Thinking of enjoying a dreamy Christmas getaway? Vaduz, Liechtenstein makes the ideal escape.

The principality of Liechtenstein is a landlocked country situated between Austria and Switzerland. Vaduz is its capital city. It has a rich arts culture, and it is home to several museums. It is mentioned in historic manuscripts dating back to the 12th century.

Vaduz has a charm that makes it a terrific holiday destination. Find out what you can do when you visit.

The Princely Christmas Market in Vaduz

One thing you won’t want to miss out on is the Vaduz Christmas Market. 80 stands are set up in front of the Vaduz Castle giving it a fairy tale vibe which is emphasized with a unique light display. It is a great place to find handcrafted items, decorations and culinary treats.

There are also festive performances by music groups and choirs. Guests can enjoy the Vaduz on Ice skating rink.  There are various attractions for children like a Christmas mailbox for Santa, carriage rides and a fairytale train.

Magic Christmas Tour

Fun Top Liechtenstein offers a Magic Christmas Tour of Vaduz that will take you to the city’s most festive sights. The professional tour guide will explain the holiday legends associated with the area and recommend the best products to check out. The guide includes a stop at the market.

Vaduz Castle

The Vaduz Castle is the official residence of the Prince of Liechtenstein. It sits on a hilltop overlooking the city. It was originally built in the 12th century but is has undergone extensive restorations throughout the years. It contains a chapel of St. Anna that was built in the Middle Ages with a late gothic alter.

Because the Castle serves as a private residence, guests can not visit the interior. However, you can view the lovely exterior from afar.

Visit the Museums

There are several museums in Valduz that are worth checking out. Here are some you will want to stop in and see. 

Liechtenstein National Museum: This museum provides insight into Liechtenstein’s history. While there, be sure to visit the branch known as the postage stamp museum. It features exhibits of the country’s postage stamps throughout the years.

Ski Museum: Visit this museum to learn about the history of skiing starting from the very beginning.

Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein: This is a museum of modern and contemporary arts. It features 19th century pieces including artwork and sculptures from the Prince’s private collection.  It is a charming museum that sits in a structure completed by Swiss architects in 2000. The building has a façade characterized by sleek clean lines and it’s embedded with river pebbles from the Rhine Valley River.

The Cathedral of St. Florin

This cathedral was designed by the Austrian architect Friedrich von Schmidt in the 1870’s. It features neo-Gothic architecture and is best known for its stunning stain glass windows and steeple. It is also home to the graves of Prince Franz Joseph II, father of the current ruling prince, and his wife, Countess Georgina von Wilczek.

The cathedral is a beautiful place for quiet contemplation during the holiday season. It is a part of several Vaduz sightseeing tours.

Old Rhine Bridge

This is a wooden, pedestrian bridge that crosses the Rhine River linking Liechtenstein to Switzerland. If you walk across it, you can stop in the middle to experience being in both countries at once. It is a great place to take in views of the Vaduz Castle and the St. Florin cathedral.

The Red House- Mitteldorf

The neighborhood of Mitteldorf is one of the oldest and best preserved areas in Vaduz. You can wonder around to take in the traditional houses, flowerboxes and cobblestoned streets.

Once of the most notable structures in the area is the 14th century Rotes Haus or Red House. It has a distinct red color, an attached stone tower and a vineyard.

The house is privately owned by a family who has inhabited it since 1807, so you won’t be able to step inside. However, it does offer plenty of outdoor photo opps.

Parliament Building

The Parliament Building is another example of Vaduz’s stunning architecture. It was designed by Munich based architect, Hansjorg Goritz. It sits in the main square of the city and it was built with over a million bricks. It has housed Liechtenstein’s parliament, government offices and state archives since 2008.

Gutenberg Castle

Gutenberg Castle is not exactly in Vaduz but in a nearby neighborhood called Burg Gutenberg. It dates back to the Bronze Age and serves as a museum. Therefore, it is open to the general public. Stroll through to check out its two chapels and rose garden.

If you time your trip right, you may be in town to see one of the theatre productions or concerts that take place in the courtyard.

Stadtle Street

Stadtle St. is the city’s main pedestrian street and it’s hot spot for shops, restaurants, museums and venues. It stands out from typical tourist strips in that there are several statues found along the street.

Be sure to step at Liechtenstein’s main post office while walking Stadtle. The stamps sold here are considered to be treasures by collectors and they make great gifts.

Malbun

Malbun is Vaduz’s ski destination. It offers snow covered mountains, and it is not as crowded as most ski communities. There are several hotels in the area that are walking distance to the skiing locations and lifts.

Three lifts are available to take skiers to runs that vary from beginner level to advance. There are also calmer areas that are great for winter walks.

Vaduz has a charm that makes it a great holiday destination. With so much to see and do, you may not be able to get to everything during your visit…but there’s always next year!

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