Vaduz And Lower Liechtenstein Overview

As the capital, Vaduz (pop. 5000) attracts the most visitors of any part of Liechtenstein. Home to the ruling Prince, the 12th-century Schloß Vaduz (Vaduz Castle) stands as the principality’s most recognizable icon. Visitors cannot see the interior where the royal family currently resides, but they can hike 20min. up to the castle for a closer look. The trail begins near the tourist office. Vaduz city train offers 35min tours (☎00423 777 3490; www.citytrain.li; 8CHF) of the old town, castle, and various other sights. Ask about it in the tourist office. For more art and culture, the Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein and Postmuseum reside in the same cube-shaped building diagonally across the street from the tourist office, Städtle 32. The Kunstmuseum hosts 7-week long, rotating, interactive, modern art exhibits. The curators are happy to assist in interpreting some of the peculiar modern art pieces. (☎00423 235 0300; www.kunstmuseum.li. Open Tu-W and F-Su 10am-5pm, Th 10am-8pm. Free.) The Postmuseum showcases almost every stamp the country has printed and has a video explaining the process of stamp making. (☎00423 239 6846. Open daily 10am-noon and 1-5pm. Free.) The Liechtensteinisches Landesmuseum, Städtle 43, chronicles the principality’s history, beginning with its first inhabitants 8000 years ago. (☎00423 239 6820; www.landesmuseum.li. Open Tu and Th-Su 10am-5pm, W 10am-8pm.)

In between Vaduz and the village of Schaan sits Liechtenstein’s sole Jugendherberge (HI) , Untere Rüttig. 6. From Vaduz, take bus #11, 12, or 14 to Mühleholz, walk to the intersection, turn left on Marianumstr., and follow the signs. (☎00423 232 5022; www.youthhostel.ch/schaan. Breakfast included. Laundry 6CHF. Internet 1CHF per 5min. Reception 7:30-10am and 5-10pm. Open Mar.-Oct. Dorms 37CHF; singles 62CHF; doubles 94CHF. 6CHF HI discount. Bike rentals 22CHF per day, 15CHF per half-day. AmEx/MC/V.) Finding cheap restaurants in Liechtenstein may turn into a never-ending quest. Either bring your own food, or cut your losses and head to Brasserie Burg , Städtle 15, in the center of Vaduz, for sandwiches and burgers for 8CHF. (☎00423 232 2131. Salad buffet 9.50-14.50CHF. Pizza 14-18CHF. Wi-Fi 15CHF per 2hr. Open M-F 8:30am-11pm, Sa 9am-midnight, Su 9:30am-11pm. AmEx/MC/V.) Pick up a hiking map (16CHF), or an all inclusive Liechtenstein card (25CHF for 2 days; includes bus system, Malbun Gondola, Vaduz Citytrain, all museum access, and more) at Liechtenstein’s tourist office, Städtle 37, up the hill from the Vaduz bus stop. (☎00423 239 6300; www.tourismus.li. Open M-F 9am-noon and 1:30-5pm.)