The Principality of Liechtenstein is situated in the Alps in Central Europe. Vaduz is the capital of Lichtenstein while the largest town is Schann.

German-speaking Liechtenstein does not share a border with Germany. It is also the richest and smallest German speaking country in the world.

Liechtenstein is also the only German speaking country which has a monarch. Liechtenstein takes its name from the Liechtenstein royal family.

After the Napoleonic wars, Liechtenstein ceased to acknowledge any authority outside its borders. By 1815, Liechtenstein was part of the German Confederation.

The havoc caused by World War I was instrumental in the monetary and customs agreement with Switzerland. During World War II, Liechtenstein was neutral.

What to see

The Balzers castle is a must see and so is the cathedral. At Vaduz you can pick up some souvenirs and also visit the ski museum.

You can also get a picture of the Schloss Vaduz which is the home of the royal family. However, this castle is closed to the public.

If you are lucky you will get to see the royal family as they drive around. The royal family’s cars are easily identified as the number plates have their birth year.

When to visit

The winters in Liechtenstein are cold and cloudy and it also snows and rains sometimes. The summers are moderately warm and also cool. It also rains during the summers. The resorts for winter sports are open from mid November to April.

Where to stay

You have a choice of places to stay in Liechtenstein, ranging from the big brands to bed and breakfast places and to cabins up in the Alps.

Shopping

Memento hunters can get an original Liechtenstein entry stamped on their passport at the tourist office at Vaduz for three Swiss francs.

Food

Traditional Liechtenstein cuisine consists mainly of bread, meat and cheese. The main dish is often Rebi (also called Ribel), which is made of semolina and corn meal. The cuisine is influenced by French cooking and the local cheese is used in most dishes.
The other local dishes are the Hafalaab which is made of corn meal and wheat with a mouth watering broth made of ham or bacon. The cuisine also includes vegetable fondues, stews and fruit pancakes.

What to wear

Liechtensteiners dress conservatively for both formal and informal occasions. So make sure you pack two formal trousers while it would be advisable to carry skirts for the fine dining restaurants. It’s best you carry light woolens even in summer.

Transport

Liechtenstein has no airport, so you will have to enter the country through Zurich. Another airport which you could use is Germany’s Friedrichshafen which is a low cost hub.

There are limited train services from Buchs in Switzerland to Schann- Vaduz. Bus is the more preferred option. If you are arriving into Zurich; you should take a bus from Sargans to Schaan.

Driving is another popular option.

Money

The Swiss Franc is the official currency in Liechtenstein. You can change money at the Bureaux de change which are in the banks. You can use an ATM locator to find a ATM. It’s best to carry traveler’s checks in US dollars, Euros or Pounds Sterling.

Medical

Liechtenstein has excellent medical facilities but in the case of an emergency you will be transferred to a Swiss hospital.

Tourist office contact

Liechtenstein Tourism
Städtle 37
FL-9490 Vaduz
Tel. +423 239 63 00
Fax +423 239 63 01
info@tourismus.li
www.tourismus.li

Visa

Liechtenstein has a full customs agreement with Switzerland. So if you have Swizz visa you can enter Liechtenstein. The country is represented by Switzerland.

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