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Day Trip To Vaduz In Liechtenstein – 15 Best Things To Do

While we were on holiday on Lake Constance over the Easter break we decided to go on a Liechtenstein on a day trip to Vaduz. As the weather was changeable and we had no plans to ski we opted to visit the capital of Liechtenstein Vaduz. Finding very little information from people that have actually been to the city I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. Let’s put it this way. I am glad we did it ticking off another country from the very long list. Although I have no plans to visit the capital again.

Was it worth the effort? Well on a rainy day, I always think visiting a city is a good option so you can duck in and out of cafes and shops or points of interest. And there was just about enough to do in the center of Vaduz. So yes worth the effort. But surprisingly sparse all the same.

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Day Trip To Vaduz In Liechtenstein – 15 Best Things To Do

The principality of Liechtenstein is landlocked and is one of the smallest countries in Europe. And 6th smallest in the world. Despite its small size, Liechtenstein boasts a thriving economy and a high standard of living. Which you can tell from all the designer shops in the city center. Vaduz, is home to the princely family’s castle, which overlooks the picturesque Rhine Valley. The country is also renowned for its impressive art collection housed in the Liechtenstein Museum.

Getting to Liechtenstein for a day trip to Vaduz

We drove from the Bodensee to the capital city of Liechtenstein Vaduz. From where we were staying in UnterUhldingen it took around an hour and a half to drive to Vaduz. On route, we went through both Austria and Switzerland. To drive in both these countries you need to purchase a Vinette to avoid being fined. You can read more about how to do this in our tips for holidaying in the Bodensee article.

If you want to fly into Liechtenstein then the nearest airport is Zurich which is around an hour and fifteen minutes by car. You can also reach Vaduz by train. The closest train station to the capital is around 3.5km from the city centre, in the town of Schaan. If you are travelling from Zurich on public transportation there is no direct train. Instead, you need to catch a bus ride from Schaan. Depending on the route you take it will be approximately two hours.

Where to park in Vaduz on a day trip

We visited out-of-season on a rainy day in April. So we took our chances and headed into the city centre to find parking. Opting for Zentrum as it was an inside parking garage. Like car parks in the UK, they have digital signs which show you how many car spaces there are. Although once we were in the carpark it was a little confusing. Since a lot of the spaces had reserved signs. The only spaces we could find were a maximum three-hour stays. Unlike the UK where you pay on exit, here you pay before you leave the carpark on foot to sightsee. We paid with Swiss Francs but you could use a card or euros. The machine can operate in English.

By the time we left the central car parks were full. However, there is a large car park on the outskirts of the city. Here we noticed you could also park camper vans. I would anticipate it’s probably only a fifteen-minute walk into the centre from here.

Things to do in Vaduz with Kids

One thing I really struggled to find information on is what you could actually do in Vaduz. And it turns out the reason I was struggling was perhaps because there is not that much! Surprising for the richest country in the world per capita. You can spot this as soon as you walk along the pedestrian shopping street. Which is lined on both sides by jewellery stores and designer shops. However, we did find more than enough to do in our three-hour visit.

The best thing to do in Vaduz – City Train

This is probably the thing to do when visiting Vaduz in Liechtenstein on a day trip with kids. The little city train takes you around the city centre and the old part of Vaduz. It goes past the Red House which is one of the best-known landmarks in the city. With the opportunity to get out and take photos. The train ride is the best way to learn about the small town and the history of the royal family.

There is an audio-guided tour available throughout with local music. Available in lots of different languages. When we visited the train was only operating twice a day. At 1 pm and 4.30 pm. On the website, you can make a booking online. But we ended up buying a train ticket from the ticket office. A family ticket costs 28 CHF. The tour takes around half hour and also includes a drive past the Prince of Liechtenstein Winery. It is a good first stop to try and get your bearings.

The Four Museums

There are also a series of small museums perfect for a day trip to Vaduz. We only went to one which was the Treasure Chamber to see the Faberge egg. Although it is possible to buy a pass for all four which costs 13 CHF for adults with children under 16 being free. The museums are:

Liechtenstein National Museum – Showcases the cultural and historical heritage of the Principality of Liechtenstein. The museum’s exhibits cover a wide range of topics, including archaeology, history, and the development of the country. Visitors can explore artefacts, documents, and displays that provide insight into Liechtenstein’s past and its cultural identity.
Liechtenstein Art Museum (Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein) – Renowned for its impressive collection of modern and contemporary art. It features works by prominent artists, both from Liechtenstein and internationally.
Postal Museum – A fascinating journey through the history of postage and communication at the post museum. Visitors can explore a wide array of philatelic items, including stamps, postcards, and postal equipment. The museum provides insights into the evolution of the postal service and its significance in shaping global connections.
Treasure Chamber of the Principality of Liechtenstein – A unique museum that showcases the rich cultural heritage and historical artefacts of the principality. It houses a remarkable collection of treasures, including precious objects and items of significant cultural value. The museum offers visitors a captivating glimpse into the princely family’s heritage and the history of Liechtenstein.

Tourist Information Center & Liechtenstein Passport Stamp

The tourist office is also on the main shopping street. Here you can pay 3€ each to get your passport stamped with a souvenir stamp. There is also a photo opportunity with a crown and throne. Which the boys really enjoyed posing for. Plus various gifts to purchase from the souvenir shop. There are several information leaflets and free maps which give you more details about the area. A useful place to stop if you are planning on visiting other parts of the country. And take part in the Liechtenstein Trail.

Wander through the town centre

As well as the museums and tourist office as you wander through the centre you will come across the Parliament Building. Which is the official seat of the country’s legislative body, known as the Landtag. Although the exterior of the building may not showcase intricate historical architecture, its true importance lies in its function as a vital centre for legislative decision-making. And the embodiment of the people’s voice through their elected representatives.

The other point of interest is the town hall and outside it the Tre Cavalli by Nag Arnoldi statue. The artist, born in 1928, is one of Switzerland’s most important sculptors.

Try out a selection of sweet and savoury treats

There are several places to eat in the centre. Some looked very posh indeed. We found a very sweet cafe selling all sorts of baked goods, pretzels, cakes and little open sandwiches which reminded me of when we visited Denmark. Wander a little further and you will also come across a very lovely chocolate shop which the boys could not resist spending their pocket money.

Wine Tasting

Wine is big business in Liechtenstein. You will see and learn about the vines on the city train tour. The vines are owned by the royal family and they produce local wine. This is sold in the tourist shop on the high street but also at the vineyard.

At the winery is possible to try the local wine and learn about how it is made at The Prince of Liechtenstein Winery in Vaduz. Home to the Herawingert vineyards. With its four hectares of southwest-facing slopes and mild climate influenced by the warm ‘Föhn’ wind. Herawingert is among the best wine-growing regions in the Rhine Valley. Its excellent quality of soil offers ideal conditions for growing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

The boys were not thrilled with this idea so we ended up buying a bottle of wine and red to try at a later date. Expect to pay between 20-25€ a bottle.

Views from Vaduz Castle

Schloss Vaduz is the official residence of the prince of Liechtenstein. It is still occupied and lived in by the Royal family and as such it is not possible to go inside. However, you can visit the wine cellar in the castle grounds. And also park close by to take photos and look at the beautiful views. When we visited the castle was undergoing some extensive restoration work so the closest car park to the castle was shut. However, if you follow the road up the hill you will find more parking on the left-hand side. It is worth visiting to see the natural beauty of the

Visit Alte Rheinbrücke

We did not do this as the weather was too wet but if you fancy a short walk then you can visit Alte Rheinbrücke. Which is an old wooden bridge built around 1871 that crosses the Rhine River. It is around a twenty-minute walk from the main square with views of the Swiss Alps. Completely undercover you can cross over the Liechtenstein border into Switzerland at the halfway point. The perfect activity for a day trip to Vaduz.

Gutenberg Castle

Okay, so this is technically not in Vaduz. But if you have a car then it is only a fifteen-minute drive. Gutenberg Castle, is a historic landmark located in Balzers. Perched atop a hill overlooking the Rhine Valley, the castle boasts a rich history dating back to the High Middle Ages. It is one of the best-preserved medieval castles in the region and offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the past. Unlike Vaduz Castle it is not inhabited and so open to the public

How long do you need?

We spent around three and half hours in the capital which included driving up to the castle. We may have stayed slightly longer had our carpark not been limited to three hours. As we only visited one museum, we probably would have visited the other ones too. Since they are all quite small and only a short walk from each other out so keeps the kid’s attention. If you plan to park in one of the car parks on the outskirts and also visit the wine tasting at The Prince of Liechtenstein Winery. Then I would allow five hours to really see it all.

Tips for a day trip to Vaduz

Liechtenstein is very close to its neighbour Switzerland and so takes both the Swiss Franc and Euros.
Depending on how you get there then you may need both a Swiss and Austrian Vinnette.
Take snacks and water as prices are very similar to Switzerland. Liechtenstein is the wealthiest country in the world per capita. Prices and the designer shops reflect this.
There’s not a huge amount to Vaduz. It feels like a bit of a nothing place. Despite being a capital city. It makes a good pitstop for exploring the country further. The tourism office will be able to help you with this.
English is more widely spoken here than on the Bodensee.
Combine a visit with a holiday on Lake Constance in the Summer months as unless you have plans to specifically tour the area a few hours is enough.
To make sure you see everything pick up a town map from the information centre.

Have you visited Vaduz in Liechtenstein? I would love to hear about your experiences in the comments below. Did we miss anything in Liechtenstein’s capital?