My first trip to Vaduz, Liechtenstein was an excellent experience. Like many tourist it was completely an unknown place for me until I started to research before my Switzerland trip. Tiny country with area of 62 sq. miles squeezed between Switzerland and Austria but very expensive definitely put a dent on my wallet. During my stay there I visited Vaduz and surroundings of the capital city but 2 days was not enough to cover many interesting place specially in the summer time.

Vaduz, Liechtenstein
Beautiful scenic highway leading to Vaduz, Liechtenstein

How Did I get there

Arrived at Zurich Airport from Zermatt, picked up my rented car ( Skoda a tiny one ) and headed towards Vaduz, it took me a while to get used to stick shift. It’s about 120 KM from the Airport to the Vaduz City Center, but it took me a while since I had to go through the Zurich City over the Zurich lake to get on to the highway # 3. Scenic highway alone the Zurich lake instead. Got lucky that I did not drove off the highway while trying to pay attention to the unbelievable view all the way to Vaduz.

Castle of Vaduz
A view of the famous Castle of Vaduz

First Day in Vaduz

I stopped couple of time to take beautiful pictures and finally arrived Vaduz. By the way gas was CHF 1.75 (avg) / liter ( 1 US gallon = 3.78 liter) so go figure US$ 6.65 / Gallon which is more than double what we pay in New Jersey.

Vaduz
The country is surrounded by beautiful mountains.

Visiting a Local Winery

It was cloudy could not get a clear view of the mountain peak but could see the famous Castle of Vaduz. Checked in to a hotel called Sylva, costed me about 80 CHF (Swiss Franc). Had nice dinner in one of the local restaurant and ofcours few local beers Liechtensteiner Brauhaus. After all it was a long day form me so I definitely deserved that. Also needed well deserved rest so went to bed early. Hotel room was confortable so was the bed, even I had a balcony overlooking the mountains and the castle still no interest but to drop dead.

Winery in Vaduz
Winery in Vaduz

Activities Around City Center

Wake up very early in the morning drove though the town as a king as there were no one on the street. Found a coffee shop that boosted me up. Came back to the hotel had me authantic breakfast cooked by 80 years old lady ( I think one of the family owner).

Government Building in the city center
Government Building in the city center

City Tour in a Wet Day

I was out the entire day, it was clowdy and drizzling off and on. Still I was happy to be there, I went to Vaduz Castle and Gutenberg Castle in the town of Balzers, my wish to crossed over the traditional wooden bridge over the Rhine river was also fulfilled. By the way Rhine River divides Liechtenstein from Switzerland. Also did not forget to stamp the passport from the Tourist Office at the expense of 3 CHF. Trolly trip is also available around the city at the expense of CHF 10.

vaduz
Trolly car available for tourist visiting for a day trip

The Famous Covered Wooden Bridge

During my short trip I felt like am in a fairy tale kingdom. Rugged mountainsides, beautiful castles and certainly the foggy weather added more to the feelings.

Vaduz, Liechtenstein
Old wooden bridge over the river Rhein

It worth a visit. Surely it’s great place to visit if you are in the vicinity. Ideal for a day trip from Zurich. Can be easily cover all the highlights of the country. But to cover most of the beautiful places like lakes, mountains, hiking trails and experience the gourmet local food and beer you definitely need more than a day trip. For me 2 days was not enough, I need to go back there again and visit all the places I missed during this trip.

Where to stay in Liechtenstein

Hotel Oberland, Triesenberg, Liechtenstein

Hotel Oberland is located 2 miles away from Vaduz, in a scenic location at 3,084 feet above sea level, Hotel Oberland is surrounded by the Alps and features a terrace with panoramic views of the Rhine Valley. The modern rooms at this self-service check-in hotel feature a private balcony with views over the valley

Gasthof zum Deutschen Rhein, Bendern, Liechtenstein

Gasthof Zum Deutschen Rhein is located in Bendern in Liechtenstein, just a 5-minute walk from the Rhine River and the Swiss border. The restaurant is open for lunch and serves traditional dishes from Liechtenstein and a selection of wine from the property’s own vineyards. Bendern Bus Station provides connections to Austria or Switzerland in 20-minute intervals.

My Opinion and Last Word

Have you been to Liechtenstein? Any cool tips to share?

I loved being in Liechtenstein, and want to go back again. Hope my story has motivated you to visit Vaduz and surrounding areas. 

Please leave a comment below! I’d love to hear from you to improve my knowledge. 

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Hasan Mahmud

Traveler, Blogger, and Travel Photographer!

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