Pass The Passport

Places / Europe

Liechtenstein

Visited

At a glance

Region
Western Europe
Capital
Vaduz
Population
41,000 (2025)
Area
160 km²
Languages
German
Currency
Swiss franc (CHF)
Drives on the
right
Calling code
+423
Visited: Liechtenstein

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Before you go

Overview

The Principality of Liechtenstein is a German-speaking country located at the Alps and southwest Central Europe. It’s the fourth smallest country in Europe and six smallest in the world.

The country recorded a population of 38,749 in 2020 and covers an area of 160 km2.

Its capital city is Vaduz which is home to the royal family residence palace.

Other major towns are Schaan, Triesenberg and Balzers.

The Capital – Vaduz.

History

Liechtenstein acquired its current name and became a self-governing principality of the Holy Roman Empire in 1719. It was a member of German Confederation from 1815 to 1866. It gained full independence in 1866.

The country was under the Australian monarchy until 1919 when Switzerland replaced Austria by representing Liechtenstein in its foreign affairs.

It joined NATO in 1990.

Food & culture

The country’s culture is grounded on the Alemannic culture and that of the Catholic Church.

The major crops grown in the country are fruits such as apples, berries, grapes and pears.

The common dishes include asparagus, hafalaab, kasknopfl, liver, muesli, pastries and bread.

Wildlife

The most common wildlife are red deer, roe deer, chamois, foxes, badgers, weasels, stoats, polecats, marmots and pheasants.

Festivals & events

The major celebrated festivals are Monster concert, Operettas in Vaduz, Treisenburg, Film Festival and the National Day of Liechtenstein.

Things to see

People visit Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein, a state museum of modern and contemporary art located in Vaduz.

There is also the Vaduz castle built during the 12th century, which is the residence to the royal family.

Another spectacular thing to see is the Burg Gutenberg, a castle built on the hill giving a good scene from the valley.

Interesting facts

Liechtenstein is one of the world’s only two landlocked countries by landlocked countries besides Uzbekistan in Asia. It is landlocked by Switzerland and Austria.

The country also has the highest per capita GDP in the world along with Monaco and Qatar.

The national Church is the Roman Catholic Church as stated by the constitution.

City guides

Cities & towns I’ve visited

My photos from Liechtenstein

October 2014 Switzerland & Liechtenstein

Vaduz, Vaduz Castle

Whole trip gallery
  • Jagged Alpine peaks under puffy white clouds above the valley at Vaduz
  • Jagged Alpine peaks above the town of Vaduz.
  • The mountains around Vaduz under a clear blue sky.
  • Vaduz Castle on a hill below the mountains in Liechtenstein.

Plan your trip to Liechtenstein

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Neighbours

Bucket List goals in Liechtenstein

None on the list yet. Got a suggestion? Email Dan.