A Castle, a Trail & a Country You Can Rent: A Year in Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein is one of the smallest countries on Earth, small enough that a single hiking trail crosses every one of its 11 municipalities — and, unusually, you can genuinely book the whole country for a private event.
Liechtenstein, wedged between Switzerland and Austria, is one of only two “doubly landlocked” countries in the world — meaning every neighbor it borders is itself landlocked, a distinction it shares only with Uzbekistan. At just 160 square kilometers, it’s compact enough to see a genuine cross-section of it in a single day, from Vaduz Castle overlooking the Rhine Valley to Malbun’s alpine ski slopes, or to walk the entire country over roughly five days on the Liechtenstein Trail.
Liechtenstein’s Landscape, Valley to Alps
Region by Region
A Prince’s Castle & a Capital You Can Cross on Foot
Vaduz, Liechtenstein’s small capital, sits below Vaduz Castle, the private residence of the reigning prince and not open to the public, though its silhouette above the town is one of the country’s most recognizable images.
- Museum-goers: the Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein and the Postal Museum, a nod to the country’s long history as a favorite of stamp collectors, both make for an easy afternoon.
- Wine tasters: the Rhine Valley around Vaduz includes a small but genuine wine-growing tradition, including vineyards historically tied to the princely family.
- Practical note: Vaduz’s compact center is easily walkable in an hour or two, making it a natural stop on a wider Swiss or Austrian itinerary.
The Country’s Only Ski Resort
Malbun, a small alpine village in the country’s mountainous east, is home to Liechtenstein’s only ski resort, a modest but genuine winter sports destination, and a quiet base for summer hiking once the snow clears.
- Skiers: Malbun’s slopes suit families and beginner-to-intermediate skiers well, typically operating through the winter months.
- Summer hikers: the surrounding trails offer genuine alpine scenery without the crowds of larger Swiss or Austrian resorts nearby.
- Practical note: Malbun is a short bus ride from Vaduz, making a day trip from the capital entirely practical.
Walking an Entire Country
The Liechtenstein Trail, roughly 75 kilometers long, crosses all 11 of the country’s municipalities from the Rhine Valley up into the Alps, typically completed over about five days.
- Long-distance hikers: summer offers the most reliable weather for completing the full multi-day route, though shorter individual sections work well as day hikes too.
- Practical note: the trail is well marked and passes through villages with accommodation, making it accessible without full backcountry camping gear.
Tastes of Liechtenstein: What to Eat
Alpine Cheese Dishes & a Princely Wine
Know Before You Go: Practical Tips
Beyond the Itinerary
Quick Decision Guide
| If you want… | Go in… | Head to… |
|---|---|---|
| Castle views & wine tasting | Apr–Oct | Vaduz & the Rhine Valley |
| Skiing | Dec–Mar | Malbun |
| To walk the whole country | Jun–Sep | The Liechtenstein Trail |
| A novelty passport stamp | Year-round | Vaduz Tourist Office |
| To book the entire country for an event | Year-round, book well ahead | Nationwide |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit Liechtenstein?
June through September offers the best weather for hiking the Liechtenstein Trail and exploring Vaduz on foot, while December through March is ski season at Malbun, the country’s only resort.
Can you really rent the whole country of Liechtenstein?
Yes, Liechtenstein has offered exclusive private-event access to the entire country for groups, an unusual but genuine tourism offering worth researching directly if planning something special.
What food should I try in Liechtenstein?
Käsknöpfle, cheese-topped dumplings with fried onions, is the country’s signature comfort dish, alongside traditional ribel cornmeal, Alpine staples like rösti and fondue, and a glass of local Liechtenstein wine.
What currency does Liechtenstein use?
Liechtenstein uses the Swiss franc rather than the euro, a result of its long-standing customs and currency union with Switzerland, despite also bordering Austria, which uses the euro.
Why is Liechtenstein called “doubly landlocked”?
Liechtenstein is one of only two countries in the world entirely surrounded by other landlocked nations, in its case Switzerland and Austria, a distinction it shares only with Uzbekistan.
Planning a trip to the Alps’ smallest kingdom?
Huntown’s Liechtenstein listings are just getting started — check current stays and local services as more of the country comes online.
Explore Liechtenstein on Huntown →
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