Vaduz Liechtenstein Attractions

Vaduz Liechtenstein attractions are many and diverse in this sixth (6th) smallest country in the world. Vaduz is the capital city located near the Swiss border on the Rhine River. The twelfth (12th) century Vaduz Castle is situated on a hillside overlooking the town. It is the residence of the royal family.

The only other smaller capital cities are San Marino and Vatican City. There are many things to see and do in this small town so let’s check it out.

A Little Bit of History on the Origin of the Vaduz Liechtenstein Attractions

There is mention of Vaduz way back in twelfth (12th) century manuscripts mentioning the castle in 1322. The entire town was destroyed by the Swiss in 1499. This occurred during the Swabian War.

In the late seventeenth (17th) and early eighteenth (18th) centuries, the Liechtenstein family was able to purchase the land and gain political status with no feudal lord other than the Holy Roman Emperor. It was in 1719 that Charles VI, the Holy Roman Emperor, decreed Vaduz and Schellenberg united.

This formed the principality of Liechtenstein named after Anton Florian of Liechtenstein. It was now a sovereign member state of the Holy Roman empire. Since this was done for political expediency, no Princes of Liechtenstein entered the newly established principality for over one hundred and twenty (120) years.

 

Some Interesting Facts About Vaduz Liechtenstein Attractions

• the entire country is only 15.2 miles (24.4 kilometers) long and 5.8 (9.3 kilometers) miles wide and Vaduz is the second-largest city as Schaan is the largest. It is the only country lying entirely within the Alps.
• the population of Vaduz is approximately 5,696 while the country has about 40,000 people
• the miniature City Train is a great way to explore the town
• the area has an oceanic climate (cool winters and warm summers). July is the warmest month [77 °F (25 °C)] while January is the coldest month with the temperatures varying between 27 °F (−3 °C) and 37 °F (3 °C).
• the currency is the Swiss Franc (1 Swiss Franc = $1.11 USD)
• the main language is Standard German but Swiss German, Walser, Alemannic, and English are also spoken
• the government is set up with the Prime Minister and four (4) ministers appointed by the Prince after a parliamentary proposal. It reports to the Prince and the parliament.
• the country has practically no debt with a per capita GDP (Gross Domestic Product) second highest in the entire world and Vaduz is the financial center of this country which is the smallest but richest country in the world per capita
• the town is the seat of the Archdiocese of Vaduz
  
• the main industries in the country are tourism, ceramics, precision instruments, electronics, textiles, pharmaceuticals, food products, and metal manufacturing
• the most popular sport is football (soccer)
• the tourist industry is very active here even though Vaduz is one of the few capitals in the world without an airport
• the closest major airport is in Zurich, Switzerland seventy-five (75) miles (120 kilometers)
• bus service is widely available. Railway service is available in the town of Schaan which is nearby
• the University of Liechtenstein is located in Vaduz

Some Vaduz Liechtenstein Attractions

Here is a short video giving you an idea of what this small town is all about.

* St. Florin Cathedral — with its steeple and stain-glassed windows this neo-Gothic structure is a favorite attraction with its quiet, relaxing, and beautiful surroundings. Friederich von Schmidt, an Austrian architect, built this Roman Catholic cathedral in 1870.

* Parliament Building — this modern building is where the twenty-five (25) member parliament meets to discuss government affairs. It was designed by Hansjörg Göritz, an architect from Munich. It was constructed with over one million bricks and is located in the main square.

* Postage Stamp Museum — founded in 1930 and opened in 1936 it currently resides at English Building Art Space after several relocations.

* Kilometer Zero Stone — this replica of the original stone is located adjacent to the tourist center. This zero stone indicates the location from where all roads were measured. It was established in 1864.

* Old Rhine Bridge — this wooden structure connects Switzerland and Liechtenstein over the Rhine River with fabulous views of the surrounding area including St. Florin Cathedral and the Vaduz Castle. It is one hundred and forty-seven yards (135 meters) long. As you take your walk across the bridge you will discover that the border is in the middle.

* Liechtenstein National Museum — dating back to 1438 it was renovated between 1998 and 2008. Originally it housed the government seat, the custom-house, and a tavern. It is comprised of three (3) buildings with forty-two (42) exhibit rooms filled with artifacts and displays of the landscape, nature, history, and culture of this area.

* Art Museum Liechtenstein — this is the State Art Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art, also known as Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein. It exhibits many nineteenth (19th) century artworks and sculptures as well as the Prince’s private collection. Comprising the exterior facade of this black monolithic structure are river pebbles from the Rhine Valley. It is quite an impressive building both inside and out.

* Bike Riding — a great way to see the area is by bicycle. There is a scenic road along the Rhine River with unlimited treasures to explore as you travel inland through this beautiful country.

* Skiing — one of the favorite places for a variety of runs for the entire family is Bergbahnen Malbun ski resort

* Hiking — there are plenty of great hiking trails around Schönberg, Fürstensteig, and other nearby mountain areas.

* Cuisine — Käsknöpfle is Liechtenstein’s national dish which is a traditional cheese pasta served with apple sauce and crispy onions. A mainstay of this country’s diet for many years was Ribel (or Rebl) which is a cornmeal-based delicacy. The cuisine is influenced by Austria and Switzerland.

* Vaduz Castle — the official residence of the Prince of Liechtenstein, this twelfth (12th) century structure was initially built as a fortress. Although closed to visitors, there are walking tours that provide plenty of historical facts and the surrounding Alpine countryside can be viewed from the gates. On Liechtenstein’s National Day, August 15th, the castle is open to the public with a stunning fireworks display.

* Hofkellerei (Royal Winery) — this is the Prince’s personal wine cellar. Visitors can walk through the vineyards and get some background on winemaking in the Rhine Valley while sampling the estate’s Pinot Noir and Chardonnay

* Gutenberg Castle — located in Balzers, just south of Vaduz, it has such a magnificent setting and is open to the public. It was constructed during the Bronze Age with its gorgeous rose garden, two (2) chapels, and museum. During the summer the inner garden hosts several events including concerts as well as theater and cultural productions.

* Mittledorf (The Red House) — this neighborhood is located just northeast of the town center of Vaduz and provides the feeling and look of the original town with its cobblestone streets, traditional homes, and flower boxes. The fourteenth (14th) century Red House is a perfect example of this with its stone tower and vineyard. It’s been owned by the same family since 1807.

Reasons to visit Vaduz Liechtenstein

There are many reasons to spend some time in this beautiful city as evidenced by the video and related information above. But if you are into skiing this is an excellent spot. Although Switzerland and Austria are more popular, Malbun in Liechtenstein is excellent with a variety of slopes for beginners as well as for more advanced skiers.

Check out the tourist office, Liechtenstein Center, on Städtle Street to get all the information you need in regard to accommodations, the art scene, hiking trails, and yearly festivals. There is also a gift shop with books and plenty of souvenirs. Don’t forget to get your passport stamped at the tourist office.

Here are a few ideas for places to stay in Vaduz and the surrounding area including Malbun for you skiers. For a more extensive list of accommodations check here.

This town would definitely be a change of pace and provide many relaxing moments within the beauty and magnificence of the Alps. Definitely, a place to consider adding to your list of travel destinations.

Enjoy your journeys,

Joseph William

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