Lichtenstein is a beautiful alpine country. And, as it is the sixth smallest country in the world, quite an easy feat to visit in a day. Here’s what we did with just 24 hours in Lichtenstein.

After spending the night in the lovely town of Appenzell, Switzerland, we realized that the small country of Lichtenstein was only about 30 minutes away. Although this was not in our original plans when we drove to the countryside from Geneva, who could resist a visit to a new country?

Lichtenstein is only 62 square landlocked miles, so it takes some effort to visit. It is not very close to a metro area. The country does not have its own airport. The closest airport is in Zurich. But don’t let this stop you from typing it into the GPS of your rental car. Lichtenstein, its capitol city of Vaduz, and the southern village of Balzers are each beautiful and worth the time spent. Although at some point you may realize that just getting to Lichtenstein might take you more time than circumnavigating the entire country.

Despite it standing as the 6th smallest country in the world, behind tiny notables such as the Vatican City and Monaco, the country of Lichtenstein actually has one of the highest GDP per person in the world. The country is quite prosperous, and the downtown of the capital city of Vaduz showcases its prosperity and charm.

Vaduz, the Capitol City

Start your day at the Lichtenstein Center tourism office at Stadtle 39. Here you can get maps, directions, and your passport stamped, if you are into that sort of thing.

In downtown Vaduz village there are several museums to explore. You could check out the Lichtenstein Musem of Fine Arts, the National Museum which houses the crown jewels, or the Postage Stamp museum.

Above you on the hill sits the sprawling prince’s castle. The building, along with many of the buildings in the downtown area, date from the 1400’s. Although, they are so well maintained that you wouldn’t guess their age. Unfortunately, you cannot tour the castle as the prince still lives there.

However you CAN go wine tasting at the prince’s very own winery. How often can you say you had royal wine? But, you will be finishing most of your wine before you go, because the winery does not ship. So drink up, or stash a bottle into your checked luggage if you can.

After you have stopped for some lunch in downtown to soak up the wine you drank for breakfast, head south on the road out of Vaduz to continue your 24 hours in Lichtenstein. Head toward the quaint village of Balzers. As you head out of town, check out the old wooden bridge crossing the Rhine at the end of Zollstrasse.

Balzers

As you head south, you will be aware of your approach to Balzers long before your arrival, due to the Castle Gutenberg perched upon the hill. The castle dates to the early 12th century, and was a residence until 2001. Along with the prince’s castle in Vaduz, it is the last remaining habitable castle left in Lichtenstein, a country which was full of castles.

You can visit the bailey and the rose garden free of charge. Tours can be taken by appointment. The castle chapel is lovely. After soaking in the castle, take a drive through town. Balzers is even a smaller town than Vaduz. Bucolic and agrarian, it is a lovely area to drive around.

Schallenburg

If you head north on the road out of Vaduz instead of south, you’ll come to the town of Schallenburg. This little hamlet is only about a quarter the size of Balzers. The primary reason to head north, however, is to visit the two medieval castle ruins. Obere Burg (’upper castle’) is the larger and easier to visit on foot.

And, if you are in Schallenburg, you could visit the Traditional Farmhouse Musem. This is in an old wooden farmhouse which survived from the Middle Ages. The building and its contents are excellent examples of ancient alpine agrarian life in Lichtenstein.

Now that we have a taste for this lovely little country, we are sure to return. The mountains above the castles are full of Alpine hiking trails, including the Lichtenstein trail and the Prince’s Way trail. Oh, and did I mention the Llamas?

Let me know if you have visited and if you have any other thoughts or recommendations when spending 24 hours in Lichtenstein.