5 Beautiful Sights on a Half Day Trip to Liechtenstein
Trip To Another Micro Country
In 2018, we decided to take a half day trip to Liechtenstein. Liechtenstein is a beautiful 25 kilometer long neighbor of Switzerland, making it the perfect quick escape. We drove from Zurich to Liechtenstein, parked our vehicle in a public parking lot, and comfortably explored the micro country on foot.
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Arriving in Liechtenstein
- Via Train or Bus: Liechtenstein is easily reached by rail or road. Most travelers take trains to nearby Swiss or Austrian border stations (like Sargans, Buchs, or Feldkirch) and catch a quick connecting LIEmobil bus into the principality. Compare routes and prices via busbud here.
- Via Flight: Since Liechtenstein has no commercial airport, land at Zurich Airport (ZRH) or St. Gallen–Altenrhein (ACH). Both serve as the primary gateways and are about 1 to 1.5 hours away. Find the best airfare deals here.
Essential Travel Resources for Your Trip
- Over-night Stays: To book a hotel, explore the options available here.
- Stay Connected: Stay connected without worrying about roaming fees. Grab a local eSIM that fits your data needs here:
- We recommend Airalo for a budget-friendly and basic plan. Get your Airalo eSIM here.
- Yesim is our top-pick for unlimited data needs.Get your Yesim eSIM here.
- Going Around:
- Taxis & Private Transfers Secure a reliable, fixed-price ride with professional drivers. Avoid the airport queues by booking in advance. Book your taxi/transfer here.
- Car Rentals Enjoy the freedom of the open road. Compare the best rates from top brands to find your perfect vehicle here.
- Public Transport Travel like a local and save money. Skip the station lines by securing your train and bus tickets here.
1. Marvel at the Iconic Vaduz Castle
Vaduz Castle is not a public attraction because the princely family of Liechtenstein still resides there today. This means it can only be explored from the outside. The historic structure is situated high up on a hill and is clearly visible from the town center. We enjoyed our first view of the castle from the middle of town. Later, on our way back, we drove directly up to the castle grounds to have a closer look. The castle is exceptionally well kept and the historic architecture is truly beautiful.
2. Admire Kathedrale St. Florin
Our next destination on our walking tour was Kathedrale St. Florin, a striking Catholic church in Liechtenstein. It features gorgeous neo-gothic architecture with a long, distinct spire that can be easily spotted from a distance. The church also has a sophisticated staircase flanked by two impressive looking statues. We viewed the church from the outside before continuing along our walking path.
3. Inspect the Government Building and LandesMuseum
The Government Building of the Principality of Liechtenstein was an absolute treat to look at. The exterior of the building was extremely beautiful and the windows were crafted from colorful stained glass. As we turned back toward Kathedrale St. Florin, we saw a breathtaking view of the snowcapped mountains in the background.
We continued walking along the main path and soon reached the Liechtensteinisches LandesMuseum. There was a large photo board set up outside the museum where visitors could stick their heads through the gaps to pose as a traditional family from Liechtenstein. We took a few silly pictures there before continuing onward with our walking tour.
4. Explore the Liechtenstein Postal Museum
As we walked toward the Liechtenstein Postal Museum, we encountered a few impressive sculptures along the street. These unique art pieces included a periodic table, a large face sculpture, a huge shoe, and a statue of a lying woman. We decided to go inside and explore the collection at the Postal Museum. We spent less than half an hour inside the building because the total collection was extremely small.
5. Take Photos of the Famous Rotes Haus Vaduz
Our last destination before driving back up to the Vaduz Castle was the Rotes Haus Vaduz. This is a beautiful red painted house that stands out brightly from a distance. It is a vital historical and cultural landmark of Liechtenstein. We spent a few minutes admiring the vibrant architecture of the Red House before walking back toward our parked car.
Final Remarks
Liechtenstein is a micro country and there isn’t a lot to do there. Nevertheless, it has a lot of buildings offering beautiful architectures. The highlights for us were Rotes Haus and Vaduz Castle.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can you tour the inside of Vaduz Castle?
No, you cannot tour the inside of Vaduz Castle. The princely family of Liechtenstein still resides there, so it remains a private residence that can only be admired from the outside.
Is a half day trip to Liechtenstein enough time?
Yes, a half day trip is generally enough time to explore the main sights of the capital city, Vaduz. Because it is a micro country, the primary architectural highlights and museums are located close together and can be easily explored on foot within a few hours.
How do you get from Zurich to Liechtenstein?
You can easily drive from Zurich to Liechtenstein by car in around 75 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a public train from Zurich to Sargans or Buchs, and then catch a regional Swiss bus directly into the center of Vaduz.
