The small principality of Liechtenstein lies on the border of Switzerland and Austria. The country is characterized by high mountains, a mild climate and a high quality of life. The dwarf state of Liechtenstein is no larger than 160 km². Over the years, the country has developed excellently, which means that quality is of paramount importance. It is a special destination, especially for tourists. The culture can be felt everywhere and during various festivals and celebrations, the villages and towns come to life. For most it is a real sun destination, but you can also go on winter sports. The Malbun ski area is ideal for families. Check topmbadirectory for how to get to Liechtenstein.
Liechtenstein is still unknown territory for many Dutch people. That is because the dwarf state is not on a through route to the popular holiday destinations in Italy, Austria or Switzerland.
Top 10 sights of Liechtenstein
#1. National Museum
If you want to know more about the history and culture of Liechtenstein, then this Liechtensteinische Landesmuseum is highly recommended. The museum is spread over three locations. The permanent exhibition shows how the principality came about and what dangers it has defied. The National Museum of Liechtenstein also includes the Postal Musuem. Here you will mainly find extensive stamp collections, postcards and machines related to postal history. Check simplyyellowpages for mass media and culture of Liechtenstein.
#2. Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein
In Vaduz you can visit the museum for modern and contemporary art. The sleekly designed building houses some famous works by American sculptor Richard Artschwager, Barry Le Va and artist Keith Sonnier. There are also regularly changing temporary exhibitions to admire.
#3. The government buildings in Vaduz
The capital Vaduz is also the city from which the country is governed. The five-member cabinet rules together with the parliament and the reigning monarch of Liechtenstein. Both the palace of the monarch and the town hall and the parliament building are located in Vaduz. Although the town hall has a medieval appearance, it was only built around 1932 after an idea by the German architect Franz Roeckle. Events and markets are regularly organized on the square in front of the town hall.
#4. Vaduz Castle
The official residence of the reigning monarch is located in Vaduz. Schloß Vaduz is unfortunately not open to the public. And that is a pity for the view, especially given the location on the hill. The oldest parts of the castle are said to date back to the twelfth century. Throughout its history, Schloß Vaduz has belonged to influential people and it still does today. It once belonged to the Counts of Sulz, the Counts of Hohenems, and finally came into the hands of the Prince of Liechtenstein at the beginning of the eighteenth century.
#5. The castle ruins in Schellenberg
Right on the banks of the Rhine lies the town of Schellenberg. At some point in the thirteenth century, two castles stood in the place known as Obere Burg Schellenberg and Untere Burg Schellenberg. After partial destruction during wars, the castles became empty around the sixteenth century and decay set in. At the beginning of the nineteenth century, parts of the buildings were used to build monasteries and churches elsewhere. What one finds now are remaining ruins from the past. Another special building in Schellenberg is the sixteenth century wooden Biedermann House.
#6. The Red House
The very recognizable red facade will not escape the attention of many visitors to the capital Vaduz. The medieval building is located on the edge of the center and, in addition to a red stepped gable, also has a residential tower and ‘Torkelgebäude’, which is a kind of press for making wine. Since the early nineteenth century, the house and tower have belonged to the Rheinberger family. Egon Rheinberger was born in this red house. Later he owned Burcht Gutenberg in Balzers. Unfortunately, this imposing building is not open to the public.
#7. Ski & Winter Sports
Museum Fans of winter sports will probably appreciate this ski and winter sports museum in Vaduz. All kinds of items related to winter sports are exhibited here. It all started with some old gear in which skier Noldi Beck discovered his passion. Slowly but surely his collection grew and this museum was created. Among the collection are wooden skis, images and objects from prehistoric times, old snowshoes, ski bindings, sledges and other utensils.
#8. Gutenberg Castle
Gutenberg Castle is located on a hill in the town of Balzers. This castle is one of the few that is open to the public. The current appearance of the castle was obtained during the extensive renovation at the beginning of the twentieth century and passed into the hands of the Rheinberger family. After his death, it was purchased by the municipality of Liechtenstein and served as an event location for some time.
#9. Fürstliche Hofkellerei
The fact that delicious wines come from Liechtenstein should no longer be a surprise. However, the largest buyers are the Liechtensteiners themselves. In the cellars of the royal family in Liechtenstein there is a remarkable collection of good wines. These often come from his own vineyard Reblage Herawingert in Vaduz. This is one of the best vineyards in the entire Rhine Valley. And what could be more fun than drinking a glass of wine from the Prince of Liechtenstein?
#10. Liechtenstein weekly market
Liechtenstein hosts several markets every week. From April to November there is a market on Tuesdays in Lindahof in Schaan with organic products, meat, vegetables and fruit. In Vaduz there is a market on Saturdays in the village square. All kinds of delicious products are sold here and there are sometimes local crafts to admire. The Vaduz Christmas market is an annual event. The center will then be transformed into a fairytale paradise. In the town of Balzers, the farmer’s market can be found at the community house on every Thursday between April and November. And on the first Friday of the month from May to October there is a fresh market in Triesen in front of the St. Mamertus house.
