Liechtenstein (Lichtenstein) A tiny Jewel

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Oh yes, if ever there is a country that boxes above its weight, it has got to be Liechtenstein. In only 160 square kilometres (62 sq miles) you can view amazing alps, sample some of the worlds finest wine, drink crystal clear water, try mountain biking, skiing, bushwalking, fishing or you can just plonk your bum down and sip coffee and people watch. The country (well, officially a principality) is the worlds 4th smallest. But dont be fooled by its size. It is surrounde by the Saminata mountains on one side and the Swiss Alps on the other. The highest peak is 2599m -Mt. Grauspitz. Most people after a trluy magnificent view take the chairlift from Malbun to the Sareiserjoch. This chairlift takes you from 1600 metres above sea level to 2000 m (or 5250 feet to 6560 ft) in the summer. The price is a bit on the high side, but then again, the view is commonly accepted as one of the best in Europe. Trust me, it literally took my breath away. (Google Sareiserjoch for more info). ****Now what the people in Liechtenstein dont want you to know is how brilliant their wine is. They want it to all themselves!!! (I cant blame them). I drank glass after glass. You do notice around Vaduz, the capital city, all the vineyards. But you realise that with such a small country, you will almost certainly never get the oppurtunity to drink their wine outside of Liechtenstein. Maybe its the warm southerly summer breeze, but whatever the case, drink up and tell me if Im wrong. I think not!! For lovers of fine food, many restaurants have Michelen stars or Gault Millau points. Its hard to describe the culinary experience in any way - except uniquely Liechtenstein. **** National Day is August 15. The whole country has a vibe and a pulse. People are happy, there is music, colour and at night, you can watch fireworks over the valley. I strongly suggest that your trip to Liechtenstein is planned to take in this day. Whatever one of the 11 municipalities you are in, its a great atmosphere, but Vaduz is beautiful on this night. *****My highlights would be Malbun, Vaduz, Triesenebrg or Balzers. All these places are just spectacular. Getting into Vaduz is super easy. Come in through Buchs or Sargans in Switzerland or Feldkirch in Austria. These places have train stations and then for 7 euros (price correct Feb 2007) you can get on the Liechtenstein bus and ride all day long. The bus station is less than 1 minute walk from any of these train stations. Accomodation can be a bit tight especially in summer, and the later you leave it the more expensive it gets. A good tip is to stay in Feldkirch, Austria. Then you can get up and with a 20 minute bus ride be in Schaan, Liechtenstein. From here buses leave regularly to most parts of the country. You can get on or off all day for a set fare. Its a breeze to get around. just one tip, ask when the last bus leaves, because sometimes a particular service may finish early. I dont usually recommend tourist sites, but the official tourism site is exceptional. Its www.tourismus.li and translates into a few languages. **** Last thing, at the tourist info Office in Vaduz you can get the Liechtenstein passport stamp for around 2 euros. Its a bit daggy but youll have a stamp in your passport that no one else has so just do it!! Even if it only makes you feel good! Till next time, Crackly

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Photos

Typical sight around Vaduz
The Liechtenstein wine (especially the Princes' Hofkellerei) is world renowned. No wonder with settings like this

The Royal Residence near Vaduz
There is no public access to castle, but the views are worth it

The Swiss Alps
Photo taken in Liechtenstein, across the Rhine River looking into Switzerland

Comments

[Cessna152]

Nice entry. A very good read.

[Laurie]

You're right
The best bottle of wine I ever had came from Lichtenstein. It was superb!!!!!!!