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Austria and Liechtenstein are two European countries that border each other and offer a plethora of attractions to visitors. Austria is known for its music, history, cakes, and stunning natural landscapes. The country is home to 12 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the historic cities of Salzburg and Vienna. Vienna, the nation's capital, is a cultural hub with beautiful architecture, museums, and palaces. Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart, is renowned for its music and is also known for its filming locations in The Sound of Music. Austria also offers scenic railroads, river cruises on the Danube, and winter activities such as skiing and visiting Christmas markets. Meanwhile, Liechtenstein, the smallest country in Europe, boasts breathtaking Alpine scenery, medieval castles, and quaint villages. The capital, Vaduz, offers highlights such as Vaduz Cathedral and the Government Building. Visitors can also explore the Drei-Länder cycling tour, enjoy wine tours, and discover the country's unique stamps and postal history at the Postal Museum.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Nestled between Switzerland and Austria |
| Border | Defined by the Rhine River in the west and mountains in the east |
| Attractions | Vaduz Castle, Liechtenstein National Museum, Burg Gutenberg, Triesenberg, Malbun, Ruggeller Riet |
| Transport | Affordable public transport, including buses and trains |
| Access | Accessible via Zurich Airport in Switzerland |
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What You'll Learn
Explore Vienna's architecture, museums and palaces
Vienna is a city steeped in history, art, and culture. It is known for its grand palaces, classical music, and charming café culture. The city is very walkable and has an efficient public transport system, making it easy to explore its architectural gems, museums, and palaces.
Start your architectural tour of Vienna by strolling along the Ringstrasse, taking in the beautiful buildings that line the street. One notable building is the Kunst Haus Wien, which stands out with its colourful glazed tiles and quirky shapes among a street of white post-war buildings. This building was originally a furniture factory but was transformed by Hunterwasser and opened as a museum in 1991.
Vienna is known for its embrace of modernism, with buildings that emphasise functionalism while incorporating artistic touches. The city boasts stunning examples of Viennese Art Nouveau or Jugendstil, which emerged after the Secession movement under architects like Otto Wagner, Joseph Maria Olbrich, and Josef Hoffmann.
For museum lovers, Vienna offers a diverse range of options. The National Museum of Liechtenstein, with its 42 exhibition halls across three locations, provides a comprehensive insight into the history, culture, and nature of the Principality. The Liechtenstein Postal Museum is another unique attraction, showcasing the country's postal history and featuring small works of art and collectors' items.
When it comes to palaces, Vienna has no shortage of grand residences. Schönbrunn Palace and the Belvedere are iconic landmarks that embody the elegance and opulence of the city. The Belvedere, in particular, is known for its stunning gardens and art gallery, featuring a renowned collection of Austrian art.
Lastly, don't miss the opportunity to explore the vibrant food scene of Vienna. Indulge in the local coffee culture by spending an afternoon in one of the city's famous coffee houses, savouring a cup of coffee and a slice of Sachertorte.
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Discover Salzburg's music and history
Salzburg, Austria, is a city where history and architecture merge seamlessly. Set along the Salzach River, Salzburg is dominated by the imposing M Castle, and its historic core reflects a rich Baroque heritage. The city is known as the "Sound of Music" city, as it was the filming location of the world-famous musical of the same name. The story of the von Trapp family, starring Julie Andrews, fascinated the entire world when it aired in 1965.
The historic city centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with landmarks such as the Salzburg Cathedral, crafted by Santino Solari, and the elegant Leopoldskron Palace showcasing a past marked by grandeur and cultural influence. Visitors can trace centuries of architectural evolution through the city's streets, from medieval strongholds to Baroque splendour.
The Sound of Music tours take visitors to the film's key locations, including Schloss Leopoldskron, and offer exciting insights into the film's history and filming. The palace park played an important role in the film's romantic scenes, and the Venetian Salon on the first floor was replicated and used as the setting for the ballroom scene. The Sound of Christmas, starring Julie Andrews, John Denver, and Placido Domingo, was filmed at Schloss Leopoldskron in 1987, re-establishing the connection to the movie.
Salzburg is also known for its blend of Baroque elegance and modern architecture, showcasing centuries of cultural evolution. The city hosts the Salzburg Christmas Market each winter, one of the oldest Advent markets in Europe, with roots tracing back to a 15th-century "Tandlmarkt."
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Enjoy nature and adventure in Liechtenstein
Nestled among natural beauty and ancient medieval structures, Liechtenstein offers many interesting experiences. The small principality boasts towering mountains, meadows, vineyards, and historic castles.
Hiking and Walking Trails
Liechtenstein has numerous hiking trails that showcase the country's natural beauty. The Liechtenstein Trail is a 75km (47-mile) route that begins in the south at Balzers, a town on the Swiss border, and ends in Schaanwald in the north, near the Austrian border. The trail passes through vineyards, meadows, forests, moorland, and mountains, and shadows the Rhine River. Along the way, hikers can explore medieval castles like Burg Gutenberg in Balzers and the ruins of Schellenberg. The trail also passes through the capital, Vaduz, and the mountain village of Triesenberg, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
The Fürstensteig and Three Sisters (Drei Schwestern) hike is a challenging 12km route that takes about five hours to complete. This trail, suitable for experienced hikers, traverses steep paths, rocky cliffs, and mountain ridges, rewarding hikers with beautiful vistas of the Rätikon range and the Swiss and Austrian mountains.
For a shorter walk, consider the circular loop in the Ruggeller Riet nature reserve. This marshy refuge near the northern tip of Liechtenstein is known for its rich biodiversity, including wildlife-rich peatlands, marshes, and moors. In late May and early June, the meadows are blanketed with blue Siberian iris blooms, attracting flocks of storks.
Adventure Activities
Liechtenstein also offers adventure activities such as skiing and mountain biking. Malbun, a mountain town in Liechtenstein, is known for its ski slopes and hiking trails. The town has family-friendly hotels that provide easy access to outdoor adventures.
Nature and Wildlife
Liechtenstein is home to diverse wildlife and natural habitats. The Ruggeller Riet nature reserve, covering 220 acres along the Rhine River, is known for its peatlands, marshes, and moors. In late spring, the meadows are blanketed with blue Siberian iris blooms, attracting a variety of bird species.
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Experience Austrian food and culture
Austria and Liechtenstein offer a variety of culinary delights and cultural experiences. Here is a guide to help you experience the best of Austrian food and culture.
Food
Austria is internationally known for its pastries, including the Kaiserschmarrn and the Apple Strudel. The Wiener Schnitzel, a breaded and fried veal cutlet, is a famous Austrian dish that is a must-try. It is usually accompanied by a simple salad or parsley potatoes. Another classic Austrian dish is the Erdäpfelsalat, a potato salad made from boiled potatoes and sliced onions with a tangy dressing.
Austrian cuisine also includes various types of dumplings, particularly in Upper Austria, such as the Speckknödel (dumplings with bacon) and Spinatknödel (made of spinach). Tyrolean cuisine, originating from the Alpine Region, often includes milk, cheese, flour, and lard. A popular meal from this region is the Kasnocken, a type of cheese dumpling. Freshwater fish, especially trout, is also commonly served in various ways.
For a quick bite, Austrians often enjoy open sandwiches called "belegte Brote" or different kinds of sausages, such as the Bosna or Bosner, a spiced bratwurst in a hot dog roll. Pretzels are also a special part of Austrian cuisine, especially in Vienna and Salzburg. They can be found in heurigen (wine taverns), breweries, bakeries, and on street stands.
Culture
Austria and Liechtenstein offer a range of cultural experiences, from exploring medieval castles to hiking scenic trails. Here are some suggestions for cultural experiences in both countries:
- Vaduz Castle in Liechtenstein: Hike up the hill to enjoy panoramic views, and don't miss the chance to visit on August 15, the country's National Day, when the castle opens its doors and the prince invites everyone for a drink.
- St. Florin's Cathedral in Liechtenstein: This stone structure, featuring a 45-metre tower, was built in 1874 and houses statues of the Virgin Mary.
- Liechtenstein Trail: This 75km trail takes you through vineyards, meadows, forests, and alongside the Rhine River, offering breathtaking views of the country's diverse scenery.
- Fürstin-Gina-Weg: This 12km circular trail leads to the summit of Augstenberg, providing arresting views of Austria, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein.
- Ruggeller Riet in Liechtenstein: A nature reserve with peatlands, marshes, and moors, where you can observe wildlife and the blooming of Siberian iris in late May and early June.
- Viennese coffee and cake tradition in Austria: Indulge in the local coffee culture and delicious pastries that Austria is known for.
- Schonbrunn Palace in Austria: Explore the grand palace and its grounds, immersing yourself in the country's rich history.
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Tour Austria's scenic railways and roads
Austria is a mountainous country with rugged terrain, wedged between Switzerland, Germany, Italy, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, and Slovenia. This challenging landscape has resulted in some of the most impressive railway engineering in the world, with steep gradients and long tunnels. The country is home to some of the most beautiful train rides in Europe, with panoramic views of the soaring Alps, glimmering mountain lakes, rolling vineyards, and green valleys.
One of the most famous scenic routes is the Semmering Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The route runs between Gloggnitz and the winter resort town of Semmering, passing through some extraordinary Austrian mountain scenery. Built between 1848 and 1854, the Semmering route was quite daring for its time, with a maximum gradient five times that of previous railways. The main tunnel is 1,430 meters long and was considered the most famous construction of its kind when it was built. The route is part of the Südbahn railway, which runs between Vienna and Graz and continues on to Maribor, Ljubljana, and eventually Trieste.
Another scenic route is the narrow-gauge Mariazellerbahn, which runs between the towns of St. Poelten and Mariazell in eastern Austria, near Vienna. This route offers spectacular views and a detailed virtual tour is available online.
The Arlberg route is found in western Austria, near Innsbruck. This region is the birthplace of modern Alpine skiing, so winter sports are a big draw. However, the train route also offers stunning views, with opportunities for hiking in the summer.
For those looking to travel by road, there are also several scenic routes in Austria. The road from Salzburg to Innsbruck usually detours into Germany, but insiders recommend the southern route via Bischofshofen as far more scenic. This route heads straight into the Alps and passes by ancient covered bridges, emerald rivers, hilltop monasteries, restored castles, and picturesque towns such as Zell am See.
Finally, a Global Pass or One Country Pass will allow you to travel by train from Innsbruck to the Austrian border, with stunning views of the Seefeld Plateau, the northern Tyrolean Alps, and the Bavarian Alps. From Innsbruck, the left side of the train has the best views, so be sure to keep your camera batteries charged!
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Frequently asked questions
The Liechtenstein Trail is a 75km (47-mile) route that showcases the best of the country's scenery. The trail rambles through vineyards, meadows, forests, moor and mountains, and shadows the Rhine River. The trail passes by historic castles, serene nature reserves and mountain peaks. The trail can be hiked or cycled.
For those looking for a challenge, the Fürstensteig and Three Sisters (Drei Schwestern) hike is a 12km route that takes around five hours to complete. The trail dates back to 1898 and traverses steep paths, rocky cliffs and mountain ridges. The highest point is the Kuhgrat ridge at 2,123 metres, offering panoramic views of the Rätikon range and the Swiss and Austrian mountains.
The capital city of Vaduz is a cultural hub, boasting world-class museums, historical sites and restaurants serving traditional cuisine. The Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein is a must-visit, with its striking black cube architecture and contemporary and modern art exhibitions. The Liechtenstein National Museum is also worth a visit, offering a glimpse into the country's history and culture. The Vaduz Castle, the official residence of the Prince of Liechtenstein, is another popular attraction.
The Adventure Pass provides access to over 30 top attractions across the country, including bus connections to neighbouring countries. The Liechtenstein Postal Museum showcases the unique stamps and postal history of the country. The former parish church of St. Florin, now a cathedral, features a 45-metre tower and statues of the Virgin Mary. The Prince of Liechtenstein's winery is a great place to sip local wines.
The closest major airport to Liechtenstein is Zurich Airport (ZRH) in Switzerland. From there, you can rent a car and drive to Liechtenstein. Buses also frequently depart from towns near the Swiss border, such as Buchs and Sargans. From Feldkirch on the Austrian border, buses run every half hour.
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