- Fly to Zurich and continue by train to Sargans or Buchs, then bus to Vaduz
- Small enough to see in a day, but best enjoyed with a night or two in the mountains
- The 75 km Liechtenstein Trail crosses all 11 municipalities
- Uses the Swiss franc and is about as expensive as Switzerland
- Airports
- No airport; fly to Zurich (ZRH), about 1h15 away
- Flight time
- about 1h45 from London to Zurich, then about 1h15 by train and bus or car
- Best time to go
- June-September for hiking; December-March for skiing in Malbun
- Currency
- Swiss franc (CHF)
Liechtenstein is the world's sixth-smallest country, a 25 km strip of land between Switzerland and Austria where the Rhine valley rises into the Alps. Many visitors pass through for a few hours to see the capital, Vaduz, and get a passport souvenir stamp, but it rewards a longer stay. There are well-marked hiking trails with huge views, the family-friendly ski resort of Malbun, vineyards, and a castle that is still home to the reigning Prince.
There is no airport; most British visitors fly to Zurich in under two hours and continue by train and bus. Liechtenstein is one hour ahead of the UK, uses Swiss-style plugs (type J, which also accept standard European two-pin plugs) and drives on the right. German is the official language and English is widely understood. See our Europe guide for more Alpine ideas.
Entry requirements
Liechtenstein is in the Schengen area but not the EU, and it shares an open border with Switzerland. British passport holders can usually visit visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period across Schengen countries. Your passport should have been issued within the last 10 years and be valid for at least three months after you leave. The EU's Entry/Exit System registers your fingerprints and photo when you first enter the Schengen area. Rules change, so check GOV.UK foreign travel advice before booking.
Where to go in Liechtenstein
Vaduz
The capital is small and easy to explore on foot. The Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein, in a striking black cube, shows modern and contemporary art, while the Liechtenstein National Museum and the Postage Stamp Museum tell the story of the principality. Vaduz Castle, the Prince's residence, is not open to the public, but the path up to it gives superb views over the Rhine valley. The Hofkellerei, the Prince's own winery, offers tastings.
Malbun
High in the mountains, Malbun is a small, car-free-feeling resort that is ideal for families and beginner skiers in winter. In summer it becomes a hiking base, with trails to the Augstenberg and along the panoramic Fürstensteig ridge path.
Triesenberg and the Walser villages
Above Vaduz, Triesenberg was settled by Walser migrants from Switzerland in the 13th century and keeps its own dialect and traditions, explained in the local museum. Balconies here look out across the valley to the Swiss Alps.
Schaan, Balzers and the lowlands
Schaan is the largest town and a transport hub. In the south, Balzers is watched over by Gutenberg Castle, and the lowland villages are linked by cycle paths along the Rhine.
The Liechtenstein Trail
The 75 km Liechtenstein Trail (Liechtenstein-Weg) crosses all 11 municipalities and can be walked in about four or five days, or in shorter sections. A free app tells the stories of places along the way.
Best time to visit Liechtenstein
| Season | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Spring (April-May) | Blossom in the valley, snow lingering higher up; some trails closed |
| Summer (June-August) | Warm valley days, cooler mountains, best for hiking and cycling |
| Autumn (September-October) | Clear views, autumn colours and wine harvest |
| Winter (December-March) | Skiing and snowshoeing in Malbun; quiet in Vaduz |
The tourist office in Vaduz sells a souvenir passport stamp, as there are no border checks between Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
Getting to Liechtenstein from the UK
Fly to Zurich, which has frequent flights from London and many UK regional airports on Swiss, British Airways and easyJet. From Zurich airport, take a train to Sargans or Buchs in Switzerland (about an hour) and then a local bus to Vaduz, or drive in about 1h15. A few trains on the Austrian line stop at Schaan. Combine a visit with Switzerland or Austria, whose Vorarlberg and Tyrol regions are close by.
Getting around
Liechtenstein's bus network (LIEmobil) connects every village, including Malbun, frequently and reliably. Driving is easy, though parking in Vaduz is limited. Distances are short, and cycling the Rhine valley is a pleasure in summer. Check whether your Swiss travel pass covers Liechtenstein buses, as conditions vary by ticket.
Money and costs
Liechtenstein uses the Swiss franc, although euros are often accepted at a rate set by each business. Prices are similar to Switzerland, so it is expensive: allow roughly CHF 180-280 (about £165-255) per person per day for a mid-range stay including accommodation. Many visitors stay in cheaper towns across the border. Service is included in bills; rounding up is appreciated.
Frequently asked questions
Can you visit Liechtenstein as a day trip?
Yes, easily from Zurich or St Gallen. A day covers Vaduz and a short walk, but staying a night lets you head up into the mountains.
Do you need a passport for Liechtenstein?
There are no border checks from Switzerland or Austria, but you must carry your passport as you are travelling within Schengen.
Is Liechtenstein good for skiing?
Malbun is small and best for families and beginners. Experienced skiers usually head for larger resorts in Switzerland or Austria.
What currency does Liechtenstein use?
The Swiss franc. Euros are often accepted, but change is given in francs and the rate may not be good.
Written by
Emma City breaks & deals editor
Emma plans city breaks the way other people plan the weekly shop: on a budget, with a spreadsheet and a backup plan. She covers city guides and deal-hunting.
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