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Liechtenstein – Europe’s Fairy Tale Country

by Peter Steyn - Editor, GlobeRovers
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Gutenberg Castle (German Burg Gutenberg) in Balzers Liechtenstein
Gutenberg Castle (German Burg Gutenberg) in Balzers Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein is a constitutional monarchy, currently headed by Hans-Adam II (known as Prince Regnant of Liechtenstein). It is the only remaining European monarchy that practices strict agnatic primogeniture, meaning only first-born males may inherit the throne.

Liechtenstein is a country with almost no crime and a capital city of just over 5,000 residents.

While the princes of Liechtenstein originally purchased the land of the entire country, the first prince to actually reside in this principality (the country of Liechtenstein) was the father of the current prince, Franz Josef II. He moved here in 1938 when he ascended the throne after his father (Franz 1) died in Czechoslovakia in that year.

Vaduz, Liechtenstein
Vaduz, the capital

Liechtenstein is mainly a mountainous country, making it a winter sports haven. The largest ski resorts of the Liechtenstein Alps offer a combined total of about 23 km of ski slopes. Probably the best ski resort is “Malbun” near the Austrian border.

While the capital, Vaduz, has just over 5,000 residents, neighbouring Schaan has a larger population of about 6,000 souls.

 The Principality of Liechtenstein is double-landlocked as it is totally surrounded by two landlocked countries Austria and Switzerland.

One of the smallest, and also one of the most picturesque capitals in Europe, Vaduz, offers several places of interest.

The tranquil landscape of Schaan, Liechtenstein
The tranquil landscape of Schaan

Best of all, just wander around town and feel the beauty of Europe’s smallest capital. Check out the parliament building near the banks of the River Rhine in Peter-Kaiser-Platz, the historic Town Hall (Rathaus), and the neo-Gothic Vaduz Cathedral of St. Florin.

Liechtenstein has two beautiful fairy tale medieval castles. In town is the 12th century Vaduz Castle (Schloss Vaduz) that is the current palace and official residence of the Prince of Liechtenstein.

Vaduz Castle, Liechtenstein
Vaduz Castle in Vaduz
Vaduz Castle, Liechtenstein
Vaduz Castle in Vaduz

Close to the border with Switzerland on the southwest side is the Gutenberg Castle (Burg Gutenberg), perched high on a 70-metre hill above the village of Balzers.

Gutenberg Castle (German Burg Gutenberg) in Balzers Liechtenstein
Gutenberg Castle (German Burg Gutenberg) in Balzers
Gutenberg Castle (German Burg Gutenberg) in Balzers Liechtenstein
Gutenberg Castle, Balzers

The three other castles of Liechtenstein have seen better days, but their ruins are still worth visiting. These are the Castle of Neu-Schellenberg (Obere Burg), nearby Castle of Alt-Schellenberg (Untere Burg), and Schalun Castle (Burg Schalun).

Enjoy the hiking and villages, such as Nendeln and Eschen, between visiting castles.


☛ Read more: Europe’s 10 Lilliputian Countries


Get to know your Liechtenstein

  • Liechtenstein is the 4th smallest country (by area) in Europe.
  • Land area: 160 km².
  • Population: 37,922 (34% foreigners).
  • Tourist arrivals: 80,900 (2017).
  • Capital: Vaduz.
  • Neighbouring countries: Austria and Switzerland.
  • Known for being a small tax haven, the only Germanspeaking Kingdom, and being perpetually under Swiss protection.
  • Switzerland unintentionally invaded Liechtenstein in March 2007.
  • Snoop Dogg (American rap artist) wanted to rent the whole country for a video shoot.
  • It is the false teeth manufacturing capital of the world.


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