48 hours in Liechtenstein: Vaduz to Alpine trails

Two days is enough to get a real feel for Liechtenstein: one day in Vaduz and the north, one day up in the Alps around Malbun. Pair the trip with a 2-day Adventure Pass and you'll cover most of the essentials without rushing between them.

How do you get there and get around?

By car from Zurich, it's roughly an hour via the A3 to Sargans then the A13 — note you'll need a vignette for motorway travel in Switzerland and Austria. By train, Liechtenstein has no station of its own, so connect via Sargans or Buchs/SG in Switzerland, or Feldkirch in Austria, then hop onto the LIEmobil bus network. Entry rules mirror Switzerland's, with visa applications handled through Swiss representations abroad.

Once there, the ALL INCLUSIVE Adventure Pass (CHF 29 adults, CHF 19 children 6–15, for two days) is worth buying on arrival: it covers free LIEmobil bus travel plus more than 20 experiences including cable cars, museums, and the Citytrain. Multi-day passes must be used on consecutive days, and while each included experience is good for one use within your validity period, public transport is unlimited throughout.

Day one: how should you spend Vaduz and the north?

Start in the capital with the Citytrain, which runs historic tours through Vaduz and drops you near the Museum Mile — a good base for exploring by day and eating in the evening. In the afternoon, head north to the Ruggell Wetland, a nature reserve that's especially striking in spring when the Siberian iris blooms. While there, take in the nearby castle ruins at Schellenberg for a dose of history before heading back into town.

Day two: why go up to Malbun?

Save your second day for the mountains. From Malbun, the 'Fürstin Gina' Trail is rated one of the country's most beautiful circular hikes, taking in views of the Pfälzer hut and the Naafkopf mountain. Ride the chairlift up to Sareiserjoch for the Alpine panorama before starting the loop — a fitting high point to close out the weekend.

What should you know before you go?

Carry insect repellent for outdoor time on the trails and wetland paths, and follow standard tick bite avoidance advice. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance sorted before you arrive, and if you're not from the UK, check your own country's health authority for region-specific guidance rather than relying on UK sources alone.

If you want to stay connected for maps, bus times, and bookings while you're out on the trails, it's worth sorting an eSIM before you land — see Liechtenstein for options.

FAQ

Do I need a car to see both Vaduz and Malbun? Not necessarily — the LIEmobil bus network is covered by the Adventure Pass, so you can reach both areas using public transport alone.

Is the Adventure Pass worth it for a weekend trip? For CHF 29, it bundles transport with over 20 experiences like cable cars and museums, which suits a two-day visit covering both the city and the mountains.

When's the best time to visit the Ruggell Wetland? Spring, when the Siberian iris is in bloom, is highlighted as particularly impressive.

Sources

• 15+ Things to do in Liechtenstein and the capital Vaduz
• A day trip to Liechtenstein - the royal gem of Europe
• https://en.tourismus.li/angebote/freizeit/all-inclusive-erlebnispass-copy/faqs-gaeste.html
• https://en.tourismus.li/reiseland/anreise-mobilitaet.html
• https://www.llv.li/en/national-administration/migration-and-passport-office/visa
• 13 Unique and Fun Things to do in Vaduz, Liechtenstein
• https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/130/liechtenstein