# Liechtenstein: One of Two Doubly Landlocked Countries

> Liechtenstein travel planning: visiting one of only two doubly landlocked countries in the world as a day trip from Zurich, the hiking trails above Vaduz, and what it costs.

- URL: https://travplanner.vercel.app/blog/liechtenstein-travel-guide
- Published: 2026-09-03
- Updated: 2026-09-13
- Country: Liechtenstein
- Tags: alps, day-trip, first-time

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Liechtenstein is one of only two countries in the world that are doubly landlocked — surrounded entirely by other landlocked countries, in this case Switzerland and Austria — and at under 26 square kilometres, it's easy to see as a day trip from Zurich. Vaduz, the capital, is small enough to walk end to end in under an hour, with Vaduz Castle (the reigning prince's residence, not open to the public) looking down from the hillside above the pedestrian old town.

## Getting around

There's no airport or train station in the country. Buses run frequently and connect Vaduz to the Swiss rail network at Sargans, about 20 minutes away, and to the Austrian side at Feldkirch — both are the standard way in for visitors without a car. Inside Vaduz, everything of interest is within walking distance; a car adds little once you've arrived, though one helps for reaching trailheads further from the town centre.

## When to go

May-September is the practical window for the hiking trails above Vaduz and for clear Alpine views — the Fürstensteig ridge trail in particular needs dry, snow-free conditions and isn't a winter option. The old town itself, its museums and the castle viewpoint are worth a visit in any season, including a quieter winter visit with the mountains snow-capped behind the town.

## What a trip costs

As part of the same economic area as Switzerland, prices run at Swiss levels — among the highest in Europe. A day trip covering a light lunch, museum entry and transport from Zurich or Sargans typically costs $60-90 per person; there's little reason to budget for an overnight stay unless the plan includes a longer hike or a specific reason to linger.

## Before you go

- The Liechtenstein Center in Vaduz sells a souvenir passport stamp — genuinely just for the novelty, since there's no real border check.
- Swiss francs are the practical currency; euros aren't the local currency and aren't universally accepted.
- The Fürstensteig trail is a real via ferrata–style ridge walk with exposure in places — casual hikers should stick to the gentler valley and town-viewpoint trails instead.