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Vaduz -

Vaduz is one of the smallest capital cities in the world. Its picturesque hub, the historic Städtle, or "Small Town," is an absolute delight to explore, and the obvious place to begin sightseeing.

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Government House -

First of all, why not join a guided tour of Government House? Standing over a pedestrian precinct, the building is distinguished for its handsome facade and for the decorative flourishes under the eaves.

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Cathedral of St. Florin -

Consecrated in 1873, Vaduz's neo-Gothic church is built over earlier foundations. Its patron saint is Florinus of Remüs, a 9th-century saint of the Vinschgau Valley, in Italy.

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Vaduz Castle -

The impressive 12th-century Vaduz Castle (Schloss Vaduz), home to the Prince of Liechtenstein, is not open to the public. Fortunately, visitors can admire the property from a distance and call in on the royal vineyards set below as part of a guided tour of the winery.

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Wine-tasting -

Liechtenstein is the one of the world's smallest wine-producing countries. Part of the Hofkellerei des Fürsten von Liechtenstein (the Wine Cellar of the Prince of Liechtenstein) is open to the public. After strolling through the vineyards, why not indulge in a wine-tasting session?

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The Treasure Chamber of the Principality -

Liechtenstein's rich royal heritage can be appreciated at the grandiose-sounding Treasure Chamber of the Principality of Liechtenstein, one of Vaduz's most popular visitor attractions. Serving as a museum of sorts, this is where to gaze upon artworks and other treasures from the House of Liechtenstein's private collection. Exhibition highlights include the rare and exquisite bejeweled Easter eggs made by Karl Fabergé.

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Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein -

Another Vaduz museum certainly worth investigating is the Liechtenstein Museum of Fine Arts. Its modern facade is set in stark visual contrast against the more traditional architecture of the Städtle.

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Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein -

Inside, visitors can browse an eclectic exhibition of international modern and contemporary art and also the national art collection of the Principality of Liechtenstein, pieces of which include 'Portrait of Marie Louise of Savoy, Princess of Lamballe' by Karl Anton Hickel (1745–1798).

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Liechtenstein Landesmuseum -

The country's history, culture, nature, and landscape is ably chronicled at the Liechtenstein National Museum, also located in the Städtle. The building itself is of note. A former inn dating back to 1438, it was once patronized by German poet, playwright, and novelist Johann Wolfgang von Goethe in 1788.

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Postmuseum -

Stamp your approval on Vaduz by taking in this quirky cultural facility, the Postage Stamp Museum. Philatelists can push the envelope over a rare collection of Liechtenstein stamps, historical documents, and a variety of devices and installations that help tell the story of the country's postal history.

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Rotes Haus -

An emblem of the city, Rotes Haus, or the Red House, dates back to the Middle Ages. As a private residence, the property is not open to the public. However, it was made for Instagram, and in summer the full green leaves of its surrounding vineyard add even more color and texture.

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Eschen -

Away from Vaduz, Liechtenstein unfolds over a blanket of emerald, forested valleys hemmed in by snow-capped soaring peaks. If hiking is your thing, head for picturesque Eschen in the country's lowland region and gear up for any one of the moderate walking trails that snake out of the town.

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Nendeln -

Likewise, Nendeln, well known as a center of ceramics and traditional stoneware, is the starting point for some wonderful walks that take in sweeping valley views.

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Balzers -

Picture-perfect Balzers village is situated along the east bank of the Rhine. In summer, this is prime picnic territory, and a destination worth a good few hours of your time investigating.

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Gutenberg Castle -

Gutenberg Castle in Balzers is built over the 12th-century foundations of a church and cemetery. Extensive renovation in the 15th century gave the castle its solid and sturdy appearance. Unlike Vaduz Castle, Gutenberg is open to the public. It's worth taking the free guided tour to glean more about this impressive mountain stronghold.

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Schaan -

One of the oldest towns in Liechtenstein, Schaan can boast centuries-old heritage: the Romans established a settlement here when the present Principality of Liechtenstein fell within the boundaries of the Empire's province of Raetia. Vestiges of Roman rule remain in the ruins of an old fort. Today, Schaan's landmark building is its 18th-century Church of St. Laurentius, perched above the town.

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Triesenberg -

Try and time your visit to Triesenberg in mid-October when the town hosts its annual festival, the Triesenberger Wochen—a celebration of hearty Walser cuisine, the traditional food of the Walser German-speaking population.

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Schellenberg -

Schellenberg on the banks of the Rhine River is noted for two early 13th-century castle ruins. The town has Celtic and Roman roots, but no vestiges of their rule remain. And if you feel like ticking off another European country, a ferry service across the river to Austria operates out of Schellenberg.

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Schalun Castle -

A third castle ruin, that of Schalun, is set near Vaduz. Known colloquially as Wildschloss ("Castle in the Wild"), Schalun's broken tooth aspect lends it a somewhat mournful appearance, its 12th-century walls battered and weatherworn. It's worth making the effort to reach for the panoramic views back across the capital.

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Eschnerberg Trail -

Liechtenstein's alpine setting makes it a favorite destination with seasoned hikers. One of Europe's most famous footpaths, the Eschnerberg Trail, connects Schellenberg with the town of Bendern. Along the way, fabulous views of the Rhine and surrounding mountains open up.

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Princes' Way Hike -

Another favorite trail is the more demanding Princes' Way Hike. This footpath snakes through spectacular scenery, passing as it does across the impressive Rätikon mountain range.

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Rätikon mountain range -

Rätikon is part of the Central Eastern Alps. The mountain range derives its name from Raetia, the aforementioned Roman province. Following the Princes' Way Hike affords a jaw-dropping view of Drei Türme (pictured), a group of peaks known in English as the "Three Towers." Image: Anton Kurt

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Drusenfluh -

The imposing Drusenfluh is one of Rätikon's most significant peaks, summiting at 2,829 m (9,282 ft). It's located near the "Three Towers."

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Malbun -

Exploring idyllic Malbun in high season is a peaceful and tranquil experience. Set in a deep valley and fanned by fresh mountain air, the village was for many years only inhabited during the warm summer months. But that all changed in the mid-1960s.

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Malbun ski resort -

After the establishment of the first ski lifts and slopes in the 1960s, Malbun was elevated to a ski resort, the first and to date the only one in  Liechtenstein. The destination became a celebrity A-list hangout after the young Prince Charles and Princess Anne visited in 1965. Twenty years, later Charles returned with his then-wife Diana, Princess of Wales, for a royal visit that attracted the world's media.

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Ruggeller Riet Nature Reserve -

Nature lovers will appreciate the broad expanse of Ruggeller Riet Nature Reserve, with its unspoiled wilderness in northeastern Liechtenstein. Time your visit for May into early June and be met by a blaze of blue-violet as fields of wild Siberian iris burst into bloom.

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Siberian iris -

In fact, the Siberian iris is the reserve's signature bloom, its delicate fragrance quite intoxicating and attracting a wealth of pollinators, including bees and butterflies.

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Wildlife -

Ruggeller Riet Nature Reserve also attracts an abundance of wildlife, including the graceful white stork, a rare visitor to the lowland moors and flower flecked meadows that characterize the habitat.

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Forst High-Rope Adventure Park -

Kids, insist the grown-ups make a detour to Triesen and the Forst High-Rope Adventure Park. This exciting tree-top facility features rope-bridges, aerial walkways, and all sorts of climbing related obstacles. Once you've negotiated the canopy, drop back down to earth via a thrilling zip line ride.

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Nightlife -

After a day's exploring, head back into Vaduz and indulge in some late afternoon shopping. After dark, take in the city's nightlife.

Sources: (Britannica) (The Royal Watcher)

See also: Picturesque towns in Europe you won't believe exist

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