Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein is a mountainous country and one of only two nations in the world that is both landlocked and bordered by landlocked countries. Uzbekistan is the other. In the western part of the nation, the Rhine Valley, which is long and broad, houses the majority of the country’s inhabitants. The majority of the roads are also built out in a north-south layout, following the valley. To the north, major highways go to the Austrian border; to the south, they reach Switzerland; and to the west, bridges span the river into Switzerland. Because of its hilly terrain, the majority of the eastern border with Austria is impassable and only accessible by foot, but the north of the county is well linked by road to Feldkirch in Austria. The Grauspitz, at 2,599 meters, is the country’s highest peak. San Marino is 2.5 times the size of Liechtenstein, while Monaco is 81 times the size of Liechtenstein.

Liechtenstein has a continental climate with cold, gloomy winters and snow or rain on a regular basis, making it a fairly popular ski destination. Summers are mild to moderately warm, with overcast skies and high humidity.

Liechtenstein is Europe’s fourth smallest nation in terms of population, with only Vatican City, San Marino, and Monaco having fewer people. Although one-third of the population is foreign-born, the majority of Alemannic speakers are German speakers from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, as well as other Swiss, Italians, and Turks. Two-thirds of the country’s workforce is made up of immigrants.

Liechtensteiners have an average life expectancy of 80.31 years at birth, with males averaging 76.86 years and females averaging 83.77 years (2011 est.). According to current estimates, the infant mortality rate is 4.64 deaths per 1,000 live births.

Liechtenstein protects individuals of all faiths and considers the government’s “religious interests of the people” to be a top concern. Religious education in Roman Catholicism or Protestantism (Reformed and/or Lutheran) is constitutionally compulsory in Liechtenstein schools, with exceptions. Religious groups are given tax exemption by the government. According to the Pew Research Center, social strife induced by religious hostility, as well as government restrictions on religious practice, are minimal in Liechtenstein.

According to the 2010 census, 85.8% of the population is Christian, with 75.9% belonging to the Roman Catholic faith, which is represented by the exempt Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Vaduz, and 8.5 percent belonging to the Protestant faith, which is represented by the Evangelical Church in Liechtenstein and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Liechtenstein. Islam is the biggest minority religion (5.4 percent of total population). Catholicism is by far the most popular religion among Liechtenstein residents (87.0 percent ).

The official language is German, although the Alemannic German dialect is widely spoken in Liechtenstein, as it is in German-speaking Eastern Switzerland, Baden-Württemberg (south of Stuttgart, Germany), and Vorarlberg, Austria. When required, almost everyone can communicate in normal German, and English is also widely spoken. In secondary public schools, French and Latin are also frequently taught.

Internet connection is provided at Telecom Liechtenstein, which is located on the major road just south of Vaduz’s center, although it is only available during business hours. In Schaan, for example, most hotels and several bars/restaurants will offer internet connection. Because everyone in the nation has internet connection in their homes, the last true Internet café has vanished, leaving only tourists with a need for access.

It is important to note that the Principality of Liechtenstein has existed as an autonomous state for centuries. Liechtenstein is not a part of either Switzerland or Austria, as its residents frequently remind you.

It’s important to keep in mind that this is a traditional Catholic nation. Except for visitors and tourist stores, the streets are virtually deserted on Sundays.

Liechtensteiners are proud of their country and would be offended if they were mistakenly labeled “German,” “Austrian,” or “Swiss.” Those who may be tempted to dismiss the monarchy as a form of governance should be aware that the prince is well-liked and popular, and he is regarded in high regard when it comes to national affairs.

Despite its tiny size and limited natural resources, Liechtenstein has grown into a wealthy, highly industrialized, free-enterprise economy with a thriving financial services industry and living standards comparable to those of its larger European neighbors’ metropolitan regions. The economy of Liechtenstein is diverse, with a significant number of small enterprises. Low business taxes (the top rate is 20%) and simple formation procedures have prompted a significant number of holding or “letter box” corporations to set up offices in Liechtenstein, accounting for 30% of the country’s income.

Liechtenstein is a member of the Swiss Customs Union and uses Swiss francs interchangeably with the Liechtenstein frank as its official currency. More than 90% of its energy needs are met by imports. Since May 1995, Liechtenstein has been a member of the European Economic Area, which acts as a link between the EFTA and the EU. The administration is attempting to align its economic policies with those of the European Union as a whole. The base rate of income tax in Liechtenstein is only 1.2 percent, making it one of the highest personal income rates (GDP per capita) in the world.

Liechtenstein is the top manufacturer of artificial teeth in the world.

The Schengen Agreement includes Liechtenstein.

Liechtenstein is not a European Union member. As a result, visitors entering Liechtenstein from Austria (or vice versa) face non-systematic customs checks. Since Liechtenstein entered the Schengen Area on December 19, 2011, there have been no immigration restrictions.

Switzerland maintains a full customs union with Liechtenstein, which is represented by Switzerland in foreign embassies. Since 1923, there have been no official border crossing requirements between the two nations. In essence, while crossing the Rhine or the land border, there is little more than a sign proclaiming your arrival in Switzerland or Liechtenstein, similar to the situation at minor border crossings in many EU countries (e.g., Austria, Germany, France, Italy). For CHF3 or €2.00, stamp collectors may obtain a genuine Liechtenstein entrance stamp in their passport at Vaduz’s tourism office. The stamp is not available in the Liechtensteinisches Landesmuseum; the only location to get one is at the tourist office.

There are no airports in Liechtenstein. You can fly to Zürich Airport from everywhere in the world (115 km). Despite the fact that the airport was the sole significant airport in the vicinity of Liechtenstein, Austrian Arrows provided limited flights from Vienna to St. Gallen-Altenrhein Airport (53 km). In Bad Ragaz, which was close to the border, there was also a private airfield. Another common entrance point is via Friedrichshafen, Germany, where low-cost flights fly.

In the Southern Lowlands, Liechtenstein’s prince owns a heliport.

The Austrian federal railway company, BB, operates a limited service from Buchs SG station in Switzerland to Feldkirch in Austria, through Schaan-Vaduz station (near Schaan). Trains only operate a few times a day, making buses the most convenient option.

From the railway station in Buchs (the major Swiss town on the Liechtenstein border) to Schaan and Vaduz, buses operate every 15 minutes. Tickets are CHF3.40 on the bus, and the journey takes approximately 10 minutes to Schaan and another 5 minutes to Vaduz.

If arriving by train from Switzerland, it may be more convenient and cost-effective to go to Sargans, from whence a bus (see below) may be taken directly to Vaduz. Consult the SBB schedule to see which option will get you to your destination the fastest. The Sargans station has lockers where you may store your belongings. This link will take you to a map of the station, which will show you where the lockers are and where you can board the bus.

The Liechtenstein Buses Route 12 connects Sargans and Buchs train stations, passing via downtown Vaduz and Schaan. Every 20 minutes or so, it departs from outside each station. The buses have a yellow-green color scheme. From Sargens, a ticket to Vaduz costs CHF5.80 and from Buchs, CHF3.40. There are also student rates (be sure to show your student ID). If you plan on making a lot of trips, a full network day ticket (CHF12) or week pass (CHF24) is a good idea, but two single fares (e.g., from Sargans or Buchs to Vaduz and then Vaduz to Feldkirch) are less expensive than a day pass.

Look for the distinctive off-yellow Liechtenstein Buses from Austria’s Feldkirch train station. The numbers 11 and 14 run directly to Vaduz, but the number 13 goes to Buchs train station, bypassing Vaduz, so you’ll have to change at Schaan.

The Swiss Autobahn A13/E34 runs parallel to the Swiss side of the Rhine River, forming the Swiss-Liechtenstein border. The bridge crossing into the southern town of Balzers and the crossing into Vaduz are the two most frequently utilized entry sites for crossing the Rhine into Liechtenstein. Vaduz has ample parking, including a huge parking garage under the Kunstmuseum. Driving in Liechtenstein is generally safe, although small and twisting mountain roads need additional caution. There are speed traps all over the place!

From Feldkirch, Austria, it’s a breeze. During rush hour, a large number of commuters enter the capital. A simple sign on Feldkirch’s main road should get you a ride in a matter of minutes.

Liechtenstein’s public transportation system is very efficient and widely utilized. LBA is the country’s only bus company. The prices on the LBA are cheap; a seven-day unlimited usage pass is CHF24. Bicycling is another inexpensive mode of transportation, weather allowed. Liechtenstein’s roads are in good condition, and several (such as those in the Balzers-Schaan corridor) even have bike lanes. Biking across the nation (from Austria to Switzerland) takes just a few hours, but the breathtaking alpine landscape is worth every minute!

Liechtenstein has a few hotels, although they are generally on the pricey side. In Schaan, there is one youth hostel, but it shuts for the winter. In nearby Feldkirch, Austria, you will most likely be able to locate cheaper lodging.

The only full-service campground in the Principality is Camping Mittagspitz. It has great amenities, a pleasant welcome, and a fantastic restaurant that is fairly priced. In Liechtenstein, there are three additional campsites. Bendern, Vaduz, and Triesen each have one. All of them are pretty much filled all of the time.

In Liechtenstein’s major cities, there are a few restaurants. There’s also a McDonald’s restaurant (established in 1996; offers wine) that’s extremely popular and has road signs all across the nation advertising it.

A warm, fresh roll or pastry may be found in one of the numerous local bakeries.

Liechtenstein produces a limited quantity of wine, which is accessible in supermarkets and tourist stores across the nation. For an average bottle, expect to spend about CHF25. In Vaduz, off the main road, the Prince has his own vineyard. Beer produced using Liechtenstein malt is also available for purchase, but the majority of the beer is brewed in Switzerland. There are also a number of different European wines, beers, and soft drinks to choose from. Liechtenstein currently has a brewery that produces a range of beers, including lagers in the Helles (blonde) and Hefe Weizen (unfiltered wheat) genres.

In Triesen, there is also a one-man distillery that produces fruit-based liquors and schnapps. Saturday tours are available.

Liechtenstein’s currency is the Liechtenstein frank, which is equal to and convertible with the Swiss franc (CHF). Many stores will take euros as well, although the conversion rate may not be favorable.

Liechtenstein’s costs are approximately equal to those of Switzerland, making it somewhat more costly than other European nations.

Visitors visiting Liechtenstein will find a variety of things to be interesting.

Balzers has a lovely church and a magnificent gothic castle.

Vaduz – The capital is the country’s major retail district, featuring a variety of souvenir shops and eateries. A small cathedral and the ten-year-old Liechtenstein Kunstmuseum are also located in the city. To the north of town, there is a ski museum.

Schloss Vaduz – This magnificent and ancient castle, which is home to the royal family, is located on the major Vaduz-Triesenberg road and overlooks the city of Vaduz (bus route 21). Although it is not accessible to the public, it is feasible to get a close look at it.

The royal family may be seen visiting the Kunstmuseum, entering and exiting Schloss Vaduz, or skiing during the winter months. This is one of the advantages of living in such a tiny nation. They are easily identified by their automobiles, which display their birth year as the license plate number.

The landscape of Liechtenstein is ideal for hiking, road riding, and mountain biking. In contrast to the costly lift fees in neighboring Switzerland or Austria, skiing and snowboarding are also available at a cheap price in the country’s little resort, Malbun.

Get up early one morning and travel up the east side of the river’s mountains. From here, you may stand and enjoy a magnificent view over Vaduz and Switzerland.

Liechtenstein has been heavily influenced by foreign cultural influences, particularly those originating in the southern German-speaking regions of Europe, such as Austria, Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Switzerland, and particularly Tirol and Vorarlberg. The “Historical Society of the Principality of Liechtenstein” is dedicated to the preservation of the country’s culture and history.

The Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein, an international museum of modern and contemporary art with a significant international art collection, is the biggest museum. The structure, designed by Morger, Degelo, and Kerez of Switzerland, is a landmark in Vaduz. It was constructed in November 2000 and consists of colored concrete and black basalt stone, forming a “black box.” Liechtenstein’s national art collection is housed at the museum.

The Liechtenstein National Museum (Liechtensteinisches Landesmuseum) is another significant museum, with permanent and special exhibits on Liechtenstein’s cultural and natural heritage. A stamp museum, a ski museum, and a 500-year-old Rural Lifestyle Museum are among the attractions.

All books published in Liechtenstein are legally deposited in the Liechtenstein State Library.

Vaduz Castle, Gutenberg Castle, the Red House, and the Schellenberg Ruins are the most well-known historical landmarks.

The Prince of Liechtenstein’s Private Art Collection, one of the world’s most important private art collections, is on display at the Liechtenstein Museum in Vienna.

All subjects are invited to the head of state’s castle on the country’s national holiday. A large number of people attend the national celebration at the castle, where speeches are delivered and free beer is given.

Liechtenstein is unquestionably one of the safest nations on the planet, but it is not without issues. The most frequent kind of crime in Liechtenstein is nonviolent, despite the fact that the principality has a well-equipped police force on the streets. The Liechtenstein Landespolizei began a crackdown on prostitution in Vaduz in the late 1990s. Outside of Schaan and Vaduz, the biggest cities close are Innsbruck and Zürich, thus the area may seem quite rural. Your only “practical” worry may be drunk drivers and winter road conditions. Speed cameras, which will be extremely expensive, are used to rigorously enforce speed restrictions. Instead of speeding, take in the sights!

The lovely beauty of the country is also extremely hazardous. Hikers getting themselves into trouble is a frequent occurrence, and great caution should be used when departing off well-marked routes. Follow local advice, study local weather predictions (newspapers in the principality publish separate forecasts for each city in Liechtenstein, which is helpful since the variation in altitude may sometimes create various weather conditions), and make sure you have the right equipment before you go.

Although Liechtenstein has outstanding medical facilities, you are more likely to be transported to a hospital in Switzerland if you need medical care. If you are an Austrian or European Union citizen, you may want to seek medical help in Feldkirch, Austria.