Discover Vaduz

About Vaduz

Vaduz is the storybook tiny capital of one of Europe's most curious countries — Liechtenstein, the doubly-landlocked microstate of just 39,000 people sandwiched between Switzerland and Austria, ruled since 1719 by the Princely House of Liechtenstein from their dramatic hilltop castle. Vaduz Castle itself, perched on a forested bluff 120 metres above the town and visible from every angle, is the residence of Hans-Adam II and his heir, Prince Alois — it's not open to the public, but the views from below (and from the steep panoramic walking trail that climbs up to it) are extraordinary. The town centre is small and almost entirely walkable: the pedestrianised Städtle ('the little town') runs past the Liechtenstein State Museum (excellent on the country's history), the unexpectedly cutting-edge Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein (a black-basalt cube housing the princely family's modern-art collection alongside major contemporary exhibitions), and the Postal Museum (the country's stamps are famously beautiful and collectible). The neo-Gothic St Florin Cathedral, the Government Building, and the wine cellars of the Princely Winery, where you can taste the family's well-regarded Pinot Noir, complete a relaxed half-day. Liechtenstein is also the only country in the world where you can hike from one side to the other in a single day on the brilliantly named Liechtenstein Trail.