Hotels and getting to Vaduz.

Liechtenstein, a tiny European nation nestled between Switzerland and Austria, offers a hidden gem for outdoor enthusiasts. The majestic alpine scenery, charming villages, and historic landmarks make it an ideal destination for a weekend getaway. That’s just what I did! I flew into Zurich and took the train straight to Sargans, a picturesque town on the border. From here it was easy to take a bus to Vaduz, the capital.

Hotels in Liechtenstein are pretty pricey and there aren’t many choices, so I stayed at the Schaan-Vaduz Youth Hostel. It was really nice, a little out of the city but near the river. There’s a big supermarket just ten minutes walk away which was very useful to keep costs down.

The best thing to do in Liechtenstein in Summer is take a bus up to one of the ski resorts and set out hiking in the Alps. There are a few cool trails to choose from, but I wanted to head to Schönberg.

Reaching the Summit of Schönberg

The summit of Schönberg, Liechtenstein’s highest point at 2,036 meters (6,680 feet), offers a truly rewarding experience. The hike actually isn’t too hard going as you’re already starting pretty high up in Malbun.

On a clear day, the surrounding peaks of the Rätikon mountain range stretch as far as the eye can see, creating a picture-perfect backdrop for a memorable photo. Take a moment to soak in the fresh mountain air and the tranquility of the alpine environment.

The trail is easy to follow, and once I’d say and taken in all the beauty of the views around me, I headed down and decided to hike down to Steg. It was a beautiful walk until I got to a locked gate, I realised I couldn’t pass through because of livestock, they had just given birth and so it would be dangerous to go through.

So I had to turn back and retrace my steps, I tried to see if there was another way around but that was my only route, so I headed back to Malbun. On the way I did spot some Alpine Marmots which were super cute. They’re a bit too skittish to get a picture though. Malbun had some nice restaurants but a bus was due when I got back so I grabbed a drink and started my journey back to Vaduz.

Alte Rheinbrücke and the Rhine River

After conquering Schönberg, descend to Vaduz, the capital of Liechtenstein. A visit to Liechtenstein isn’t complete without witnessing the Alte Rheinbrücke, a historic landmark spanning the Rhine River. This wooden bridge, built in the 19th century, is one of the oldest covered bridges in Europe. Take a leisurely stroll across the bridge, admiring its intricate architecture and the scenic beauty of the surrounding valley. It’s fun to stand halfway and be half in Switzerland and half in Liechtenstein!

The bridge is a great starting point for a leisurely stroll along the Rhine. The weather was gorgeous when I was there, and after a big hike it was the perfect opportunity to relax. I had been to the supermarket near my hotel and grabbed a load of delicious treats to have a lovely picnic and sat in the grand majesty of nature.

The charming capital of Vaduz

Liechtenstein offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and cultural charm. Hiking the trails from Malbun to Schönberg and visiting the Alte Rheinbrücke are just two of the sights you can experience.

There are plenty of trails to hike/bike and although Vaduz is pretty small it’s a cute little place to wander around for an afternoon. There are some museums and you have to look out for the castle looking down on the city. The Prince of Liechtenstein lives there so it’s closed to the public.

While I was there I realised the European championships were on, so I booked a ticket to watch Liechtenstein Vs Slovakia. It was such a fun experience, Liechtenstein’s team is made up of amateurs but they put up a good fight and made it hard for the more experienced Slovakian team.

It was a great way to end my couple of days in Liechtenstein, I can see why it’s overlooked, but it definitely had its charms and the hike was incredible. Just what I needed. The next day I took the bus back to Sargans and embarked on the incredible train journey through Switzerland to Zurich.

Published by Tom

Wanderluster, forever day dreaming of my next destination. Nurse by day, gay, geek, love sports and marvel comics. Determined to visit every country in the world! View all posts by Tom