral, also known as St Florin’s Cathedral, is a peaceful place to visit with beautiful architecture.
While in Vaduz, don’t forget to get your passport stamped at the Tourist Information Office! Liechtenstein has no airport so that’s how you get a stamp – by paying 3€! Probably why they’re one of the richest countries… 😂
Hike Up to Vaduz Castle
One of the best things to do in Liechtenstein is walk up to Vaduz Castle, the residence of the country’s royal family. While you can’t go inside*, the short hike offers stunning views of the Rhine Valley and the Alps. It’s especially beautiful at sunset. The castle itself is an iconic image of Liechtenstein and definitely worth seeing up close.
Look at this:
*There’s ONE day every year when the prince has a party at the castle and invites the whole country! (pop: just under 40k). It’s 15 August, Liechtenstein National Day. On this day the public can attend a reception on the lawn and visit the castle’s rose garden. Shall we go? See you there!
Cross the Old Wooden Bridge into Switzerland
Just a short walk from central Vaduz is the Alte Rheinbrücke, a historic wooden bridge that crosses the Rhine River into Switzerland. This covered pedestrian bridge dates back to the early 1900s and is one of the last wooden bridges of its kind still in use. It’s a fun, free thing to do while visiting Liechtenstein and a great spot for photos. You can literally stand with one foot in Liechtenstein and the other in Switzerland. On the Swiss side, there’s a lovely walking and cycling path along the river.
Explore the Mountains in Malbun
If you’re wondering what to do in Liechtenstein beyond the capital, head to Malbun, a mountain village known for skiing in winter and hiking in summer. It’s a paradise for outdoor lovers with alpine trails, wildlife and crisp fresh air. In winter, the Malbun ski resort is ideal for beginners and families. In the warmer months, the chairlifts still run, taking you up to panoramic viewpoints and alpine meadows. It’s a great place to escape the crowds and experience the natural side of Liechtenstein.
Visit the Traditional Village of Triesenberg
Triesenberg is a charming alpine village located on a mountain terrace above Vaduz. It’s known for its unique dialect, rich cultural heritage and stunning views over the Rhine Valley (scroll down for photographic proof). The houses here are built in traditional Walser style and the village feels like a step back in time. Visit the small but interesting Walser Museum and stop for a meal at one of the rustic restaurants serving regional food. Triesenberg is especially lovely in autumn when the hills turn golden and the air gets crisp. If you’re visiting Liechtenstein for more than a day, this peaceful village is worth the detour. I actually stayed there and LOVED my hotel! Had the best view – I talk more about it towards the end of the post.
Walk the Liechtenstein Trail
The Liechtenstein Trail is a 75-kilometre hiking route that runs the length of the country, connecting all 11 of its municipalities. You can do it in sections or, if you’re feeling adventurous, complete it in 3 to 5 days. The trail includes mountain paths, forest walks and village streets, all marked with signs and info points that explain the local history. It’s also compatible with an official app that gives you maps and commentary as you go. If you want a unique way to visit Liechtenstein and say you’ve literally walked across an entire country, this is your chance.
I didn’t have time for it when I visited Liechtenstein, but now that I’m writing about it I REALLY REALLY want to go back!! How cool would that be?!
Visit Gutenberg Castle in Balzers
While Vaduz Castle is off-limits to the public, Gutenberg Castle in the town of Balzers is open and worth a visit. The castle dates back to the Middle Ages and sits on a hilltop with beautiful views. You can explore the grounds and gardens, and during summer there are sometimes concerts and events held here. It’s less known than Vaduz Castle but just as picturesque.
Take a Trip to the Prince’s Vineyard
Liechtenstein might be small, but it has its own vineyards and one of the most famous is the Herawingert, owned by the Prince of Liechtenstein himself. It’s located just outside Vaduz and offers wine tastings and tours. You can walk through the vines and enjoy the view of the castle in the distance. The wines are surprisingly good and it makes for a relaxing afternoon activity.
Discover Local Food and Specialities
One of the joys of visiting Liechtenstein is trying the traditional food (well, at least for me – I LOVE local food from that area!). You’ll find a mix of Swiss, Austrian and German influences with a local twist. Try Käsknöpfle, the national dish made with small dumplings covered in cheese and crispy onions. Other dishes to look for include Ribel (a cornmeal-based dish often eaten for breakfast), Liechtenstein-style schnitzel and delicious alpine cheeses. For dessert, look out for fruit tarts or nut cakes, especially those made with local plums or hazelnuts. If you’re visiting in autumn, many places offer seasonal wild game and mushroom dishes. Most restaurants are family-run and offer warm, cosy atmospheres perfect for winding down after a day of hiking or exploring.
Stop in the Villages
Aside from Vaduz and Malbun, Liechtenstein has a handful of other villages that are worth a stop. Try Schaan for shopping and cafés, Ruggell for nature reserves and wetlands and Balzers for the castle and river views. Each village has its own character and charm and visiting them helps you experience local life beyond the usual tourist path.
Enjoy the Scenic Drives and Cycle Routes
Because the country is so compact, you can see a lot in one day by car or bike. There are plenty of scenic drives that take you through mountains, valleys and small towns. If you enjoy cycling, the Rhine River cycling path is flat, scenic and crosses into both Switzerland and Austria. You don’t need a car to explore Liechtenstein, but having one gives you extra freedom to reach the quieter spots. Buses are reliable, though and often timed well with popular walking routes.
Visit the Border Tripoint
For something quirky, visit the tripoint where Liechtenstein, Switzerland and Austria meet. It’s near the village of Bangs, and while it’s more symbolic than dramatic, it’s fun to stand in three countries at once. This is a great stop if you’re doing a regional road trip and want to tick off an unusual travel moment. Most tripoints I’ve visited in Europe have been pretty underwhelming to be honest! But coming from a country that’s so big it takes ages to get to the next state, all these cross-country borders in Europe still fascinate me!
Where to Stay in Liechtenstein
The main reason we went to Triesenberg, to be honest, was because of our hotel. We booked it quite last minute and everything was really expensive (this was October, low season) so we went for the cheapest option. And given the country is tiny and we had a car, we could’ve stayed pretty much anywhere!
We couldn’t believe our luck when we got into our room…we had a balcony with THE MOST BEAUTIFUL VIEW!!! Check this out! We were literally staring at the Swiss mountains!
Our room was super comfortable and clean and breakfast the next day was great! If you’re a regular reader you will know, breakfast is one of my main criteria when it comes to choosing a hotel…I might do a post about the best hotel breakfasts I’ve had so far in Europe actually, would that be useful to you?
If you’re heading to Liechtenstein, I couldn’t recommend Hotel Oberland enough! It’s also self check-in, super easy. It’s got chalet vibes and has a boot room for the ski season.
How to Visit Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein doesn’t have its own airport, but it’s easy to visit by train or car from Switzerland or Austria. The closest major cities are Zurich and Innsbruck. You can take a train to Sargans or Buchs in Switzerland and then a local bus to Vaduz. If you’re using a Swiss Travel Pass, it includes the buses into Liechtenstein. Most people visit Liechtenstein as a day trip, but staying overnight lets you explore more and experience the calm, scenic vibe after the tour buses leave.
Final Tips for Visiting Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein uses the Swiss franc as its currency and German is the official language, though most people also speak English. It’s one of the safest countries in the world, public transport is punctual and the people are friendly but reserved. Accommodation and food can be a bit pricey, but the natural beauty, clean air and peaceful atmosphere make it worth the cost. It’s not a party destination, even the capital of Vaduz is super chill! It’s perfect for hiking, photography or getting away from it all. Or, if you’re an Ovomaltine freak like me and don’t have it in your country, it’s a great time to load up, they’ve got EVERYTHING!
Visiting Liechtenstein is one of those rare travel experiences where you can say you’ve explored an entire country in just a couple of days but still feel like you’ve discovered something completely new. Whether you’re hiking the Liechtenstein Trail, crossing the wooden bridge into Switzerland, sipping wine in a royal vineyard or having cheese dumplings in a quiet mountain village, this little country leaves a big impression.
This post was about all you need to know to visit Liechtenstein.
