Best things to do in Vaduz
Find out more about those top places in Vaduz
Find out more about those top places in Vaduz
Grüezi! (That's "hello" in German, the language you'll hear in this adorably tiny nation!) Get ready to explore Vaduz, the capital of Liechtenstein, Europe's fourth smallest country – squeezed snugly between the majestic giants of Switzerland and Austria. Don't let its size fool you; this German-speaking gem, perched picturesquely on the banks of the Rhine River, is a city brimming with great history and overflowing with beautiful medieval castles, picturesque cathedrals, and amazing museums that pack a cultural punch way beyond its petite proportions.
Now, Vaduz is unlike most capital cities you've encountered. With a population that barely nudges over 5,000 friendly faces, it's more like a charmingly large village than a sprawling metropolis. And that's precisely where its magic lies! Vaduz exudes a fantastic communal feeling, a warmth driven by the genuine hospitality of its citizens. You might just find yourself waving to the same friendly faces multiple times a day – it's that kind of place! Forget anonymous city life; in Vaduz, you're practically a local by lunchtime.
Despite its small size, Vaduz boasts some seriously impressive top attractions that will have you feeling like you've stepped into a fairy tale. The most iconic landmark, without a doubt, is the imposing Vaduz Castle, perched dramatically on a hilltop overlooking the city. While it's the private residence of the Prince of Liechtenstein (so no popping in for tea!), its majestic presence dominates the skyline and offers incredible sightseeing opportunities.
But the castle isn't the only historical heavyweight in town. You'll also discover picturesque cathedrals with stunning architecture and a sense of timeless serenity. And for culture vultures, Vaduz punches well above its weight with its amazing museums. The Liechtenstein National Museum offers a fascinating journey through the country's history and culture, while the Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein showcases an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art. And for philately fanatics (stamp collectors, we're looking at you!), the Postal Museum is a surprisingly engaging delve into Liechtenstein's renowned stamp industry.
Vaduz is the perfect place to visit for those seeking a blend of historical charm, stunning alpine scenery, and a truly welcoming atmosphere. It's a city where you can easily explore all the main attractions on foot, enjoy leisurely strolls along the Rhine, and feel like you've stumbled upon a well-kept European secret.
Our hilarious (and incredibly helpful!) travel guide is here to navigate you through the best places to visit and the most exciting things to do in this pint-sized powerhouse. Get ready for some truly unforgettable sightseeing, from exploring majestic castles and charming cathedrals to immersing yourself in fascinating museums and soaking in the incredibly welcoming atmosphere, all while uncovering the top attractions that make Vaduz a truly special and hilariously charming destination.
Vaduz, despite its size, offers a wealth of historical and cultural gems:
Marvel at the imposing Vaduz Castle, the iconic hilltop residence of the Prince of Liechtenstein, offering stunning sightseeing opportunities of the city and surrounding Alps. A must-see attraction.
Delve into the history and culture of Liechtenstein at the Liechtenstein National Museum, showcasing artifacts and exhibits from prehistoric times to the present day. A key place to visit for cultural enrichment.
Explore the impressive collection of modern and contemporary art at the Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein. A top thing to do for art enthusiasts.
Admire the neo-Gothic architecture of the Vaduz Cathedral, a beautiful and significant religious landmark in the city. A noteworthy place to visit for sightseeing.
Discover the fascinating world of philately at the Postal Museum, showcasing Liechtenstein's renowned and often beautiful stamps. A unique attraction and a surprisingly engaging thing to do.
Our travel guide wouldn't be complete without suggesting some other fantastic things to do to truly experience the Vaduz (and Liechtenstein!) vibe:
So, if you're looking for places to visit in Europe that offer a fairytale setting, rich history, surprising cultural depth, and a genuinely welcoming atmosphere, Vaduz, Liechtenstein, is calling your name! Our travel guide promises an unforgettable adventure filled with incredible sightseeing and exciting things to do. Just be prepared to feel like you've stumbled into a charming storybook where everyone knows your name (eventually!). Grüezi wohl! (Farewell!)
The official residence of the reigning prince of Liechtenstein and the royal family. Located on a hill 120 meters above the city, it is one of the defining monuments in Vaduz, it is where the city gets its name from. The stunning castle was built by the counts of Werdenberg-Sargans in the 12th Century but acquired by The Princely family of Liechtenstein in 1972. In recent times the old castle has undergone some major restorations both in 1905 and 1920, it was also expanded in 1930 during the reign of Prince Johann II.
The state-of-the-art museum is one of Vaduz top tourist location, it features famous art works from Liechtenstein and around the world. The building completed in 2000 was designed by three Swiss architects Meinrad Morger, Christian Kerez and Henrich Degelo. In 1967 the Liechtenstein government received a gift of ten paintings which prompted the creation of the State Art Collection of Liechtenstein. After which the first curator of the Dr. George Malin expanded the collection to include international modern and contemporary art.
The number one place to be in Vaduz during the winter is Malbun, it is a ski-resort village located in the municipality of Triesenberg nine miles north of Vaduz. It is the only winter skiing destination in the country, Malbun offers a few snow-covered mountains for visitors to pick from.
At an altitude of 1600 meters, there are three different lifts; Hochegg, Tali and Sareis lifts, each offering different views of the mountains. There are hotels around, if you decide to make it an overnight experience.
Liechtenstein being a predominantly catholic country contains a few cathedrals; one of which is the Cathedral of St. Florin. With its high Gothic style, it was designed and built by Architect Friedrich von Schmidt on the foundations of older, medieval buildings. The building initially housed the Liechtenstein Deanery before being elevated to Cathedral status by Pope John Paul II in 1997.
There is a culture of wine production in Liechtenstein, mainly due to the fact that the climate in the region favors the cultivation of wine. With calcareous soils and good amount of sunshine it is a haven for wine production.
Visitors can stop by the Prince of Liechtenstein Vineyards which has the best and rarest wines for a wine testing session, peruse through the vineyards and also buy some bottles to stock up their personal wine cellar.