Overview
Liechtenstein is a country in Europe according to neovideogames. Tucked between Switzerland and Austria, tiny but beautiful Liechtenstein is often overlooked, despite rivaling its neighbors. In summer hikers and cyclists romp in the stunning mountains and valleys, and in winter the same areas invite you to ski, ice skate or toboggan. Scattered across the country are pretty villages with small chapels. The landmark of Vaduz, the capital of Liechtenstein, is Vaduz Castle, the seat of the royal family. It is perched high on a rocky terrace but is not open to the public. There are also historic buildings and many shops to explore in Vaduz. Due to its close connection to Switzerland and the low tax rates, the population of Liechtenstein is one of the wealthiest in the world.
Getting there
Arriving by plane
The nearest international airports are in Zurich and Friedrichshafen. St. Gallen-Altenrhein Airport is also nearby. Non-stop flights from Frankfurt/M. to Friedrichshafen are offered by Lufthansa (LH) and to Zurich by Lufthansa (LH) and Swiss (LX). Lufthansa (LH), Swiss (LX) and Eurowings (EW) also fly non-stop to Zurich from Munich, Hamburg and Düsseldorf. From Vienna, Austrian Airlines (OS) and Swiss (LX) offer non-stop flights to Zurich. People’s Viennaline (PE) connects Vienna with St. Gallen-Altenrhein.
Flight times
Frankfurt/M. – Zurich: 50 minutes; Vienna – Zurich: 1 hour 20 minutes; Vienna – St. Gallen: 1 hour
Departure fee
None.
Arrival by car
The N13 motorway runs along Liechtenstein’s Rhine border to Lake Constance in Austria, north into the Federal Republic of Germany and south past Chur to St. Moritz. Zurich, Bern and Basel can also be reached via the motorway. Bus: Scheduled buses operated by the LIECHTENSTEINmobil (LIEmobil) transport company operate throughout Liechtenstein and also go to Feldkirch in Austria and Sargans and Buchs SG in Switzerland. The journey time from Buchs to Vaduz is 15 minutes. Toll: There are no toll roads in Liechtenstein. Documents: The national driving license is sufficient. Traffic regulations: – Alcohol limit: 0.8 ‰. – Lights must also be switched on during the day. – bandages, Warning triangle and safety vest must be carried. – Children must be transported in an appropriate child seat up to the age of 14 or up to a height of 150 cm. Speed limits: – in built-up areas: 50 km/h; – on rural roads: 80 km/h; – on expressways: 100 km/h (cars with trailers: 80 km/h).
Arrival by train
Rail connections from Germany run via Munich, Innsbruck, Feldkirch. From Vienna you also drive via Feldkirch (journey time: 8 hours 30 minutes). The cheapest connection from Zurich is via Sargans and Buchs (SG), from where there are good express train connections to Vaduz (journey time: 1 hour 30 minutes).
Transportation
Traveling by car/bus
The road network in Liechtenstein is very well developed and has a length of around 630 km. Toll: There are no toll roads in Liechtenstein. Gas stations are available everywhere.
Right-hand traffic/left-hand traffic
Right
Condition of the roads
The roads are regularly maintained and are therefore in very good condition.
Road classification
The road network consists of country roads (approx. 130 km) and municipal roads (approx. 500 km). Liechtenstein does not have any motorways.
Car rental
International car rental companies such as Sixt or Avis as well as local providers are represented in Liechtenstein.
Taxi
Taxis are available throughout Liechtenstein and can also be ordered by phone everywhere.
Bicycle
Bikes can be hired free of charge for 24 hours in many places via FreeVeloPoint. There are also bicycle rental companies in larger towns.
Coach
The transport company LIECHTENSTEINmobil (LIEmobil) operates a network of 20 bus lines. The buses also go to the smallest hamlets in the mountains. Fares are cheap and buses serve most places several times a day.
Regulations
Traffic regulations: – Alcohol limit: 0.8 ‰. – Light is mandatory all day. – Children must be transported in a suitable child seat up to the age of 14 or a height of 150 cm. Speed limits: – in built-up areas: 50 km/h; – extra-urban: 80 km/h; – on expressways: 100 km/h.
Roadside Assistance
The ADAC foreign emergency call offers ADAC members and holders of ADAC foreign health and accident insurance comprehensive assistance in the event of vehicle breakdowns, traffic accidents, loss of documents and money, and medical emergencies. The emergency number is available around the clock; in the event of vehicle damage: Tel. +49 (89) 22 22 22, in the event of illness: +49 (89) 76 76 76.
Documentation
The national driving license is sufficient. For citizens of EU and EFTA countries, the license plate number is valid as proof of insurance. Nevertheless, EU and EFTA citizens are recommended to take their international motor insurance card with them in order to be able to enjoy full insurance cover in the event of damage. Otherwise, the statutory minimum liability insurance coverage applies. In addition, the international motor insurance card can make it easier to record accidents.
Traveling in the city
The town of Vaduz can be explored on foot in a short time.
Locally on the way by train
On the railway network operated by the Austrian State Railways (ÖBB), which runs through Liechtenstein, trains run by the ÖBB and the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) run between Feldkirch (A) and Buchs SG (CH). In Liechtenstein, the trains only stop in Schaanwald, Nendeln, Forst Hilti and Schaan-Vaduz (centre of the village of Schaan).