LIECHTENSTEIN WITH KIDS!

Over spring break, the girls and I, as well as a friend and her kids, hopped the border to Liechtenstein to check it out. Have you ever heard of Liechtenstein? It is actually the 6th smallest country in the world, and it is German-speaking. We loved exploring this microstate, so this post will countdown the top five places to visit in Liechtenstein with kids!

First, I need to explain why we were able to go into Liechtenstein as most European borders are currently closed due to Covid-19. At the request of Liechtenstein in 1919, Switzerland helps to safeguard Liechtenstein as well as its’ interests. Therefore, the borders between the two countries remain open.

Note: Citytrain was not running while we were there due to Covid. It is a 35-minute tour on a mini train, and it would have been a kid-favorite in our family. Make sure to check it out if you are heading to Vaduz!

5. Liechtenstein National Museum, Treasure Chamber, and Postal Museum – We started at the National Museum. and we enjoyed looking at the traditional garb worn in Liechtenstein. Unfortunately, the fairytale exhibit was not yet open (it opened the next day), but we would love to go back before September 9 to check it out. We heard there are even parts about Harry Potter!

We then headed to the Treasure Chamber. At the National Museum, we were given a token to get into this external exhibit. The girls loved looking at the Princely collection. There is a combined ticket price of 13 CHF/adult to get into both of these but children under 16 are free of charge.

The Postal Museum is free of charge to everyone, and it showcases the unique stamps and postal history of Liechtenstein! It only took us about an hour to get through all three museums, but the kids were getting antsy!

4. Vaduz Castle – The Vaduz Castle is a little less than a mile from the center of Vaduz, but the walk up can be pretty steep! There is a hiking path with gravel but it was closed due to construction, so we walked up on the road. The views during the hike up are totally worth the steep walk!

The castle is the official residence of the Prince of Liechtenstein, and construction began in the 12th century. The Princely Family of Liechtenstein acquired this castle in 1712! There are no tours offered inside the castle, and it is not open to the public due to the princely family still residing in this castle! Peaking through the gates to see a castle that is being occupied by a real prince is a neat experience!

3. Passport Stamp at the Tourist Office – Since the borders are open between Switzerland and Liechtenstein and there is not an airport, there are no official border entry points to get a passport stamp! So, how do you acquire one of the rarest passport stamps? The Tourist Office in the center of Vaduz offers the opportunity to get this stamp for 3 CHF. Once we were there, we received the stamp for free as well as given flags for the kids!

2. Alte Rheinbrücke – Have you ever stood in two countries on a covered wooden bridge? Well, the Alte Rheinbrücke is a short walk from the center of Vaduz, and there are markings on the bridge over the river noting where Liechtenstein stops and Switzerland begins. The girls had a blast jumping from one country to the next! This bridge measures 135m in length, and it is the only remaining wooden bridge crossing the Rhine!

1. Gutenberg Castle & playground – Our last stop before heading back to Switzerland was at the Gutenberg Castle. Gutenberg Castle is in Balzers, which is the most southern town in Liechtenstein, and it is about 20 minutes by bus to reach this area. The castle is perched on a hillside so it’s another steep but short walk up! Construction began in the 12th century on this beautiful castle. Entry is free for the castle, but you are only able to go inside the grounds.

There is also a great playground below the castle. And, we spent about an hour letting the kids run off some energy while enjoying the beautiful view of the castle and the surrounding mountains.

Is Liechtenstein now on your must visit travel list? Check out our video about our fabulous trip to Liechtenstein to see more!

We absolutely loved this tiny country, and we would love to return to explore more! Thank you so much for wandering along with us!