Liechtenstein mountians ()
What if I told you that there’s a small nation carved right out of the middle of the Switzerland-Austria border that you’ve probably never heard of? This little slice of heaven is known as Liechtenstein! No, I’m not talking about the castle that all your friends and colleagues have told you to visit. I’m talking about a blink-and-you’d-miss-it vacation destination that’s only a few hours south of Stuttgart. Read on for inspiration!
Eat Liechtenstein may be small (only 62 square miles) but that doesn’t limit the variety of cuisines available. During my visit to Liechtenstein, I found a delicious menu at the Scanaua Restaurant & Bar, in the town of Schaan. As a vegetarian, sticking to plants while traveling can be difficult, but not at Scanaua! They served one of the best vegetarian burgers I’ve had in Europe! Not only that, but they also have a wonderful beer selection on tap that’s perfect after a hike in the Alps or a day on the nearby slopes.
Stay Liechtenstein can accommodate anyone, from night owls to secluded love birds. Are you looking to burn the midnight oil? Then stay near downtown Schaan or Vaduz for a livelier scene. More interested in cozying up with your significant other? Then stay in the quiet little ski town of Malbun for a real Telluride feel.
However, being that Liechtenstein is quite small, it is possible that accommodations can fill quickly. Fear not! Because this country is tiny, you can easily stay just across the border in Switzerland and commute in as little as 10 minutes. I stayed at a great Airbnb just outside Grabs, Switzerland and had an amazing experience!
Love Liechtenstein may only be 62 square miles in size, but it still packs tons of activities! Depending on the time of year you choose to visit, Liechtenstein offers something for everyone.
If you visit in the winter, then I recommend skiing in the quaint mountain town of Malbun. Sure, there are only five lifts and 23km of skiing, but with how hidden this gem is, you’re sure to fill your day with lap after lap of uninterrupted runs. When your legs are sufficiently smoked and your soul is completely recharged, don’t forget to head into town and grab a pizza from one of the mom-and-pop pizzerias before making your way back to your accommodation.
“Fun fact: in 1968, Malbun’s ski resort was accidentally struck by five Swiss artillery shells, damaging a few of the chairs! Nobody was injured, but I’m sure the locals weren’t too impressed.”
If you plan on visiting in the summer, then I recommend hiking the Fürstin Gina Weg trail. Translated as the Princess Gina Way, this 12.2-km loop begins and ends in the town of Malbun. It traverses along the Liechtenstein-Austria border and provides breathtaking views of the Alps at every turn. To do this hike, park your car for free at the Parkhaus Malbun. Then, give in to your inner child and ride the zipline at the Kinderspielplatz while your significant other snaps a few photos of you: trust me! From there, proceed past the Friedenskapelle chapel, and begin making your way to the Fürstin Gina Weg trailhead. I’m not one to take frequent breaks along a hike, but when I visited in October, I couldn’t help but stop every 100 yards or so given the fantastic views all around! The trail eventually summits at the top of Augstenberg mountain. From this point, you’ll be able to view Austria to the east, Switzerland to the north and south, and the tiny town of Malbun below you.
