Liechtenstein, a diminutive country just a two-hour train and bus ride from Zurich, offers an easy one-day visit. Its capital, Vaduz, serves as the gateway to this charming land. The journey takes you to Sargans at the border, where a seamless transfer to the number 11 bus awaits.
During my brief visit, I couldn’t resist a stop at Balzers. The quiet countryside, especially under the gentle rain, felt like a serene haven. There were scarcely any fellow travelers on the route to the castle, and the view was truly enchanting. The misty mountains in the backdrop, combined with the quaint buildings and lush greenery, evoked memories of Shirakawa-go in Japan.
The weather was similar – rainy, but not too heavy, adding a misty feel to the scene. Balzers was more quiet, though. No shops, restaurants, or businesses were seen on my way from the bus stop to the castle. The castle itself welcomed visitors without selling tickets, which added to the sense of solitude. While the castle drew tourists, locals were conspicuously absent.
The bus ran every half an hour. And I was the only one waiting at the bus stop, with only houses and mountains within sight. The rain was light but wouldn’t stop. I stopped under the eaves of a house alone nearby the bus stop. Not even a car passed by. A true escape from the crowd for twenty minutes.
Back in Vaduz, I noted the town’s small size, dwarfed by many U.S. and Chinese towns. It was lunch time when I arrived. And it was a Sunday. The restaurant with Michelin Star was close. Lucky, I did find an equally high end restaurant listed on Michelin Guide opened not far a walk away on the waist of the mountain called Marée. The food was impressive, from appetizer to dessert, more impressive than the restaurant I found on Michelin Guide in Zurich a day ago.
After lunch and a short walk from waist of the mountain, I arrived at the center of Vaduz after 3pm. With museums closing at 5pm, I opted for the Post Museum, a delightful find, especially for its exquisite Chinese-style stamps. Their delicate beauty made it seem improbable that anyone would use them for postage.
I couldn’t explore another museum but discovered the St. Mamerta Kapelle in nearby Triesen. This village, like Balzers, offered breathtaking views but lacked the bustle of tourists or even locals. The question arose: Could tourism help this country’s economy when these quiet villages did not even have business like restaurants or stores opened?
Liechtenstein is indeed an appealing one-day destination, but its limitations are evident. It’s perfect for a quick escape, but the lack of stores and restaurants in some areas might deter longer stays without a car. As I reflect on this visit, I’m not sure if I’ll return to Liechtenstein anytime soon, but it certainly left a lasting impression of tranquil beauty.
