"Liechtenstein: the Shangri La of Europe" Top 5 Page for this destination Liechtenstein by Pieter11

Liechtenstein Travel Guide: 551 reviews and 1,208 photos

Steg in the Liechtenstein Alps - Liechtenstein

Most of the people in the world don't know Liechtenstein and even if they do, they don't even think about going there. The few people that do visit Liechtenstein normally just enter the country, get their passport stamped and buy some poststamps, and leave again.

But during the days I spent in the country, I discovered a Liechtenstein with proud inhabitants, a beautiful old capital, a vivid social life, an own wintersport centre high in the mountains, and all over the country you cannot miss the great Alp-landscapes with spectacular view again and again.

It would be a great shame if you only visit the country to add another one to your collection. Liechtenstein is much more and offers for then enough to spend at least few days in the country!

Where to find the country?

Liechtenstein in the centre of Europe

Liechtenstein is situated in the heart of the Alps. It's locked up between Switzerland in the West and Austria in the East. The country only measures 24 by 12 kilometres which makes it one of the smallest countries in Europe.

The Eastern part of the country (about 2/3 of the surface) is dominated by high mountains. Very few people live here, but it is a beautiful area. The Western part is situated at the banks of the Rhine-river, and is relatively flat. This is the part where most of the people live and where the big money is brought in, especially by the numerous banks in the capital Vaduz.

The Shangri La of Europe

The tour I made through Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein can be described as the Shangri La of Europe if you ask me. Just as the mythical "lost country of Shangri La", the country is situated in a valley where colourful flowers and tasty wine-grapes dominate. And in te Eastern part of the country you'll find another valley like this: The Saminatal in which Steg and Malbun are situated.

There is hardly any criminality registered in Liechtenstein, simply because even the biggest city in the country still only has the size of a small village. There is no army, only police. The people look happy and just like in a fairytale, the Prince lives in a castle high on a mountain top, overlooking the capital.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Central in Europe, great nature, no criminality, beautiful capital Vaduz...
Cons:Pretty expensive, difficult to reach with public transportation...

Last visit to Liechtenstein: Apr 2007
Intro Updated Jun 3, 2007
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Reviews (35)

Tourist Shops Shopping (3)

In Vaduz you will find quite a lot of tourist shops, most of them located at Städtle, the pedestrian area of the city.... more travel advice

The entrance to the Princely vineyards - Liechtenstein

Princely Vineyards Things to Do (21)

Liechtenstein is a very good winecountry, with a lot of vineyards at the banks of the Rhine. Most of these vineyards are... more travel advice

The Parish Church of Vaduz - Liechtenstein

Parish Church of Vaduz Things to Do (21)

Next to the Governments Building, right in front of the round-about at the Äulestrasse in Vaduz, you will see the... more travel advice

Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein - Liechtenstein

Kunstmuseum Things to Do (21)

In the centre of Vaduz you cannot miss a big, square, black building. This huge cube is the Museum of Fine Arts, or... more travel advice

Local Customs (4)
See All Traditional Clothes
Transportation (1)
Autobahn Vignette
Restaurants (2)
See All Burgers in Triesen

Comments (13)

Airpunk Jul 9, 2011 at 12:02 PM Report Abuse

Thanks for sharing your experiences in Liechtenstein with us! Groeten - Karl
ettiewyn Aug 1, 2010 at 1:19 PM Report Abuse

It is great to get such good info about this unknown country, the pics look lovely! Thank you!
mtncorg Dec 30, 2009 at 12:35 PM Report Abuse

Glad to see someone else who actually got out of Vaduz and wasn't in the ocuntry for a half hour. The hiking is remarkable for such a small land and the Saminatal is another World.
angiebabe Oct 26, 2009 at 2:06 PM Report Abuse

Hi again Pieter, doing a bit of roaming&nice to see you spent some time in L.Ive been but was in such a rush that didnt get to Steg etc as hoped. Might go end Nov - or is it too drab then do you think?!or despite no flowers Switz/L. can never be drab!!!?
fabrice Jul 29, 2009 at 12:33 AM Report Abuse

I am ready to live in Liechtenstein right now
nomorewars May 12, 2009 at 5:28 PM Report Abuse

Such a delightful presentation of Liechtenstein, Pieter. I especially liked your Stegersee (manmade lake) and picnicking tips. I use to travel to Liechtenstein quite frequently when I lived in Germany, and I agree with you that it is often overlooked.
hunterV Apr 27, 2009 at 7:34 AM Report Abuse

Hello, Pieter! You've made a splendid journey there! Good for you! I'd love too!
junkson Dec 9, 2008 at 8:27 AM Report Abuse

They dont serve breakfast! We got on a bus at eight in the morning to find that they only did doughnuts and coffee until 11. Adn the doughnuts were still frozen Bad times.
davidmhall Sep 22, 2007 at 9:48 AM Report Abuse

Excellent page full of wonderful tips!!
JessH Jul 11, 2007 at 5:02 AM Report Abuse

Excellent page here with superb details & personal insights! I really enjoyed reading your tips. Well done! Have a great day / Jess