LIECHTENSTEIN
Located in Western Europe, the principality of Liechtenstein is a landlocked country and lies sandwiched between Switzerland to the east and Austria to the west. The borders of Liechtenstein are open between both these countries and since it entered into a customs union with Switzerland, Switzerland is responsible for safeguarding its border with Austria and representing it abroad. Liechtenstein is a neutral country and has no army.
The country is almost like a forgotten corner of Europe but is as spectacular, if not more, in its natural beauty, as its more famous neighbor Switzerland.
There is no dearth of pretty villages, quaint chapels and plenty of history, and shops, to explore.
The spectacular mountain ranges and valleys lend their terrain for hikers and bikers to explore during the beautiful summer months and in the winters, these same places provide opportunities for skiing, ice skating and sledging.
This small and almost forgotten country is one of the most prosperous ones in the world. It is basically a country of farmers and was so till the 20th century. However, today things have changed and due to its low taxes and relaxed corporate governance rules have encouraged more than 75,000 business entities to establish offices in the country, turning its economy into a very prosperous one.
The country is divided into eleven municipalities and has a constitutional monarchy. It has one of the smallest populations of the world; its total inhabitants are only 35,000.
GEOGRAPHY AND CLIMATE
Situated in the Upper Rhine valley of the European Alps, the Rhine River forms the whole of the western border of the country. Liechtenstein is completely surrounded by other landlocked countries and along with Uzbekistan is the only other doubly landlocked country in the world. Stretching to cover a small area of 160 sq. kilometers, the country is the 6th smallest one in the world.
The summers in Liechtenstein are warm and wet and the winters are mild; its climate type is temperate, Alpine. If you are planning a summer visit to the country, you would need to carry light clothing and heavy ones for the winters. But don’t forget to carry waterproofs, as these are needed all year round.
CURRENCY AND ECONOMY
The country employs the Swiss Franc as its monetary unit.
Liechtenstein is a highly prosperous country, which has a highly industrialized and free-enterprise economy. It has a very high living standard, low business tax rate, about 20% and is among one of the most legitimate financing centers of the world.
CAPITAL AND MAJOR CITIES
The largest city and capital is Vaduz, which has only a little over five thousand residents. The State Art Museum at Vaduz has a rich collection of art, some of it by renowned master and this has been collected over time by the princes of the country.
Schaan is the largest town of Liechtenstein and has a population of nearly 6000. Some of the other sizable towns of the country include Triesen, Balzers, Eschen and Mauren.
PEOPLE AND LANGUAGES
The spoken language of Liechtenstein is a dialect of German called Alamannic but the official language of the country is German. The major religion of the people of Liechtenstein is Roman Catholic, though a small percentage of the people are Protestants too.
There is no university in the country and the students go to Switzerland or Austria for higher education.
HOW TO REACH
By air
The country does not have its own airlines or air service and the nearest airport is at Zurich in Switzerland. Vaduz, the capital of Liechtenstein is 115 kilometers from Zurich and once at Zurich one can proceed to Liechtenstein by road or rail.
By rail
The Swiss border stations at Buchs (SG) or Sargans (easier and closer when coming from Zurich) or the Austrian station at Feldkirch are connected by rail to Liechtenstein.
HOLIDAYING IN LIECHTENSTEIN
Food and drinks
There are numerous restaurants in the country and once there you can sample its cuisine, which is basically Swiss but with Austrian flavors. Try the national delicacy called Käseknöpfle, which are cheese stuffed, small sized dumplings. The favorite and most popular drink in the country is a red wine called Vaduzer.
Nightlife
The townships of Triesen, Eschen, Schaanwald, and Balzers have bars and clubs where you can enjoy some dancing.
For cine lovers, the capital city of Vaduz and the town of Balzers, both have cinemas.
Shopping
Handmade ceramics, pottery and Liechtenstein postage stamps are some of the things that you can carry back as souvenirs from the country, other than that the range of goods available here are the same as in Switzerland.
TOURIST DESTINATIONS AND ACTIVITIES
The country has some great vineyards and when you are on a tour of the Prince’s Wine Cellars in Vaduz, be sure to sample some of the wines.
At Vaduz, be sure to wander around the art museum and the stamp museum, both of which are the initiatives of the royalty of the country.
Malbun and Steg are skiing and sledging destinations of the country. Malbun has a natural ice rink and several ski lifts and whereas Steg has a sledge run as well as its famous cross-country skiing loop.
Hiking is possible at Gaflei.
On both sides of the River Rhine there are 96km (56 miles) of cycling trails, where you can cycle to your hearts content in the valleys and lower lying areas.
Paragliding is another adventure activity the country offers.
The medieval castle of Schloss Vaduz is the home of the royal family and a major landmark of the country’s capital.
At Vaduz there are a host of museums to visit like the Postage Stamp Museum, the National Library, the Ski Museum, and the National Museum. At the Liechtenstein Art Museum you can find the works of Rembrandt, Rubens and Van Dyck.
In the town of Balzers, visit the Gutenberg Castle and St Peter's Chapel.
In Triesen, admire the St Mamerten and Maria chapels and the old part of the village.
At Eschen-Nendeln explore the Roman excavations, the parish churches in Bendern, Mauren and Ruggell, and the ruins of the upper and lower Burg Schellenberg.
GETTING AROUND
For traveling within the country there is an extensive system of good roads and a comfortable and reliable bus service connecting the major towns and rural areas. Alternatively taxis and car hire companies are there too.
WHERE TO STAY
Both in the cities and the countryside you will find a wide range of hotels to chose from.
If you are traveling in a larger group or planning to stay a longer time you could try the holiday homes, or chalets, called Ferienwohnungen.
In case you are hiking in the country and wish to stay on the mountain or stop your trekking adventure for the night, mountain huts are available on some of the highest peaks in the country.
Private pensions, guest houses and youth hostels too are available for the budget traveler.
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