Wee, Tiny, Ickle Country: The Principality of Liechtenstein

The Flag of the Principality of Liechtenstein

Why the title? Well the thing about Liechtenstein is that it is very small. The principality of Liechtenstein has a total area of 160 sq kms. Liechtenstein is 2.5times the size of San Marino and 81 times larger than Monaco.

Background.
The Principality of Liechtenstein was founded in 1719 and is the last remnant of the Holy Roman Empire. It became a full sovereign state in 1806.

Liechtenstein is sandwiched between Austria to the east and Switzerland to the west. It is one of two doubly landlocked (landlocked by countries that are themselves landlocked) countries in the world, the other being Uzbekistan.

It is also the only country that is named after its ruling family. The current reigning Prince is H. S. H Prince Hans-Adam II. The Royal Family are popular and highly respected. However, it was until the 20th century that the Von Liechtenstein family made their official and permanent residence in the country. The Royal family still own tracts of landed property in Liechtenstein, Austria as well as other countries in Europe.

Up until WWI Liechtenstein had very close ties with Austria, but the carnage caused by the Great War made  this tiny principality think its position over. Liechtenstein forged customs and currency union with Switzerland. This union has survived, and is still very much alive today.

Liechtenstein just like its neighbour Switzerland is a neutral country and Liechtensteiners are very proud of the fact that their country has never been physically involved in a battle or armed confrontation with an "enemy state"and many view their flag as a flag of peace.

Things to do and see.
Many a visitor to this tiny land think that all the attractions are in or around the capital Vaduz. In fact many just arrive in the capital, wonder around for a while, complain about the expense of the "tourist tat" (something that you will find in all capital cities!) and the lack of unspoiled countryside, then go home. Now that is a little unfair on themselves and very unfair on Liechtenstein!

Liechtenstein is still divided along the "old country " lines of the upper and lower countries, the Oberland and Unterland.

The Unterland is the smaller of the two and is centred around the Eschnerberg, a hill right in the middle of the Rhine flood plain.

Schellenberg
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Schellenberg can trace its settlement back to approximately 3000BC. With the background of the Liechtenstein, Austrian and Swiss Alps as well as the Rhine the village 700m above see level. Covering an area of just 355 hectares and with a population of 1000, Schellenberg is the smallest village in the country.

 Liechtenstein's oldest building, the "Beidermann" a medieval wooden construct is now    a museum open to the public. It's situated in the middle of the town and shows you exactly what life was like in the middle ages. As you can imagine, due its size Schellenberg is not easy to get lost in!

Ruggell
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Ruggell is the most northerly settlement in Liechtenstein with a population of about 1700. It also claims to be the village at the lowest height above sea level. Ruggell is the country's largest producer of milk and dairy products.

The dairy industry has contracted over the years but Liechtensteiners being ever resourceful, have made a number of nature reserves from the spare land in the surrounding area which have proved to be very popular with nature lovers, hikers and cyclists.

Eschen
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Eschen is the capital of the Schellenberg and with its very close neighbour Nendeln covers an area of 10 sq kms. Apart from the surrounding countryside the main attraction of these two villages is the fully working ceramics centre where visitors can see the whole process before their very eyes! Another worthwhile visit is to the fully working mill.

For the more outdoor types, Eschen offers a number of hiking routes, from rambling routes to the famous and historic "Hohenweg" pathway.

Over the past number of years Eschen and Nendeln have hosted music festivals which have started to grow in reputation around Europe and further afield.

Gamprin
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Gamprin and Bendern lie in the southernmost part of Schellenberg. The name Gamprin originates from the Latin Aecampus Rheni when the Romans settled in the area of the Bendern church hill in approximately 15BC. There have been many finds of Roman artifacts dating back to these times which show a long established Roman presence in the district. The church hill provided the Roman garrison with a commanding view of the valley below.

It was in March 1699 that the church hill also played host to the first time that the men of the Unterland swore allegiance to the Prince of Liechtenstein.

The Unique Mary-Lourdes Grotto is not far away on the way to the "Oberland".

Mauren
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Mauren was first mentioned in 1179 and was called Muron at that time. The village was unimpressively known for many years for its production of winter turnips. In 1850 the parish council set the number of houses in the town to just 111 and banned building of new houses in the town, this proved a minor glich and the local people moved a little way down the road and started building and that is how the adjoining area of Schaanwald was born.

Peter Kaiser the famed historian and educationist was originally from Mauren and in the town centre stands a monument to him.

One of the most popular attractions of Mauren is the Birka Nature Reserve For Birds, and should be on the visiting list of any bird spotter. Take a little time out and visit the Weiherring leisure park where you can relax and unwind.

Schaan
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Schaan is the largest village in Liechtenstein and is also the main hub of the national transport network, with a motorway to Switzerland and main railway station. All public transport passes through Schaan whether north south or east west bound!

St Lurentius Church

Railway enthusiasts will be glad to learn that as Schaan is approximately half way between Paris and Vienna, more often than not you will see the world famous Orient Express rumble through a level crossing or two on a very regular basis.

The town's main church,St Laurentius  is a striking building in the local architectural style, and with a back drop the forests and foothills of the Alps Schaan offers the famous "Fasnacht" (Mardi Gras) where Liechtensteiners let their hair down and show how to do some serious partying. This all comes to a huge climax on the Sunday before the beginning of Lent in the Fasnachtsumzug (Fasnacht Carnival), the party goes on all night and there really is a lot to do, see, eat and drink.

Schaan also figures very largely in the Liechtenstein industrial sector, many international companies have set up in the area, taking advantage of the low tax economy.

Vaduz
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SchlossVaduz

Vaduz is the capital of Liechtenstein. It is the seat of government and the residence of the Royal Family.the most striking building in Vaduz is the SchlossVaduz (Vaduz Castle) the official resiedence of the Prince of Liechtnstein. Overlooking the town from a craggy hilltop, it is not open to the public but it can be photographed from very close quarters.

Many international banks and accountancy companies are located in the capital again, like industry, to take advantage of the low tax economy. As a result, Valduz is a mecca for all serious shoppers, with world leading boutiques and brands dotted throughout the city. The other main attractions of this little city is cultural. Vaduz is home to The Liechtenstein Museum of Fine Arts, a major collection of masterpieces of various European masters. Vaduz is also home to the National Museum, The Liechtenstein University of Applied Sciences, The School of Music, The Ski Museum and The Postal Museum.

The Vaduz area is also noted for its fine wines and a meal in a Vaduz restaurant (of which there are many) will not be complete with out a bottle of local wine.

Triesenberg
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If that is not enough then why not make your way to Triesenberg. The area is steep alpine landscape where even the football field is on stilts! Greater Triesenberg includes the Alpine resort of Malbun and Steg.

Malbun Ski Resort

Triesenberg commands quite breathtaking views of the area and most of the restaurants have all taken advantage of that fact. The town with its distinctive onion domed church is also the springtime gate way for  alpine hiking. There is a wealth of history to be discovered and you should take the time to chat to the local people.

Malbun is the main resort for alpine skiing and ice skating while the nearby village of Steg offers nordic skiing.

Currency:
Liechtenstein uses the Swiss Franc as its official currency.

Visa requirements.
Visas are required by citizens of certain countries who wish to visit Liechtenstein. For a comprehensive review of what is required please visit:

www.visahq.com

Getting there.
There are no airports in Liechtenstein! The best way to arrive is to fly via Zurich. For the best prices and routes just visit:

www.globaltraveldeals.biz


Where to stay.
There are 35 hotels in Liechtenstein, ranging from the basic 1 star to the luxury 5 star ratings. For the best tariffs, photos and reviews  as well as online booking just click on:

www.globaltraveldeals.biz

And finally...........
Liechtenstein is a very distinct country in its own right. Liechtensteiners are very proud of their country and their identity. Although German is the official language take very great care not to assume that just because Liechtensteiners are speaking German that they are German!

The standard of living and the cost of living is very high and some things will be expensive, be prepared!

..........Bon voyage!