Updated August 14, 2020.
Are you longing for old world charm, happy locals, Alpine views, and a real prince’s castle? Little Liechtenstein is the place for you! The capital is Vaduz, and there is plenty to keep you busy, especially if you’ve only got one day to see it all! Here is a quick, one-day itinerary so you can make the most of your time. I definitely recommend spending much more time in Liechtenstein, but use the time you have, no matter how long!
First Stop: Hike to Vaduz Castle
Not open to the public–the Prince and his family really live there!
Suggested Time to Spend: 30-60 minutes
Okay, to Europeans a castle is no big deal. But this is not just a random castle in ruins. This is a true royal residence dating back to the 13th century! The Prince of Liechtenstein lives here with his family, so there are no tours, but you can hike the trail up the side of the mountain to see it up close and personal, and you can take as many pictures as you like! I just couldn’t get over the sight of it.
Keep reading: What to Know Before You Visit Liechtenstein
Second Stop: Liechtenstein Center
Hours: 9:00am-5:00pm Daily (until 6:00pm in Summer)
Admission: FREE
Suggested Time to Spend: 15-30 minutes
The Liechtenstein Center is an incredible resource to start your day! The people working here are happy to answer questions, give you directions (complete with map), and stamp your passport for only 2.50 CHF!
Read on: How to Spend 1 Day in Vaduz, Liechtenstein
And don’t forget to stop outside to stand at the 0 Km marker! It is located here because this is the original location of the House of Estates, Liechtenstein’s first Parliament building. All kilometer markers are measured from here.
Read on: What to Pack for Winter in Liechtenstein
Third Stop: Liechtenstein National Museum and Treasure Chamber (Schatzkammer)
Hours: 9:00am-5:00pm Tuesday-Sunday (until 8:00pm Wednesdays); CLOSED Mondays
Admission: 10 CHF
Suggested Time to Spend: 2-3 hours for both
I knew we wanted to visit the National Museum, but I didn’t realize there was a whole separate museum all about Liechtenstein’s treasures–the crown, jewels, paintings, and about a thousand Faberge eggs! The Schatzkammer was the unexpected delight of the day!
To visit, you first need to stop by the National Museum (next door to the Liechtenstein Center) where you’ll get your ticket to the museum and your token to the Treasure Chamber just a few yards away. Use your token to get into the door. It’s super secure–remember, no photos!
Read on: 10 Reasons to Visit Vaduz
Plan to spend about half an hour in the Treasure Chamber. Unfortunately, you cannot take pictures inside, so you’ll have to really get a good look at the treasures inside! Many are personal pieces of the Liechtenstein Royal Family!
When you finish up there, head back over to the Liechtenstein National Museum. There are four sections, starting with archaeology on the ground floor. However, if I had it to do over again I’d start on the third floor at the section with information on all the Princes through Liechtenstein’s history, then work my way down. I usually like to go through museums chronologically, but in this case, I personally needed a little information on principalities and the personal histories of the country’s leaders!
Don’t miss the second floor, too, with incredible artifacts related to daily living and the things that make little Liechtenstein unique! The free audio guide was perfectly invaluable in understanding everything I was seeing!
Getting hungry? What to Eat in Liechtenstein
Fourth Stop: Postal Museum
Hours: 10:00am-5:00pm Daily
Admission: FREE
Time to Spend: 30-60 minutes
It’s not just a stamp collection! Liechtenstein’s Postal Museum houses artifacts and interesting information about Liechtenstein’s postal history, including maps, equipment, and yes–historic stamps!
More ideas here: 6 Winter Days in Switzerland and Liechtenstein
Fifth Stop: The Liechtenstein-Switzerland Border
Hours: Always open
Admission: FREE
Suggested Time to Spend: 1 hour
Now that you have some background on Liechtenstein and you’ve enjoyed the museum scene, it’s time for some fresh air! Just a 20 minute walk from downtown Vaduz you’ll find the Alte Rheinbrücke, or Old Rhein Bridge. Right in the middle, you’ll find the Liechtenstein-Swiss border marker!
Keep reading: How to Plan Long-term Travel in Europe
Sixth Stop: Vaduz Cathedral of St. Florin
Hours: Daytime Hours
Admission: Donation Suggested
Suggested Time to Spend: 10-30 minutes
The stunning Vaduz Cathedral is a great stop on your way back to downtown Vaduz from the border. Small, understated, and beautiful, this church has only been classified as a cathedral since 1997. The stained glass and chandelier details create a feeling of reverence when you walk in, and its intimate size is inherently welcoming. It’s well worth a step inside to marvel at the architecture.
I hope you’ve enjoyed our day tour of Liechtenstein! Again, I highly suggest spending more than just one day in beautiful little Liechtenstein. We hope to return one day and explore more ourselves!
Want more? Check out my Liechtenstein Page!
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great post it was put together very well. I walked over the border when I visited it was very cool.
Thank you so much! That’s one of the best compliments I could get!
My posts are about maximizing experiences in places for short periods of time. When you have a good Itinerary though out, it make traveling easier.