This Tiny European Country Is Less Than 16 Miles Long — But It's Home to Medieval Castles, Alpine Villages, and More

Here's why you should plan a trip to Liechtenstein, and what to do once you're there.

Nestled between Switzerland and Austria, Liechtenstein is a tiny country that covers just 62 square miles and is home to fewer than 40,000 residents. But it's filled with as much culture and natural wonder as a destination 10 times its size — and my husband and I checked it off our travel list on a recent road trip through Europe.

"Liechtenstein is one of those small countries you can travel across in a couple of hours. But, despite being so small, it offers a rich variety of attractions and experiences that make it a great travel destination," Olena Grabova, a world culture specialist at Promova, shared with Travel + Leisure. "It lies comfortably in the beautiful alps, offering breathtaking mountainous landscapes perfect for outdoor enthusiasts."

Here are all the top places to stay, explore, and dine to experience all the magic that Liechtenstein has to offer.

• Don't miss your chance to ski or hike in Malbun, the country's coolest mountain town.

• Make a reservation at the celebrated Marée restaurant, which offers a delicious taste of Liechtenstein cuisine.

• Get a view of royal life by checking out the Vaduz Castle, the official residence of the Prince of Liechtenstein.

• Check out the Prince of Liechtenstein's winery to sip something local.

• Become a local history buff by spending a day at the Liechtenstein National Museum.
  

Best Hotels

Park Hotel Sonnenhof

In Vaduz, the nation's capital city, travelers will find the Park Hotel Sonnenhof, a luxury retreat that offers some of the best mountain views in all of Europe. The Relais & Châteaux property offers elegant rooms with high-end furnishings, private patios, and panoramic views out every window. There are also lush gardens to roam, a spa, and fantastic dining options, including the Michelin-recommended Marée restaurant.

Residence Hotel

Find style and comfort just down the road in Vaduz at the Residence Hotel. The hotel offers spacious family rooms that are great for small groups traveling through Liechtenstein who want all the creature comforts of home, including a minibar, coffee maker, and fast Wi-Fi. Guests can also find breakfast, lunch, dinner, and plenty of snacks at the hotel's bistro.

JUFA Hotel Malbun

Find yourself amid the mountains while staying at JUFA Hotel Malbun. Located in the alpine village of Malbun, the family-friendly hotel provides travelers with easy access to hiking trails and even ski slopes in the winter. The rooms are simpler than the other hotels on this list, but for families and groups of friends looking to spend quality time together, it's all you need. Guests can also spend time in the hotel's wellness area, which comes complete with a sauna and steam bath, let their kids have an adventure all their own at the kids club, and come together for a lovely meal at the hotel's restaurant (sit on the terrace if the weather is nice).

Best Things to Do

View the Vaduz Castle.

Get a glimpse of royal life by viewing the Vaduz Castle, the official residence of the Prince of Liechtenstein since the 18th century. Travelers are welcome to come and enjoy the gorgeous views of Vaduz and the surrounding area from the castle grounds, but they are not permitted inside as the royal family really does live here. Still, as Grabova noted, "It’s a great spot for photos." She also says, "If you are a wine enthusiast, you should tour the Prince of Liechtenstein winery too, learn about wine production in the region, and taste some of the local wines."

Learn about local history at the Liechtenstein National Museum.

The Liechtenstein National Museum will teach you everything you want to know about the country's history. Here, guests can explore a range of exhibits, including those on religion, the nation's natural history, and even everyday life here in Liechtenstein. Travelers can go through the museum on their own, take an audio guide, or join one of the group tours for a more in-depth experience.

Hit the slopes in Malbun.

Heading to Liechtenstein this winter? Make sure to stop in Malbun, the nation's main ski resort. It's a small-scale mountain that is home to some rather steep slopes, making it a prime spot for the pros (and there's a fantastic toboggan track if you'd prefer to get your thrills that way). Summer visitors can still explore the mountain by hiking through the verdant landscape.

Admire the Vaduz Cathedral.

Spend a little time checking out the Vaduz Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of St. Florin, a neo-Gothic church that dates back to the 19th century. Visitors can gaze upon its gorgeous stained-glass windows and intricate architecture.

Best Restaurants

Demmel Kaffee

Start your visit with a caffeine kick at Demmel Kaffee, a coffee shop that serves essentially any kind of coffee beverage you can dream up. It's also a fantastic spot to snag a freshly baked good and buy some beans to take home with you as a souvenir.

Marée

Marée, located in the Park Hotel Sonnenhof, offers a fantastic dining experience recommended by the Michelin Guide. Here, diners can pick from a menu filled with local ingredients, including homemade veal ravioli, schnitzel, lamb shoulder, and more.

Restaurant Adler

Restaurant Adler is the spot to visit for a traditional Liechtenstein meal. The restaurant, built in 1908, continues to be a family-run operation, now on its fourth generation. Expect regional dishes like schnitzel and local trout and char.

Areas to Visit

Vaduz

It's almost a requirement to go to Vaduz while visiting Liechtenstein. The capital city has plenty to do and see, including restaurants, shops, and historical sites. Here, you can see the Vaduz Castle, the official residence of the Prince of Liechtenstein, and the Liechtenstein National Museum.

Triesenberg

Find peace and quiet in the charming mountain village of Triesenberg. The community is located high above Vaduz, ensuring awe-inspiring vistas at every turn. Take in the views during a hike, or find a scenic viewpoint where you can sit and relax in the fresh mountain air.

Malbun

If you are looking for more action, stop at Malbun. In the spring, summer, and fall, you can enjoy the captivating landscapes, filled with fresh flowers and emerald green grass. In the winter, you can shred the slopes — or take a ride down the thrilling toboggan runs.

Balzers

Find one more picture-perfect stop in Balzers, a village in southern Liechtenstein. Here, visitors can take in all those same spectacular views and visit the medieval Gutenberg Castle. It's one fairy-tale last stop to visit en route to your next destination. 

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Liechtenstein is from late spring to early fall (May to September). This is when the weather is at its prime for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and walking through the village streets. That said, there's no "wrong" time to visit.

"Whatever time of year you’re visiting, Liechtenstein knows how to charm you," Grabova said. "For instance, from late spring till early autumn, you can enjoy hiking in the mountains and exploring the countryside. There are a lot of well-marked trails for all levels, including the famous Prince’s Way. So, it doesn’t matter if you are a pro in conquering the long mountain trails or just like walking in the beautiful nature, you’ll get your piece of joy here."

As Grabova also noted, there are several cultural events and festivals that take place during the summer that make it a particularly great time to visit, including the Vaduz Classic music festival and Liechtenstein Guitar Days, a multi-day festival dedicated to the instrument that draws musicians from all over the world.

"If you are into winter sports, the beautiful snow-covered landscapes will take your breath away," Grabova added. "Check out Malbun, the key ski resort in the picturesque alpine setting. It is family-friendly with well-groomed slopes, from gentle ones, ideal for beginners and children, to challenging and off-piste ones for pros and daredevils."

How to Get There

The closest major airport to Liechtenstein is Zurich Airport (ZRH) in Switzerland, which is serviced by major airlines with routes connecting all over the world. From here, just rent a car and make your way to this tiny European country.

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