Small Alpine capital with medieval castles and modern art galleries. Home to Liechtenstein's royal family and National Museum. Calm streets lined with cafes and bars.
Vaduz, the capital of Liechtenstein, is a small Alpine city with a population of just 5,700. In the city center, you can visit the Kunstmuseum to see modern art or explore Liechtenstein's history at the National Museum. Walk up to Vaduz Castle for a view of the city, or taste local wines at the Prince of Liechtenstein's personal winery. The city's architecture includes St. Florin Cathedral and contemporary government buildings.
Exploring Vaduz Castle
Vaduz Castle is perched 120 meters above the city. Built in the 12th century, it now serves as the official residence of the Prince of Liechtenstein. While you can't enter the castle, you can hike up for a view of Vaduz and the Rhine Valley. The steep path takes you through vineyards and forest before reaching the castle gates.
Museums in the City Center
Vaduz has several museums within walking distance of each other. The cube-shaped Kunstmuseum displays modern and contemporary art, including works from the princely collections. At the Liechtenstein National Museum, you'll find exhibits on the country's cultural and natural history from Roman times to the present. The Postal Museum displays all of Liechtenstein's stamps since 1912.
Tasting Wine at the Prince's Cellar
At the Hofkellerei (Court Cellars) of the Prince of Liechtenstein, you can sample wines produced from the royal vineyards. The winery offers guided tours where you'll learn about winemaking in the Rhine Valley and taste varieties like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. In the cellars, you'll see barrels of wine in various stages of aging, managed by the Prince's winemakers.
Getting to Vaduz
You'll need to arrive in Vaduz by bus or car, as the city has no airport or train station. The closest major airport is in Zurich, about 130 km away. From there, take a train to Sargans or Buchs in Switzerland, then catch a bus into Vaduz. The journey takes around 2 hours total. If driving, you can reach Vaduz from Switzerland or Austria via roads that wind through the Alps.
Where to Stay
Vaduz offers several accommodation options. The Hotel Residence, located right in the city center, provides modern rooms with views of the castle. For a more budget-friendly option, the Landhaus am Giessen is a guesthouse just outside the center. If you want to stay in the mountains, the JUFA Hotel Malbun is located in an Alpine village about 20 minutes from Vaduz.
