The sixth-smallest country in the world, Liechtenstein is so minute that many people have never heard of it.
In fact, it’s one of the least visited countries in Europe.
But curious travellers may find themselves drawn to this tiny nation that’s completely sandwiched by Austria and Switzerland.
Why does it exist? What’s it like? And is Liechtenstein worth visiting?
I asked myself a few of these questions before visiting in August 2023; and ended up visiting on National Day (August 15th).
So, here’s my personal take on whether Liechtenstein is worth a visit!
Is Liechtenstein worth visiting?
My honest answer to this is “it depends what you’re looking for!”.
If you want to explore mountains and are curious about Liechtenstein’s culture and history, particularly its country status (it’s one of the smallest and least-visited countries in Europe!), then yes, it’s worth visiting.
However, if you’re not interested in either of those things, then no, I wouldn’t visit.
Reasons to visit Liechtenstein
From curiosity to nature, here are a few reasons to visit Liechtenstein!
Geographical intrigue
One of the main reasons that I decided to visit Liechtenstein was because I was purely curious.
How has such a tiny country retained their independence and unique identity throughout Europe’s tumultuous past?
Why do they still have a monarchy – and are they respected?
And what does it mean to be Liechtensteinian?
If you’re interested in all these geographical quirks, then Liechtenstein is worth visiting for those alone.
Although, I will say that during my trip I did find it quite difficult to source the answers to these questions – not much of the national museum was in English, and the lady at the tourist information office wasn’t very communicative (it was also very busy because it was national day) – but another day it might be easier to chat to locals and find out more about the nation.
If you’re into country counting, then that could be reason enough to visit Liechtenstein – it was my 65th country!
Cultural attractions
There are a few decent cultural attractions in Liechtenstein too – although admittedly very few compared to other European nations.
Highlights include:
- the PostalMuseum
- the ruins of Schellenberg that date back to medieval times
- Vaduz Castle, which stands as a testament to the enduring power and influence of the princely family
- The Prince of Liechtenstein winery
Nature
One of the things that I didn’t realise about Liechtenstein before visiting (although now I’ve been, it makes perfect sense!) is that it’s very, very mountainous!
The border with Switzerland is flat (thankfully, as this was the way I walked!) but mountains sit just behind Vaduz and span to the Austrian border.
In fact, the lowest point of Liechtenstein is 400 metres, whereas the highest point is 1500 metres – a crazy difference!
This means that, wherever you are in the country, you’re either in the mountains or have a gorgeous backdrop of mountains.
There are plenty of hiking trails weaving through Liechtenstein, including a three day route that circumnavigates the whole country.
Then there’s the Rhine River, which snakes its way through the Liechtenstein/ Switzerland border and is a popular place for (flatter!) walking, jogging and cycling.
Ease of travel
Liechtenstein’s strategic location makes it an easy detour on trips to Switzerland, Austria or Germany.
It’s right next to the Swiss towns of Buchs and Sargans, and Feldkirch is just over the border in Austria.
Trains don’t stop in Liechtenstein, but you can easily take trains from Zurich or Vienna, among other destinations, to Buchs and Sargans and then take a bus to Vaduz (or, from Buchs, it’s about a 90-minute walk to Vaduz, which is what I did!).
Plus, it’s quite easy to get around, with buses that accept contactless payments (they’re even free on National Day!).
Reasons not to visit Liechtenstein
Expense
Just like neighbouring Switzerland, Liechtenstein is one of the most expensive countries in Europe – a cocktail and folded pizza sandwich, served fast food style, set me back 21 CHF when I visited.
When you compare this to the lack of bucket-list activities in the country, this could make it not really worth visiting – especially when nearby Austria and Germany are quite a lot cheaper.
Limited nightlife and dining options
Vaduz is a tiny city (population 5,450), which means that it’s rather lacking in terms of urban facilities. In fact, the city of Schaan is bigger than the capital – but it still only has a population of around 6,000.
If your idea of a perfect evening involves dancing till dawn or dining in trendy eateries, Liechtenstein might have you rethinking your plans!
Fewer attractions
While there are a few things to do in Liechtenstein, there’s no denying that the range of attractions can be somewhat on the leaner side – this is partially due to its small size, of course, but also due to the fact that ⅔ of the country is mountains.
If you’re looking for somewhere with lots to do, Liechtenstein may not be your plae.
Liechtenstein is perfect for…
- History fans: With its unique monarchy, age-old traditions, and array of museums, it’s a walk back in time.
- Hikers: Alpine landscapes beckon – it’s ideal for hiking.
- Micro-nation curious: For those intrigued by the concept of tiny nations, Liechtenstein offers a deep dive into micro-nationhood.
- Off-the-beaten-path travellers: If mainstream destinations feel too ‘been there, done that’, Liechtenstein’s somewhere a little different!
Liechtenstein is not so great for…
- Night owls: If you thrive on late-night clubbing and bustling nightlife districts, don’t visit Vaduz!
- City fans: If you love the constant stimuli of big city vibes, skyscrapers, and expansive shopping districts, you might find the country’s offerings a bit muted.
- Budget travellers: With a higher cost of living compared to many destinations, backpackers and those on a tight budget might feel the pinch.
- Foodies: While there are some local dishes to try, the limited array of diverse international dining options is a tad restricting.
Why do tourists visit Liechtenstein?
Tourists are drawn to Liechtenstein for its stunning mountain vistas, well-maintained hiking trails, medieval castles, and the chance to explore a microstate with rich traditions. If you’re interested in any of those things, Liechtenstein could be a good place for you!
How many days should I spend in Liechtenstein?
If you’re not hiking, you can see a lot of the country in a day – it’s an easy day trip from parts of Switzerland and Austria. But if you want to spend some time hiking and getting to know the culture on a deeper level, I’d give it 2-3 days.
Why is Liechtenstein the least visited country?
I’ve seen sources saying that Liechtenstein is the least visited country in Europe, although I think Belarus or Moldova may beat it to the title!
But it’s definitely one of the least visited – this is because of its small size, lack of bucket list attractions and the fact that there’s no airport or train station in the country.
Can you walk around Liechtenstein?
Yes – I actually walked from Buchs, Switzerland to Vaduz! You can also hike the entire country in three days, although this is a mountainous trail. The eastern part of the country is all mountains, so you might want to drive or take the buses around this part.
What is the least visited country in Europe?
It’s hard to say the actual least, but San Marino, Moldova, Belarus and Liechtenstein all see a fraction of the tourists of places like France and Spain.
Is 1 day enough for Liechtenstein?
Yes, I only did a day trip to Liechtenstein and I think it’s more than sufficient to see Vaduz, although you might want to spend longer if you want to explore Liechtenstein’s culture on a deeper level or to enjoy its hiking trails.
