Explore the Beauty and Culture of Liechtenstein: A Complete Guide
Liechtenstein is a mountainous little principality sandwiched between Switzerland and Austria. How little? Well, visitors could technically drive right around the edge of the country in about eight hours. The eastern region of Liechtenstein, bordering Austria, is the highest point in a country of impressive mountains, with the peaks of Grauspitz reaching 8,527 feet (2,599m).
Because of the small size of the country, ski enthusiasts like to joke about riding from Grauspitz right down the western slope into Switzerland. Of course, this is not technically possible. Besides the fact that the slopes end well before reaching Switzerland, the entire western border of Liechtenstein is made up of the mighty Rhine River, which is impossible to ski over even in the dead of winter. Having said that, border crossings are very relaxed in Liechtenstein and it is easy to bounce between Switzerland and Austria.
On the route past the lush Rhine Valley that makes up the western half of the country, a visit to the capital of Vaduz will yield a handful of remarkable sights. The Vaduz Castle is the residence of the Prince of Liechtenstein. It perches atop a hill overlooking the city and has become synonymous with the town despite the fact that no one is actually allowed to visit the castle. There is an art gallery and the Liechtenstein National Museum, which tells the story behind how this interesting little country came to be. Most sightseeing can be done by foot or on a bicycle; the city is very safe for such activity and certainly small enough. To see the rest of the country, travellers can simply rent a car.
Health Notes when travelling to Liechtenstein
There are no particular health risks associated with travel to Liechtenstein and no vaccinations are required. Travellers are always advised to be up to date on vaccinations for MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) and tetanus-diphtheria. Long-term travellers spending time in forested areas should consider a vaccination for tick-borne encephalitis. High quality medical care is widely available but can prove expensive. Comprehensive travel insurance is recommended.
Customs in Liechtenstein
Travellers to Liechtenstein should expect to find a prosperous, highly industrialised society that is of a piece with those found in the rest of Western Europe. One thing to bear in mind might be that the country’s women were only given the right to vote in 1984, and outmoded and sexist attitudes may still prevail among older members of society. Generally speaking though, Liechtenstein is a modern country with a well-educated and flourishing population that encourage tourism and are friendly to visitors.
Duty Free in Liechtenstein
Travellers to Liechtenstein may import the following goods without paying custom duty: 200 cigarettes/50 cigars/250g tobacco, and alcoholic beverages that amount to 2 litres up to 15 percent volume and 1 litre over 15 percent volume.
Passport/Visa Note
The borderless region known as the Schengen Area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. All of these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option, and which allows the holder to travel freely between them. Additionally, foreign visitors to Liechtenstein must be in possession of the necessary travel documentation for their next destination.
Liechtenstein shares border services with Switzerland, so if travellers have a Schengen visa for entry into Switzerland, they can automatically enter Liechtenstein. There are no border guards or immigration posts between the two countries. However, those entering from Austria will need a Schengen visa that allows for entry into Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
It is highly recommended that travellers’ passports have at least six months’ validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
US citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the period of intended stay. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the period of intended stay. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
British passports must be valid for at least three months after the day visitors plan to leave. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days in a 180-day period.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the period of intended stay. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish citizens must have a passport valid for the period of intended stay. No visa is required.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the period of intended stay. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the period of intended stay. A visa is required.
Tourist Offices
Official tourism site: http://www.tourismus.li
Public Holidays Around the World
Planning your year? Knowing public holidays in different countries can help you plan trips, schedule events, or understand global schedules. Below, find a comprehensive list of public holidays sorted by country.
