One of Europe's smallest countries
Liechtenstein is a small, landlocked country in the heart of Europe, sitting between Switzerland and Austria.
It is one of the smallest countries in Europe, with a total area of around 160 square kilometres (62 square miles). For reference, this is roughly the size of Washington DC in the USA. The country is home to just under 40,000 inhabitants.
You’ll find the capital of Liechtenstein, Vaduz, is located on the Swiss border. That’s why it’s so easy to visit while you’re travelling through Bad Ragaz and Appenzell in eastern Switzerland.
Despite its size, the capital (and the country as a whole) boasts breathtaking Alpine landscapes. You won’t want to miss the views of the surrounding mountains from Vaduz Castle, sitting atop a hill overlooking the capital city.
The castle is, in fact, one of the top highlights of Vaduz. It is the residence of the Prince of Liechtenstein and dates back to the 12th century.
Though it is not usually open to the public, you might want to climb up the leafy hillside to see the castle from up close. The walk should take around 20-30 minutes.
Otherwise, you could wander around the town centre of Vaduz. It is small yet charming when it comes to European capitals, being home to only about 5,000 inhabitants. The old town is now pedestrianised, so you can explore at your own pace.
If you want to learn more about the culture in Liechtenstein, pop by one of the museums. A popular one to visit is the Kunstmuseum, a modern and contemporary art museum. It houses work from local artists as well as the surrounding countries.
Other attractions to see in the city include the Postal Museum, the Liechtenstein National Museum and the neo-Gothic St Florin Cathedral. You might also spot the “Red House” on your walk around town, which is a famous historic building in Liechtenstein.
For one final photo opportunity, you could walk across the Old Rhine Bridge. It sits on the Rhine river, which is the natural border between Liechtenstein and Switzerland. Walk across the wooden bridge, and you can even stand across the border line.
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