Liechtenstein Trail

You can hike the Liechtenstein Trail in both directions. This description starts in the Schaanwald at the Austrian border and ends in Balzers at the Swiss border. The trail starts with a climb through the woods towards Mauren, a section once used as a smuggling route due to its proximity to the border. A brief pause in the village for coffee and sandwiches at a local bakery will fuel you for the journey. The trail then continues along broader gravel paths towards the Robert Ritter mountain hut, which has panoramic views of the high mountains in the Appenzeller Alps and the valley villages below.

Day two weaves through small villages, with the path occasionally passing by locals tending to their gardens. The trail ascends through forests to Planken, where tree roots have reclaimed the path, leading to a steep but rewarding climb with a view of the Swiss mountains beyond the Rhine Valley. The descent towards Eschen, a larger village, includes a stop for snacks before passing by the white church with its red clock tower. The day ends in Schaan.

From Schaan, the final leg of the Liechtenstein Trail leads to Vaduz, the capital. The route meanders through the city, with luxury shopping streets and casinos interspersed with historic buildings.

The trail ascends further, offering viewpoints over the villages traversed in the last days, even offering a clear enough view for you to count them. Near the old ruins of Schalun Castle, the view extends over the Rhine Valley and Swiss mountains. The path then leads to Triesenberg, Liechtenstein’s highest municipality, before descending to Gutenberg. Here, ancient Roman roads now head towards the Gutenberg Castle, surrounded by vineyards and like a scene from a fairy tale. The Liechtenstein Trail ends at the Swiss border, wrapping up three days and 75 kilometers through this tiny country.

The best time to hike the Liechtenstein trail is typically from early spring to late fall, roughly from late April to late October. This period offers the best weather conditions, with warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours, making them the perfect months for hiking in Liechtenstein. However, what’s special about this trail is that it can be hiked year-round in either direction. Also in winter, this is a great option for hiking in a winter wonderland. Of course, because you’re in the mountains, expect way lower temperatures and make sure you stay warm.

It’s important to know that mountain weather can be unpredictable, so it’s always a good idea to check the local weather forecast and trail conditions before setting out. Always bring essentials for your day hike like good sturdy shoes for mountainous terrain, and layer up with a baselayer, mid-layer, and hardshell for rain conditions. Bring enough food and always a minimum of two liters of water with you. Download the GPX on your device and bring, when necessary, a paper map with you. The Liechtenstein Trail is well marked, but in any case, it’s good to know how to navigate.