Hotel Vaduzerhof by b-smart
Vaduz - Städtle 3
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Nestled between Austria and Switzerland, the Principality of Liechtenstein is one of Central Europe’s hidden gems. At just 160 square kilometres, this small sovereign state offers a unique travel experience, combining Alpine traditions, medieval architecture and modernity in an area that you can cross completely in less than an hour’s drive.
Liechtenstein boasts a strategic location that makes it easily accessible from eastern Austria, being only 180 kilometres from Vienna and 120 kilometres from Innsbruck. Its capital, Vaduz, with a population of 5,700, holds artistic treasures of international standing and offers spectacular views of the Rhaetian Alps.
Despite its small size, the principality presents an astonishing variety of landscapes: from the banks of the Rhine to the 2,599-metre Grauspitz, the highest peak in the country. The cultural wealth is manifested in perfectly preserved medieval castles, world-famous museums and craft traditions that have been handed down for centuries.
Its proximity to Austria makes Liechtenstein an ideal destination for visitors to the Tyrol or Vorarlberg, allowing them to discover one of the last European principalities during their Austrian stay.
Liechtenstein concentrates attractions ranging from contemporary art to medieval architecture in a few square kilometres, offering unique experiences in every corner of the principality.
Vaduz Castle has dominated the capital since the 12th century, representing the principality’s most recognisable symbol. This medieval fortress, official residence of the Liechtenstein royal family since 1938, stands on a rocky hill 120 metres above the Rhine valley.
Although the interior cannot be visited for security reasons of the princely family, the castle offers one of the most photographed views in Central Europe. The path leading to the fortress, which can easily be walked in 15 minutes from the centre of Vaduz, passes through terraced vineyards where the Prince’s prized Pinot Noir is produced.
The architecture of the castle clearly shows the different construction phases: the Romanesque donjon from the 12th century, Gothic additions from the 14th century and Renaissance restorations. The view from the esplanade in front embraces the entire Rhine Valley all the way to the Swiss Alps.
Schaan, Liechtenstein’s largest town with 6,000 inhabitants, is home to the remains of Upper Vaduz Castle, a 13th century fortress that testifies to the strategic importance of the Rhine Valley in the Middle Ages.
The archaeological site, the subject of systematic excavations since 1980, has revealed structures ranging from Roman times to the 16th century. The exhibits, displayed in the small local museum, include medieval ceramics, coins and objects from everyday life that tell eight centuries of history.
The walk to the ruins, which winds through beech and fir forests, takes about 45 minutes from the centre of Schaan. The route is well signposted and offers panoramic views of the Rhine Valley and the Austrian Rätikon massifs.
Gutenberg Castle in Balzers is one of the best-preserved examples of medieval military architecture in the Alps. This 13th-century fortress, which was completely restored in the 1980s, now hosts summer concerts and cultural events that attract visitors from all over the region.
The castle is distinguished by its 35-metre-high cylindrical tower, the only one of its kind in Liechtenstein. The structure still features the original surrounding walls, the baronial palace and the Gothic chapel with frescoes from the 14th century.
During the summer season, the castle organises guided tours illustrating medieval building techniques and the history of the noble families who inhabited it. The in-house museum exhibits weapons, armour and everyday objects from the medieval period.
Triesenberg, situated at an altitude of 884 metres on the slopes of the Kulm, preserves the traditions of the Walser population, who arrived here in the 13th century from the valleys of the Swiss Valais. This mountain village offers an authentic insight into Liechtenstein’s traditional Alpine culture.
The Walser Museum documents the emigration of this Germanic people and their ability to adapt to the harshest mountain environments. The collections include traditional agricultural tools, local costumes and reconstructions of old wooden dwellings called ‘Walser Häuser’.
The parish church of St. Joseph, built in 1765, features a Baroque interior with altars carved by Tyrolean masters. The panorama from Triesenberg stretches from the Rhine Valley to the Austrian Montafon peaks, which are easily accessible for border excursions.
The Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein in Vaduz is one of the most important art museums in the Alps, housing princely collections accumulated over more than four centuries. The modern black stone building, opened in 2000, contrasts elegantly with the surrounding traditional architecture.
The permanent collection ranges from Rubens to Van Dyck, from sculptures of classical antiquity to contemporary works. Particularly noteworthy are the Rubens Gardens, a series of landscapes that the Flemish master painted for the Viennese palace of the princes. The contemporary art section includes works by international artists who have exhibited in major European capitals.
The museum regularly organises international temporary exhibitions and offers guided tours by appointment. The museum library, accessible to scholars, holds more than 20,000 volumes of art history.
Liechtenstein offers a fine selection of accommodation that reflects the principality’s high quality of life. The accommodation facilities, concentrated mainly in Vaduz and the surrounding localities, guarantee high standards and personalised service.
The centre of Vaduz is an ideal choice if you want to be within walking distance of the main attractions. The hotels in the old town, often housed in restored historical buildings, offer elegant atmospheres and views of the castle. The residential area of Vaduz guarantees tranquillity and private parking, while remaining within walking distance of the centre.
Schaan attracts those seeking cheaper accommodation without sacrificing comfort, with frequent connections to Vaduz by public bus. The resort also offers a few family-run guesthouses that retain the traditional Alpine atmosphere.
Liechtenstein can be reached easily from Austria via several routes, all of which offer spectacular Alpine scenery. Fromeastern Austria, the most direct route is via Feldkirch (Austria) via the A14 motorway, continuing to Buchs (Switzerland) and then the Liechtenstein border.
From Vienna, the drive takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes, covering 180 kilometres through Lower Austria and Vorarlberg. From Innsbruck, the distance is reduced to 120 kilometres, which can be covered in 1 hour and 45 minutes via the Arlberg Pass. Thenearest airport is Zurich (120 kilometres), followed by Innsbruck (130 kilometres) and Vienna (180 kilometres).
Public transport effectively connects the principality with Austria: ÖBB trains stop in Buchs (Switzerland), from where there are direct buses to Vaduz every 30 minutes.
What's the weather at Liechtenstein? Below are the temperatures and the weather forecast at Liechtenstein for the next few days.
The Principality of Liechtenstein occupies a strategic position in the Rhine Valley, bordering Austria to the east (Vorarlberg region) and Switzerland to the west (canton of St. Gallen). The capital Vaduz is only 38 kilometres from Feldkirch in Austria, 65 kilometres from Bregenz and 120 kilometres from Innsbruck.
This location makes Liechtenstein easily accessible during a trip to Austria, particularly for those visiting the Tyrol or the Lake Constance region.
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