Is Liechtenstein Worth Visiting?

I had already been to 27 European countries before Liechtenstein fell onto my radar. As a landlocked microstate, that not many people seem to visit, it just never crossed my mind as somewhere I had to go. Luckily, I am now based in Switzerland, making it just a 40 minutes drive away. So after making the trip, I finally answered my own question, “Is Liechtenstein worth visiting?”.

The answer is definitely yes! While small in size, it makes up for it in natural beauty. Luckily for you, no matter how long your European vacation is, this country is small enough you can easily fit it into your itinerary, and see a lot of it. Here are 6 reasons to visit Liechtenstein on your next European getaway.

The Best Day Trip

If you are already planning to be in Switzerland, it’s all too easy to pop over the border and tick another country off your list. Liechtenstein is less than an hour from Zurich, and is only 15 miles from one end of the country to the other. That’s right, you could technically drive through it in half an hour!

Of course, there’s enough to do and see on the way that’ll require more time. However it’s compact size, makes it an ideal day trip. I am no fan of fast paced travel, or popping into countries for a few days just to say “I’ve seen it”. However, in Liechtenstein, you actually can see a lot of it in a day, and enjoy yourself at a reasonable pace too.

You Can Hike the Entire Country

Liechtenstein is part of the Eastern Alps, and its landscape is therefore characterized mostly by mountains. While the Alps in France or Switzerland can get very busy in summer, Liechtenstein sees far less visitors. It’s a much better experience and opportunity to really be immersed in nature, without people.

If you love hiking, I can’t imagine a better place in Europe. Here, you not only have trails for all lengths and levels of fitness, but they are everywhere. You even have hiking trail markings in the city centers. You have so many to choose from, and those views will not disappoint.

It’s One of the Safest Countries

Whether you are a solo female traveler or not, you can rest easy while in Liechtenstein. It’s one of the safest countries in the world, according to the world safety index.

A walk around the city center of Vaduz, will feel all too tranquil for a European capital city. Liechtenstein seems to be free of many of the normal social problems most countries face, making it a very peaceful destination for visitors. Plus, it’s so wonderfully clean!! It may be my inner germaphobe speaking but man is it refreshing to walk through a capital city that has no trash, dog shit, smog, or litter!

It’s Heaven for Winter Sports Lovers

I had the pleasure of visiting in summer, but I’m told that Liechtenstein sees more visitors in winter. Its landscape is the ideal destination for all winter activities.

Malbun is the largest ski resort in the country and besides skiing and snowboarding, they also offer snowshoeing and snow-hiking tours. I can’t wait to go back and see Liechtenstein under a blanket of snow.

Vineyards and Wine

Oh, and did I mentioned a good portion of the country is covered in vineyards? It must have slipped my WINE (I’m sorry, I just love puns).

The land here is favorable for producing wine, surprisingly, considering it’s alpine climate. There are over 100 wine producers in the country to date, which is a lot considering it’s small size. That equates to about one winery for every 383 people, which is a ratio I can get behind!

Near the capital, you have the Prince of Liechtenstein Winery, where you can tour the grounds and of course, taste the wine. Another popular winery is Weinbrau near the town of Eschen.

Castles and History

You may be wondering, how did such a tiny country come to be? Learn about that and more while visiting Liechtenstein. It’s history is rich and you will get a great insight into its past by the many castles still present.

Two of my favorites, Vaduz Castle and Gutenberg Castle, are just two among a handful. Most of these castles are situated impressively against the mighty mountains of the alps as their backdrop. It’s a real life fairytale.

So, to answer the question “Is Liechtenstein worth visiting?”, I would have to say yes. For your next Europe trip, it would make the perfect day trip. If you are a hiking and nature enthusiast like me, opt to spend even more time here. I can’t believe it took me this long to finally visit, but I’m looking forward to my next one.

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