Discover Liechtenstein: 10 surprising facts every traveler should know

The richest country in a small area

On 160 square kilometers, about 40,000 people live, but over 70,000 companies are registered, and there is only one millionaire among the residents. Reasons include low taxes, simple registration rules, and the preservation of financial secrecy. A small but powerful economic heart of Europe.

At the same time, Liechtenstein is the least-visited country in the world. It has no airport, and to see the sea, you need to cross two countries.

However, there is plenty to see for tourists, and transport is available in neighboring Switzerland and Austria. For example, from Zurich Airport to Vaduz is only a 1.5-hour drive.

Liechtenstein is small but very interesting (photo: Wikipedia)

Castles and museums

Vaduz Castle was the residence of the princely family; you cannot enter, but the views over the city are stunning.

Gutenberg Castle is open to tourists. This museum features an exceptionally beautiful chapel and a rose garden. Here you can truly feel the medieval atmosphere.

Schalun Castle (Wildschloss) is the ruins of a medieval castle in the mountains above Vaduz, easily accessible on foot.

Liechtenstein National Museum: history, culture, archaeology, and nature.

Postal Museum holds stamp collections dating back to 1912, with digital exhibitions and interactive displays.

Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein is a modern art in a black cube against the backdrop of the Alps.

Treasury of the Princes. There are jewelry and artifacts that belong to the princely dynasty. This collection is considered one of the rarest in the world.

Rhine Valley in Liechtenstein (photo: Wikipedia)

Lunch break

In Liechtenstein, lunch lasts 90 minutes, and the streets are quiet. This is a great opportunity to walk through the city slowly or rest on a bench, enjoying the peace. From 12:00 (12:30) to 13:30 (14:00), all shops, offices, and institutions are closed, and the streets become calm.

Ski resort and peaks

Malbun is the only ski resort at 1,600 meters above sea level. Suitable for beginners and those wanting to avoid crowds at major resorts.

You can also get a panoramic view of three countries from the Sareis mountain range, which is over 2,000 meters high. From here, you can see not only Liechtenstein but also Austria and Switzerland. Special hiking routes offer incredible views of the Alps and the Rhine Valley.

Princely family winery

The only official winery in Liechtenstein belongs to the princely family. Here you can taste Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, made directly from Alpine slopes.

Liechtenstein impresses with its medieval structures (photo: Wikipedia)

Singing lighthouse

Moby Lighthouse is an audio installation on the banks of the Rhine. The lighthouse "sings," creating an unusual cultural experience for tourists.

Festivals

Every year on August 15, Vaduz celebrates the national holiday. Only on this day is the castle open to everyone, music plays, fireworks are launched, and you can feel part of the princely country.

In winter, a mountain festival is held featuring wine treats.

Beautiful nature, museums, and castles are all about Liechtenstein (photo: Wikipedia)

Additional features

• The country can be crossed on foot from west to east in less than 10 minutes.
• At the tourist office, you can get a stamp in your passport. It is a small, but very desirable souvenir.
• Hiking trails, such as Fürstensteig and Three Sisters, offer fantastic Alpine panoramas.
• Adventure Pass allows you to visit over 20 museums and attractions at no additional cost.
• The head of state is Prince Hans-Adam II, and the head of government is Daniel Risch. The prince convenes and dissolves the Landtag (parliament) and approves laws.
• In 1806, Bavaria declared war on Liechtenstein and wanted to seize the principality. But they failed because they simply couldn't find it in the mountains.

Liechtenstein is a miniature country with big experiences. It offers everything for tourists: castles, nature, a winery, and cultural features that create a true adventure.

Earlier, we revealed where to find old and unique stained-glass windows in Ukraine.

Sources: PlanetWire, The Sun Travel, Tourismus Liechtenstein, Wikipedia.