With a small population of 38,000 living only in 160 square kilometers, the Principality of Liechtenstein is not short of travel destinations that are sure to leave you in awe once you take sight of them. As a matter of fact, this country is one of the smallest independent nations in the world by area, making it 6th on the list. This independent state landlocked between Switzerland and Austria is covered with forests and Alpine meadows, making it one of the most picturesque Alpine countries in the European continent. And despite being tiny compared to its neighboring states, Liechtenstein is an economic powerhouse due to its favorable tax laws.
So, if you’re planning a visit or perhaps a vacation to this incredible country, here are some tourist spots you might want to visit:
The Capital City, Vaduz
From shopping, and dining, to exploring much of the city’s Städtle or “small town,” Liechtenstein’s capital city, Vaduz, should top your list whenever you head to this serene and gorgeous state. As the smallest capital in Europe, Vaduz remains to be big in the tourism game as it has the Liechtenstein Center up its sleeve, which is the tourist information center that provides everything needed to make the most out of your visit to the country. This should be your first stop given that it prepares you for the adventure ahead.
Now, when you’re here, multiple attractions are always visited by tourists to take in Liechtenstein's history, culture, and heritage, and one of them is the country’s parliament, “Landtag,” which is situated near River Rhine in Peter-Kaiser-Platz, at its banks. And you don’t have to worry if you don’t speak their common tongue since guided tours given in the English language are available.
Afterward, the Rathausplatz that’s home to the Rathaus, its historic Town Hall, which is also worth the visit. And while you’re there, you can also enliven your faith by going to Pfarrkirche or the Cathedral of St. Florin, a Neo-Gothic parish church built in 1873.
Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein
photo from: https://kunstmuseum.li/index.php?page=23&lan=en
If you’re an art buff, specifically for modern and contemporary artwork, then perhaps the Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein is the best bet for you to enjoy your trip to this country. With a state-of-the-art facility in Vaduz, Liechtenstein’s State Art Gallery has on display numerous artworks, with its permanent collection dating back to the 19th century, and oftentimes hosts temporary exhibits.
Among the many artworks in this gallery is the Prince of Liechtenstein’s very own, from his sculptures to his other works, though most of the royal collection is placed in the Liechtenstein Museum in Vienna. And again, don’t worry as English language tours are made available for tourists and if you’d like to take a break, a modern cafe is near the premises for those who want to have caffeine in their system as they take in all the wonders of human nature that art brings out. Then just nearby by the gallery, another exhibition space, Kunstraum Engländerbau, hosts a display of contemporary art coming from around the globe.
Gutenberg Castle
Standing atop a 70-meter-high hill is the Burg Gutenberg or the Gutenberg Castle. This castle which has been inhabited since the Neolithic period offers more than just a majestic experience since this place is also the origin of many relevant finds in the field of archaeology. One of the many significant finds in this destination is the ancient Mars von Gutenberg statuette, which is now safely kept in the Liechtenstein Landesmuseum. But of course, there aren’t just archaeological finds in this castle since anyone can find a good time here as well.
With your visit to the castle also comes the chapel and the rose garden. And more than just this, the various cultural activities, events, and festivals held during the warmer weather periods of Liechtenstein also make the visit all the more worth it. These cultural dips into the country’s culture, history, and heritage even offer tourists the experience of open-air concerts and outdoor theatrical performances, all to truly sink into the Liechtenstein ground and breathe the country’s fresh air.
But there’s more! With the castle being open all year-round, you can target dates when the gorgeous gardens of Gutenberg Castle are free to visit, which is on weekends. And admission to the impressive fortress is nothing to worry about since it’s all free for the public to see.
The Ruggeller Riet Nature Reserve
photo from: https://www.outdooractive.com/en/poi/ostschweiz-liechtenstein/ruggeller-riet-nature-reserve/49427010/
A visit to a European country, much more if it’s Liechtenstein, shouldn’t miss a tour around the scenic natural landscapes preserved and well-kept by the locals. Sitting on 90 hectares of land, the Rugeller Riet Nature Reserve is home to an unspoiled, untouched wilderness northeast of Liechtenstein. This place serves as the best place to truly experience the nature of this country as it has the country’s rich and diverse flora and fauna. Then if you’re into bird-watching, take this opportunity to watch endangered species like the storks fly around this nature reserve.
Afterward, you can go on the reserve’s trail and take a look at the variety of vegetation and scenery the country has to offer, such as moors and meadows. All of it while the rolling hills serve as a backdrop for that perfect shot you can post on Instagram or any social media account you might want to post at.
It’s recommended to tourists that visits are done by the end of May up until early June since this is the period when the nature reserve’s Siberian iris proves its abundance and flourishing as they all simultaneously bloom in an explosion of color and beauty. Apart from enjoying the scenery, tourists can also have a picnic or a barbecue in the public rest area dedicated to tourists having their meals. And this rest area even overlooks the Rhine in Weinbau, marking it even more picturesque. After eating, if you’re looking to burn calories or simply stroll around, the bike path networks in the area provide the opportunity to walk on a pathway that connects Liechtenstein to its neighboring countries, Vienna and Austria.
No comments:
Post a Comment