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!
