Located at the foot of Gutenberg Castle, this small Liechtenstein town has preserved its medieval streets and Alpine character. The 12th-century fortress overlooks local vineyards.
Balzers, a village in southern Liechtenstein with 4,642 residents, lies along the Rhine’s eastern bank below Gutenberg Castle. Start your visit at the baroque Pfarrkirche St. Nikolaus cathedral, then take gravel paths toward the castle ruins or the Vitaparcours fitness trail by the river. The village’s split into Balzers and Mäls influences local traditions, such as rival "Funken" bonfires lit each spring. Modern elements like a heliport and tech company headquarters coexist with Alpine trails and quiet neighborhoods.
Gutenberg Castle and Its History
Standing 70 meters above Balzers, Gutenberg Castle’s 12th-century stone walls overlook the village. Walk up the gravel path from the center to reach the open-access bailey. From May to October, visit the chapel and rose garden on Sundays to see Rhine Valley vistas and historical displays. Reserve a guided tour two weeks ahead to view artifacts like the 12cm "Mars von Gutenberg" bronze figure found nearby, now kept in Vaduz. Summer brings theater performances and concerts in the castle courtyard. The nearby meadow frequently hosts weddings framed by medieval structures.
The Rhine River and Nearby Trails
Gravel sections of the Rhine near Balzers allow swimming and picnics. Ellhorn Hill’s marked paths wind through pine forests and limestone rock formations. Try the Vitaparcours, a 2.5 km trail with 18 exercise stops and a cold-water Kneipp pool for leg immersion. Families gather at playgrounds near schools or the town’s indoor pool, which has lap lanes and a child-friendly shallow zone. Longer hikes follow clear signs toward Vaduz (12 km north) or Switzerland’s Sarganserland region south of the border.
Local Culture and Traditions
The Old Vicarage, an 18th-century building, displays regional history exhibits and sits next to a baroque garden with medicinal plants. Adjacent Pfarrkirche St. Nikolaus, reconstructed in 1912, includes graves from the 17th century in its cemetery. Balzers and Mäls maintain separate fire brigades, sports teams, and spring bonfire customs. Travelers in March can observe the "Funken" competition, where neighborhoods build massive wooden pyres to mark winter’s end.
Getting There and Staying in Balzers
Take Postbus Line 11 from Vaduz for a 20-minute ride into Balzers. Drivers use the A13 highway’s "Balzers Nord" exit. LSXB heliport accommodates private flights within the Schengen zone but has no customs. Park free near the sports center or town hall. Overnight options include Gasthof Löwen guesthouse, and local eateries serve dishes like Käsknöpfle cheese dumplings. Check the Old Vicarage bulletin board or town website for event updates.
Key Details and Local Surprises
In 2014, global media reported a rare violent incident here—a fatal shooting in a parking garage—which emphasized Balzers’ usually minimal crime. Industrial zones by the Rhine house Oerlikon Balzers, a coatings firm providing technical tours by request. Excavations near the castle revealed Stone Age tools and Roman-era coins, though most are exhibited in Vaduz. For a relaxed stroll, cross the pedestrian bridge west to Swiss Trübbach village, 15 minutes away.
