I thought I finally got it right. Since it always seems to rain anywhere I go, and I end up wandering around with an inch of water in my TOMS, I decided to squeeze in a pair of flip flops into my backpack to avoid getting my only pair of shoes soaked. Well, that plan certainly backfired. Snow. On April 28, 2017. In the middle of spring. I never expected to arrive in Liechtenstein during a snowstorm. One of these days, my toes will not forgive me.
Liechtenstein: one of Europe’s least visited countries. I am pretty certain that Liechtenstein is not on most people’s “next destinations” list. Even Google seems to discount this small nation. When you Google search ‘Liechtenstein’, the first page of results references an artist with the same last name. Face it, Vaduz will likely never be your final destination. But, if you have a long layover in Zurich, Switzerland, why not visit the capital of this doubly-landlocked country (one of only two in the world – the other being Uzbekistan)? Plan for the stopover.
I did not know anything about Liechtenstein; it was not even on my agenda. I was on my way to Israel, and had a 12 hour stopover in Zurich [see post: Two Days in Israel]. While researching “things to do in Zurich”, I came across a traveler’s blog documenting his day trip to Vaduz. I printed out the post and copied his itinerary.
Getting to Vaduz, Liechtenstein
Want to do the same? Simple – from Zurich Airport, take the train to Zurich HB. From there, take the train to Sargans. Exit the train station at the Sargans stop and walk to the bus station (directly in front of the train station). Hop on the greenish-yellow bus heading towards Vaduz, Post (there is only one). Do not be surprised if you are the only person on the bus. Unless you follow the route using a map, you will not know when you officially crossed the border into Liechtenstein. There is no stop or announcement made.
When purchasing tickets inside of Zurich Airport, make sure to purchase return tickets to the final destination: Vaduz, Post. If you purchase tickets for the entire journey, the bus ticket from Sargans to Vaduz, Post is included in the fare. Otherwise, you will have to pay extra. Like everything else in the area, getting around is expensive. The journey from Zurich Airport to Vaduz cost me $93 USD (just for the train and bus tickets). I suppose you can also hire a car for the day, but that would be too much of a hassle and would probably cost more.
Vaduz
Getting off the bus at the Vaduz, Post stop, I walked towards the Liechtenstein Center – the official tourist office in Vaduz. Here, I picked up a free map of the city that had all of the attractions defined and clearly marked. The Liechtenstein Center is also the only place where you can get your passport stamped for €3 EUR. To conserve space on my passport pages, I usually avoid optional stamps. This time, I decided otherwise. Note: The official currency is Swiss Franc, but the Euro is widely accepted.
I wanted to see two things while in Vaduz: Vaduz Castle and the bridge that marks the border between Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Overlooking the capital city, Vaduz Castle is situated atop a hill about a 20 minute walk away from the tourist office. This medieval castle is the palace and official residence of the Prince of Liechtenstein, so entry is not permitted. However, the steep walk is said to be worth the spectacular views of Vaduz and the majestic surrounding alpine landscapes.
Given the weather conditions, I saw no point of climbing the hill up to the castle. Clouds and fog covered the mountains, I could not even see up the hill.
Instead, I walked around the city center – the zone filled with shops, restaurants, hotels, and museums (postal, art, and national museum). With every attraction located along the promenade, I walked past a beautiful cathedral built in the late 1800s, and the city’s Parliament and government buildings.
Strolling through the narrow streets and lanes, I found myself completely alone. Alone with my thoughts that were cursing my soaking cold feet. I kept telling myself to keep walking. To stop thinking about how I could no longer feel my toes. Convincing myself that I would eventually regain feeling in my extremities, I forced myself to, at the very least, visit the international border separating Liechtenstein from Switzerland.
Not marked on the tourist map, it took me quite a while to find this particular bridge. I was directed to walk towards the river. The problem was, the river spans along the entire edge of the city. The surrounding landscape buried in snow, I did not know what was grass versus frozen water. I stayed on the concrete path, separated from the river by a line of trees. Eventually, I found the bridge. No guards. Nothing. Just horse poop. At least I checked off one attraction off my “to see” list!
If I was dressed appropriately, I would have continued my walk to the Red House. Located on the other side of Vaduz, this late medieval house overlooks one of the largest vineyards in the country. Unfortunately, my freezing body parts distracted me from enjoying the charming city. After taking some pictures of myself standing in both countries at once, I turned around and headed back to the bus stop.
Note to self: check the weather forecast before packing!
Did You Know?
I admit, I did not know anything about Liechtenstein prior to this trip. While planning this stopover, I learned many fun facts about this small country.
Did you know – Liechtenstein is a tax haven. There are more registered companies than people.
Did you know – At one point, you could have rented the entire country for one night? According to an article that I read, $70,000 (currency not identified) bought you accommodation for 150 guests, customized street signs, a symbolic key to the state, a wine tasting with Prince Hans-Adam II, and your own temporary currency.
Did you know – Liechtenstein is the world’s biggest manufacturer of false teeth.
Did you know – In Liechtenstein’s last military engagement, they sent 80 men and returned with 81 (they had made a friend). Also, Switzerland once accidentally invaded it. In 2007, Swiss soldiers wandered across the unmarked border for more than a mile before realizing their mistake.
