The Principality of Liechtenstein covers both lowlands – including part of the fertile Rhine Valley and the steep western slope of the Three Sisters massif – and mountains. The latter are in the eastern part of the country and are accessible through three high valleys, the best known being that of Malbun, Liechtenstein’s premier ski resort. Like neighboring Austria and Switzerland, Liechtenstein has excellent wintersports facilities.
Liechtenstein Travel Guide
Full Name
Principality of Liechtenstein
Former Name
None
Capital City
Vaduz
Government Type
hereditary constitutional monarchy on a democratic and parliamentary basis
Area Size
160 sq km
Time Zone
UTC/GMT +1 hour
Climate
In winter, the thermometer seldom falls beneath minus 15°C; in summer average temperatures range between 20°C and 28°C. The climate is mild despite the mountainous location due to the impact of a warm wind that normally blows from the southwest (the foehn).
Geography
Liechtenstein is situated in the Upper Rhine valley of the European Alps. The entire western border of Liechtenstein is formed by the river. Measured north to south, the country is only about 24 km long. In its eastern portion, Liechtenstein rises to higher altitudes; its highest point, the Grauspitz, reaches 2,599 metres. Despite its alpine location, prevailing southerly winds make the climate of Liechtenstein comparatively mild. In winter, the mountain slopes are well suited to winter sports.
Languages
German (official), Alemannic dialect
Culture
Due to Liechtenstein's small size, the country has been strongly affected by external cultural influences, most notably those originating in the southern German-speaking areas of Europe, including Austria, Bavaria, Switzerland, and the Tyrol. The Historical Society of the Principality of Liechtenstein plays a role in preserving the culture and history of the country.
History
The Principality of Liechtenstein was established within the Holy Roman Empire in 1719; it became a sovereign state in 1806. Until the end of World War I, it was closely tied to Austria, but the economic devastation caused by that conflict forced Liechtenstein to enter into a customs and monetary union with Switzerland. Since World War II (in which Liechtenstein remained neutral), the country's low taxes have spurred outstanding economic growth. Shortcomings in banking regulatory oversight have resulted in concerns about the use of the financial institutions for money laundering. Liechtenstein has, however, implemented new anti-money-laundering legislation and recently concluded a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty with the US.
Travel Information
The nearest international airport is Zurich. Zurich (ZRH) (Kloten) is in Switzerland and approximately 115km from Vaduz. Travel to Liechtenstein from Zurich can be continued by rail and bus or road. An autoroute connects the city with Liechtenstein (first exit: Balzers; further exits: Vaduz, Schaan, Bendern and Ruggell). Facilities: Duty-free shops, restaurants/bars, banks, bureau de change, nursery and car hire. The best rail access is via the Swiss border stations at Buchs (SG) or Sargans (easier and closer when coming from Zurich) or the Austrian station at Feldkirch. All are well served by express trains and connected with Vaduz by bus. From Buchs it takes only 15 minutes by bus or 10 minutes by taxi. An autoroute (N13) runs along Liechtenstein’s Rhine frontier to Lake Constance, Austria and Germany in the north, and southwards past Chur towards St Moritz. To the west, there are autoroutes to Zurich, Berne and Basel.
Accommodation
There is a wide choice of hotels throughout Liechtenstein, both in cities and in the countryside.
Visa Requirements
Visas are not required by all nationals of The EU, Australia, Canada and USA for stays of up to three months. Nationals not referred to above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements. Passport valid for three months after intended period of stay required by all nationals of countries referred to above except: nationals of the EU holding a valid national identity card, providing not taking up employment, for stays of up to three months; nationals of Austria, Belgium, France, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Portugal and Spain with normal passports, expired for up to five years, providing not taking up employment, for stays of up to three months; nationals of Germany with passports expired for up to one year. Passengers arriving at Basle or Geneva airports can enter either France or Switzerland, provided their documents for the country of entry are in order; both airports have two different exits, one to France and one to Switzerland. Therefore passengers can exit to the French part of the airport with a valid French or Schengen visa, if required. The airport of Basle/Mulhouse is located on French territory. Part of Geneva airport is located by convention in France and some flights between France and Geneva are considered as domestic flights while others are considered international flights. In this case, passengers must hold proper entry documents for either of the destination countries.
Getting Around
Traffic drives on the right. There is an extensive and reliable bus system. For further information, contact Liechtenstein Bus Anstalt. There are numerous taxi companies on call throughout the country. Main international car hire companies are represented, as well as local firms.
Health & Safety
The tap water in Liechenstein is safe to drink and of high quality. Vaccination against Tetanus is adviced and tick-borne encephalitis is sometimes advised. The standard of health care in Liechtenstein is very high, but also very expensive. The National Hospital in Vaduz is run with private practitioners. Emergency services are available. Pharmacies are widely available. If suddenly taken ill or involved in an accident during a visit to Liechtenstein, free or reduced-cost necessary treatment is available for European travellers - in most cases on production of a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Comprehensive insurance is advised for all other nationals. Most visits to Liechtenstein are trouble-free but you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate international terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.
National Holidays
1 Jan - New Year’s Day. 6 Jan - Epiphany. 2 Feb - Candlemas. 19 Mar - Feast of St Joseph. 9 Apr - Easter Monday. 1 May - Labour Day. 20 May - Ascension. 28 May - Whit Monday. 7 Jun - Corpus Christi. 15 Aug - Assumption. 8 Sep - Nativity of Our Lady. 1 Nov - All Saints' Day. 8 Dec - Immaculate Conception. 25 Dec - Christmas Day. 26 Dec - St Stephen's Day.
Currency
Swiss Franc (CHF)
Electricity
230v AC, 50Hz
Working Hours
Office hours: Generally Mon-Fri 8.00am - 6.30pm.
Emergency Numbers
112
