Travel with Kids to Liechtenstein

Explore the charming country of Liechtenstein with your family and enjoy a day or more with a variety of family-friendly activities, stunning scenery and some local treats.  

10 Family-friendly things to do in Liechtenstein

Welcome to the charming and picturesque country of Liechtenstein! Nestled between Switzerland and Austria, this small principality offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and cultural treasures.

The capital city, Vaduz with a population of around 5000 residents, is a charming and vibrant hub, although it is not the largest city in the country. The largest city in Liechtenstein is Schaan, with a population of around 6,000 residents. Both cities offer a blend of historic landmarks, cultural attractions, and stunning natural surroundings.

Liechtenstein’s distinctive characteristic is its absence of a military. Instead, it relies on a small police force for security. This peaceful approach has contributed to the country’s reputation as a safe and tranquil destination.

Despite its captivating beauty, Liechtenstein remains one of the least visited countries in Europe. Its limited accessibility, with no airport within its borders, adds to its exclusivity and preserves its unspoiled allure for those seeking a unique travel experience.

Discover the hidden treasures of Liechtenstein, from its fairytale-like castles to its breathtaking alpine landscapes. Immerse yourself in the rich culture, savor the local cuisine, and embrace the tranquil ambiance of this captivating principality. Liechtenstein welcomes you with open arms, ready to enchant you with its beauty and peaceful charm.

1O BEST THINGS TO DO IN LIECHTENSTEIN

1) Vaduz Castle:
Vaduz Castle, a stunning medieval fortification, is one of Liechtenstein’s most iconic landmarks. While the interior is not accessible to the public, visitors can still enjoy the castle’s exterior, including the tower, walls, bridge, and gate. Take a moment to relax on one of the benches and soak in the breathtaking views.

2) City Train Tour:
Hop on the City Train for a guided tour of Vaduz. With narration available in both German and English, this is a convenient and informative way to explore the city’s main attractions. It’s especially great for families with kids, allowing you to cover more ground in a short time without worrying about tired little feet. Trip takes about half an hour. 

3) Vaduz Cathedral:
Located in the city center, Vaduz Cathedral (Cathedral of St. Florin) is a beautiful neo-Gothic church. Enjoy the stunning mountain backdrop as you visit this architectural gem. 

4) Das Städle: 
Located in the heart of Vaduz, Das Städle is a vibrant town center that serves as the hub of activity in the city. As its name suggests, Städle means a small town, and here you’ll find a delightful blend of boutiques, restaurants, cafes, and more. Explore the unique art pieces and historical collections, while enjoying the picturesque views of Vaduz. Whether you want to relax, indulge in dining, shop for souvenirs, or uncover the city’s hidden gems, Das Städle offers an array of experiences to immerse yourself in the exceptional charm of Vaduz.

5) Visit the Turistoffic in Vaduz and get your passport stamped – If you are collecting passport stamps you can get this done for 3 CHF (about 3 euros) at the turist office in Vaduz. 

6) Experience the Princely Wine Cellars: Take a tour of the historic wine cellars in Vaduz and learn about Liechtenstein’s wine production, and yes you can bring your kids here too. 

7) Explore the Red House:
The Red House is a fascinating structure that reflects the local culture and history. Admire its distinctive dark red color, which has remained unchanged since the 19th century. Gain a deeper understanding of the city’s evolution and immerse yourself in its rich heritage.

8) Indulge in Delicious Dolce Chocolates:
Satisfy your sweet tooth at Dolce Schokolade, a delightful chocolate shop near the Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein. Sample their homemade chocolates and take home a delicious reminder of your visit. You can find it here: Städtle 28, 9490 Vaduz, Liechtenstein.

9) Try Käseknöpfle:
Don’t miss the opportunity to taste Käseknöpfle, a local dish reminiscent of mac and cheese. This simple yet flavorful dish consists of pasta and cheese, often served with a green salad, potato salad, and apple sauce.

10) Alte Rheinbrücke: 

The “Alte Rheinbrücke” is a historic covered wooden bridge that connects the municipalities of Vaduz and Sevelen in Switzerland. Spanning a length of 135 meters, it was constructed in 1901 and stands as the sole surviving wooden bridge over the Rhine and it is surrounded by stunning views. A charming feature of the bridge is a sign marking the border in the middle, creating a delightful photo opportunity. 

7 Fun facts about Liechtenstein 
1) Liechtenstein is a doubly landlocked country, meaning it is landlocked by other landlocked countries (Austria and Switzerland). There are only two countries in the world that are considered doubly landlocked: The other being Uzbekistan. A doubly landlocked country is one that is landlocked by other landlocked countries, meaning it has no direct access to the sea and is surrounded entirely by landlocked countries.

2) It is the sixth smallest country in the world by both land area and population and the fourth smallets country by size and population in Europe.
Take a look here to learn more about some of the smallest countries in Europe.

3) The official language is German.

4) Liechtenstein is a constitutional monarchy and has been ruled by the Prince of Liechtenstein since 1719.

5) Despite its small size, Liechtenstein is one of the richest countries in the world with a highly developed economy meassured in GDP per capita.

6) Liechtenstein is the only country in the world named after its ruling family, the Princely House of Liechtenstein.

7) Liechtenstein is known for its beautiful Alpine landscapes and offers excellent opportunities for hiking, skiing, and outdoor activities.

The Best Time to Visit Liechtenstein
The best time to visit Liechtenstein is from late April to early September when the weather is mild and warm during the day, although it can get colder at night. If you’re planning a ski trip, winter months are ideal. Don’t forget to pack a warm clothe as Liechtenstein is situated in the high mountains.

How to Get to Liechtenstein?

By car: 
Getting to Liechtenstein by car is incredibly convenient. Here are the approximate travel times from nearby cities:
From St. Gallen via the A13 motorway: around 45 minutes.
From Zurich via the A3 motorway to Sargans, then along the A13: approximately 1 hour.
From Munich via the A96 motorway and then the A14 in Austria: about 3 hours.
From Innsbruck via the A12, S16, and then the A14: around 2.5 hours.
Keep in mind that a road tax card called ‘Vignette’ is required to travel on motorways in Austria and Switzerland. Fortunately, there are no customs controls between Switzerland and Liechtenstein.

By Air:
Liechtenstein doesn’t have its own airport, so the nearest options are St. Gallen-Altenrhein in Switzerland and Friedrichshafen in Germany.

By Bus:
Take bus number 12 from the Buchs rail station (Switzerland) to Schaan and Vaduz. The journey takes approximately 10 minutes to Schaan and 15 minutes to Vaduz. Tickets cost about 3.50 CHF. If you’re traveling from Austria, buses number 11 and 14 go from Feldkirch to Vaduz.

By Rail:
Take a train to Sargans (Switzerland) and then catch bus number 11 directly to Vaduz (ticket costs 8 CHF – but if your already travelling on Swiss rail passes it is free as Liechteinstein accepts those too. Check train timetables for more information. There is no direct train from Zurich to Liechtenstein, so you’ll need to go to Buchs first.

Getting Around:
If you’re only visiting the capital, you can explore on foot as everything is within walking distance. However, if you plan to visit surrounding regions and major tourist attractions, public buses are a convenient option.