Day trip from Zurich
Officially referred to as the Principality of Liechtenstein, this small country is tucked between Austria and Switzerland. The country is a semi-constitutional-monarchy headed by the prince of Liechtenstein and the House of Liechtenstein. It is the 6th smallest country in the world with an area of just over 160 square km (62 square miles) and is one of the few countries with no debt. We visited its capital, Vaduz, which is about 109 km east of Zurich.
How to travel to Vaduz from Zurich – There are no direct trains to any of the cities in Liechtenstein from Zurich. The Swiss Travel Pass is valid for use in all public transports in Liechtenstein. We took a train from Zurich HB to Sargans (train ride is about 55 minutes). From Sargans we took a bus to Vaduz. The bus takes about 30 min to reach the city center. We got off at the Vaduz Post bus stop.
Note: The Gutenberg Castle in Balzers is on the way to Vaduz. If you get off at the Balzers Schlossweg stop, you’ll be right at the castle, from where you can hike up for an amazing view of the countryside. You can take a tour of the castle. We took a picture of the castle from the bus and skipped the visit.
Site seeing in Vaduz –
- Peter Kaiser Platz
- Parliament building
- Government Building
- Cathedral of St. Florin
- Rathausplaz (Town Hall)
- Vaduz Castle
- Wander through the city
Peter Kaiser Platz – This plaza is the heart beat of Vaduz and is where most visitors can start exploring the city and is just a few meters from the Post bus stop. The plaza serves as a vibrant gathering spot that beautifully encapsulates the charm of this picturesque capital. There are museums, galleries, and shops that line the streets leading to the square, offering a unique blend of contemporary and traditional experiences.
Parliament building – Located in Peter Kaiser Platz, the MPs of Liechtenstein have been convening in this stunning modern building since 2008 when it was opened. The building is made up of the ‘Long House’, the ‘High House’ and the ‘Joining House’.
Government Building – Built between 1903-1905, this beautiful building located in Peter-Kaiser-Platz Square was the seat of the Parliament of Liechtenstein until 2008, when the newly built Parliament building (see above) was officially opened. Today, the State Archives are housed here.
Cathedral of St. Florin – Also known as the Vaduz Cathedral, this Neo-Gothic church was built in 1874 and was originally a parish church, however, since 1997 it has the status of Cathedral. Previously, there was a medieval church, which was destroyed, and in its place the majestic Vaduz Cathedral was built. With a height of some 45 meters (148 feet) it is one of the tallest structures in the small principality, and an important one.
Rathausplaz (Town Hall) – The Town Hall serves as the seat of the municipal council and administration, and is known for its modern architecture and proximity to other attractions like Vaduz Castle. The town hall often hosts local events and exhibitions, providing a glimpse into Liechtenstein’s cultural life.
Vaduz Castle – It is the official residence of the Prince of Liechtenstein and is a prominent landmark. The Castle has a long history, with parts dating back to the 12th century. It became the property of the Liechtenstein family in 1712 and has served as their official residence since 1939. While you can admire the exterior and enjoy the views, the interior is not accessible to visitors.
You can walk or drive up to the castle. The walk from the town center takes about 20-30 minutes and is a pleasant hike with informational displays about the castle and Liechtenstein’s history along the way.
Some notable buildings and sculptures as you wander through the city :
We had tea and snacks at a cafe which had some mouth watering bakery stuff.
