The beauty of having a car in Europe is the freedom it provides. I have managed just fine getting around by train, and by bus, but I can’t quite put into words the feeling I had when traveling by car. After an amazing weekend trip to Switzerland, it was time to make the three hour drive back to Germany.
Before arriving in Germany, we decided to visit a teeny tiny country sandwiched between Switzerland and Austria called Liechtenstein.
The entire country is 25km long, and we drove from one end to the other in a matter of minutes. Liechtenstein is known for its medieval castles, alpine landscape, and network of trails. My only regret is not having more time to spend exploring the trails, but I did make a point to visit two of the castles.
The above castle is located in Vaduz, where we spent most of our short time visiting. The castle, appropriately named Vaduz Castle, is lived in by the countries current prince, so we were unable to go inside. Instead we stood outside like stalkers trying to get a peek through the gate.
Guilty.
After no luck of a peep show, we decided to drive towards The Red House, a landmark of the capital because it can been seen from a distance. There aren’t many colorful houses that stand out quite like The Red House. Built in the early 1800’s, The Red House overlooks one of the most extensive vineyards in the country.
I fell in love with the house from the moment I saw it.
I made my friend stop the car so I could get out and take a photo. I would have loved to wander through the vineyards. Maybe when I return after marrying whomever lives inside. After The Red House, we headed towards Gutenburg Castle. This castle is open as a museum to the public, however most parts were closed when we visited.
We got to walk around the exterior a bit, and soak up the view from the castle. High on a hill was a lonely castle, lay ee odl lay ee odl lay hee hoo! I would love to have a view like this someday. The alpine views in Liechtenstein surpassed anything I imagined. I find this to be a common theme with the places I visit in Europe, especially the smaller places I don’t have high hopes for.
After driving around for a couple hours we parked the car to walk Vaduz and grab a bite to eat before finishing the rest of our drive through Austria back to Germany. I’m a big fan of grabbing food at grocery stores, mostly because I have more control over what I am eating, and also because it’s usually cheaper. After grabbing some grub we popped a squat on the lawn of the Vaduz Cathedral to eat.
Liechtenstein is another country I’d have never visited had it not been for my adventures living in Europe. I can’t say I need to return, or that I’d have missed out if I never saw it, but I’m glad to have had the few hours to see this wee country. If anyone wants to buy me a car so that I can have more freedom in Europe, I’ll pay you in blog posts and Swiss chocolate. Bitte und Danke!
The last bit of our drive through Austria was equally as magical, as the sun was setting and the temps were cooling. The wind on my face through the passenger window put me into one of the most relaxing states I’ve been in since I arrived in Europe. Sometimes, it really is the little things that count the most.
Q: Would you rather get around by public transportation, or by car? Both have their advantages and disadvantages. If a big city I’d rather go by public transport, but if smaller areas then a car!
Blissfulbritt 
19 thoughts on “Three Hours in Liechtenstein”
Jukanne
I spent an afternoon in Liechtenstein once and also loved it! Your pictures brought back memories. By the way, we were lucky enough to get a glimpse of the Prince!
Brittany
Ahhh, no way! How cool.
AJ
A country of castles- that I need to see!
Brittany
A quick and easy trip!
sligo101
Thank you, Brit. God bless you on your great lifetime adventure!
Love,
Papa
Brittany
Love you!
Rosie
Liechtenstein isn’t somewhere I’d ever have thought of visiting, but you’ve sold it to me at ‘alpine views’. Personally, I like to explore cities (of any size) on foot as much as possible, as it gives me a better sense of where sights are in relation to one another and I can go at my own pace. Public transport has its merits (and I use it for getting around at home and abroad, since I don’t own a car and haven’t rented one abroad), but I’d love to have a car one day so I can access National Parks more easily. Where I live, it’s an awkward/longer journey to them by public transport and it’d be nice to not always be constrained by bus/train times!
Brittany
Yes a car would be most helpful to visit the parks, and THEN parking it to walk around by foot!
Amy
I’m right there with you! In huge cities where there’s plenty of public transportation, that’s just fine by me… But when there isn’t (and that’s typically the case out here in CA!), then I’d much rather have a car! 😉
Brittany
One in the same…again!
Pam
My favorite way to travel by train, or in other people’s car 😊 I’m not a fan of driving in other countries, rather have someone else do it. Wow the scenery never changes, always Beautiful, Enjoy🌲☀️
Brittany
I’ll drive!
P
I can manage with public transit, but oh yes, getting around by car is a luxury! I’ve grown to appreciate it over the years since I have been dependent on public transit for much of my time in SoCal. I LOVE to always bring up the fact to people you DON’T need a car to get around in LA. Orange County maybe, but in LA—it’s sinful! 😂😂😂
Brittany
I love that you rely on public transport, helps with some of that LA smog too!
gpavants
Hi Brittney,
It is like a little jewel. To answer your question a car would be great if only to spend more time in an area, if parking and traffic weren’t too bad. Yet, as a walker I would need to get out and really see the place.
Thanks,
Gary
Brittany
Oh yes, parking is a must to get out and explore. Sometimes parking can be atrocious and makes the car not worth it!
gpavants
I guess knowing the area ahead of time helps.
vinneve
If it’s just me and my son we use public transportation in Europe especially in Switzerland. I would love to visit Liechtenstein next time when we’re in Zurich.
Brittany
I definitely recommend a stop, it’s too easy not to visit.