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.
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.
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Build a free itineraryFrequently asked questions
Do I need a visa or passport check for Liechtenstein?+
No separate visa. Liechtenstein has no border controls of its own — it's a de facto part of the Schengen Area through its customs union with Switzerland, and there's no passport check crossing from either Switzerland or Austria.
Does Liechtenstein use its own currency?+
No — it uses the Swiss franc, a result of its long-standing customs and currency union with Switzerland. Cards are widely accepted; Swiss francs are the practical currency to carry for small purchases.
Is one day enough for Liechtenstein?+
For Vaduz itself, yes — a morning covers the old town, the castle viewpoint and the main museums. Add an afternoon if the plan includes hiking one of the trails above the town, which need more like half a day round trip.
How do I get to Liechtenstein without a car?+
By bus. There's no airport or train station in the country; regular buses connect Vaduz to the Swiss rail network at Sargans (about 20 minutes) and to the Austrian side at Feldkirch, both of which have their own onward rail connections.
Sources & references
- Official tourism website of the Principality of LiechtensteinLiechtenstein Marketing