Summer Activities in Liechtenstein

Hiking, swimming or mountainbiking? Liechtenstein may be small, but it offers something for everyone. And one thing’s for sure: wherever you are staying in the country, you can get anywhere you want to be within half an hour, either by car or using the Liechtenstein Bus.

Hiking
Exploring the country using the 400km network of hiking trails is one of the most popular activities among locals and visitors in Liechtenstein during the summer months.

Hiking in Liechtenstein
Using the 400 kilometres network of well-marked hiking trails visitors can discover Liechtenstein’s unique beauty. Just one holiday is too short to be able to explore all the different hiking paths, nature reserves, idyllic landscapes, romantic forests and walks along the Rhine that Liechtenstein has to offer. While you’re here, why not broaden your horizons and visit one of our neighbours? The mountain region between Liechtenstein, Switzerland and Austria is a paradise for hikers.

Important rules when hiking
– Plan every hike carefully.
– Stick to the marked trails at all times.
– Make sure you have all the right equipment for the hike you plan to do.
– Never go hiking alone.
– Tell another person about where you plan to go and let them know when you have returned safely.
– Always keep an eye on the weather.
– If in doubt, turn around and go back.

The Liechtenstein Trail
The Liechtenstein Trail is a 75 km walking path passing through all 11 of the country’s municipalities. Full of attractions, spectacular view, fine food and secluded spots, it is the ideal way to explore the Principality of Liechtenstein.

One Country. One Trail.
It is an experience not to be missed: discover the highlights of the Principal-ity of Liechtenstein on foot on the Liechtenstein Trail. Awaiting the explorer are 75 kilometres full of exciting stories, sights, majestic views, idyllic spots to have a rest, and much more.

The ‘Liechtenstein Trail’ connects all of Liechtenstein’s municipalities, and extends an invitation to the whole country, as well as to guests from abroad, to head out on an exciting journey through Liechtenstein. Along this trail, you can not only discover and celebrate the history of the country but also experience the Principality of YESTERDAY, TODAY and TOMORROW.

147 specially-selected historical sites and events, so-called Points of Interest (POIs), are all connected through the ‘Liechtenstein Trail’, a route which is around 75 kilometres long. His-torical events which have no geographical connection are placed between the location-specific POIs. The trail follows the existing network of paths and trails through all 11 munici-palities, either from south to north or north to south. It is possible to begin the trail from every municipality. The entire route can be completed in several stages.

No need to worry if you don’t have the app, as the route can also be hiked without the ‘LIstory’ app, thanks to the physical signage along the trail.

Mountainbike and bicycle tours
Discover the mountains of Liechtenstein on two wheels. From the Rhine dam on the valley floor to the trails high up in the Alps, the whole country is a paradise for mountainbiking and cycling enthusiasts.

Bicycling and e-biking in the valley
The 100km of cycle paths in Liechtenstein lead along the banks of the Rhine on the valley floor and around the Eschnerberg mountain. As well as easy paths for inexperienced cyclists and challenging trails for experts, many of the cycle routes in Liechtenstein are suitable for electric bikes, often referred to as ‘e-bikes’. The cycle paths are all well signposted and offer marvellous views of the surrounding countryside.

Discovering Liechtenstein with an e-bike
As part of the recently created ‘Bike Park East Switzerland and Liechtenstein’, the country has many locations where cyclists can hire e-bikes and exchange batteries which are running low. One of the main advantages of e-bikes is that they allow riders to cover large distances without too much effort, so the extensive network of trails in eastern Switzerland and Liechtenstein is the perfect place to put an e-bike through its paces.

Mountainbiking in Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein has many paths and forest trails that are ideal for mountainbiking. All official routes are clearly signposted. The Gafadurahütte and Pfälzerhütte huts in the Alps are popular with mountainbikers looking for a challenge. The Gafadurahütte can be reached via Schaan and Planken. The Pfälzerhütte is accessible via the Saminatal Valley and Alp Gritsch. Those looking for a more relaxing ride are also spoilt for choice. The mountainbike map shows you the network of trails available in Liechtenstein and over the Swiss border in Werdenberg (see Infobox).

Important rules for mountainbikers:
– stick to the official, clearly marked trails at all times,
– be considerate towards hikers and the natural surroundings,
– wear a helmet for your own safety,
– do not leave any rubbish behind,
– do not cause unnecessary noise,
– beware of agricultural and forestry vehicles operating on some of the trails,
– note that sections of some trails may be closed,
– ride at a speed that allows you to stop whenever required,
– always give way to walkers and pedestrians,
– beware of wild animals, pets and livestock,
– tell a friend or somebody at the place you are staying where you plan to go,
– follow all traffic signs.

Birka Bird Paradise
The region of Birka was acquired by the municipality of Mauren in 1971 and entrusted to the Ornithological Association of Mauren. Over the years, the Ornithological Association has lovingly build up this small nature reserve. With its play area, biotope and information centre, Birka Bird Paradise is today an excursion popular with visitors of all ages. A visit to the Bird Paradise can be combined with a hike through the neighbouring nature reserve.

Helicopter flights
Explore Liechtenstein’s beautiful landscape from the air and enjoy magnificent views over the border into eastern Switzerland – Heidi country! Flying over Liechtenstein and eastern Switzerland in a helicopter is a fascinating experience full of surprises. Here, high above the mountain peaks, you will discover the region from a different perspective and take home memories for a lifetime. Rhein Helikopter offers a large number of flights leaving from Balzers.

Nature Photography – Excursions at the Alpenrhein
Get to know Liechtenstein from its “natural” site and join an experienced nature photographer. Excursions for nature photography combine hiking and photography whereas the emphasis is on photography. Depending on prior knowledge, wishes and interests of the participants special topics of nature photography (landscape, animal and macro photography) can be discussed and priorities set. Thanks to the small number of participants (five persons maximum) individual and personal support as well as the direct implementation of ideas and suggestions can be put into practice. An active exchange about the field of photography as well as information on the flora and fauna will take place in a relaxed atmosphere during the whole excursion.

Destination
From the geographical aspect, the excursion will lead to destinations within the Principality of Liechtenstein, in Vorarlberg as well as to the Swiss canton of St. Gallen and the Grisons. The excursions will be held dependent upon the season, weather and camera equipment of the participants at the different locations; e.g. to the habitat of the mountain pasque flower, narcissus poeticus, Turk’s cap lily, orange lily and Siberian iris, to the insects and butterfly fields, to sunny places of wall lizards, to finding nutbreakers and squirrels, to the capricorn colonies, or chamois – however, there is no guarantee that specific animals will be encountered.

Fishing
Forget the stresses and strains of everyday life and enjoy a relaxing day at the water’s edge. From the beautiful canal to the banks of the Rhine and the shores of Stegersee lake, Liechtenstein has a rich variety of fishing opportunities for both beginners and experts.

Steg reservoir
Located in the heart of the Alps at 1300 metres above sea level, Steg reservoir provides plenty of fun for anglers, whatever bait or technique they use. The reservoir is carefully maintained by the Liechtenstein Fishing Association and has a good stock of brown trout swimming in its crystal-clear water. Youngsters are also welcome to purchase a fishing permit and try their luck. Anglers wishing to fish at Steg reservoir are not required to have fishing licence. Day permits are available for 40.00 Swiss francs and week permits are available for 150.00 Swiss francs.

Climbing in Liechtenstein
Experienced climbers will find many exciting routes to explore both down in the valleys and higher up in the Alps.

Naapfkopf climbing garden in Malbun
On the way from the Pfälzerhütte hut to the Naafkopf mountain there is a climbing garden run by the Liechtenstein Alpine Club which contains routes for climbers of all abilities. Climbers are responsible for bringing all safety equipment themselves. The Liechtenstein Alpine Club assumes no responsibility for injuries incurred when climbing in this area.

Climbing on Ellhorn mountain in Balzers
The impressive vertical rockfaces of the Ellhorn mountain measure up to 300 metres in height. This mountain has three main areas offering good climbing: down in the valley at Balzers, near the banks of the Rhine; at the ‘Föhnmauer’ near Motzentobel; and in ‘Petit Verdon’, where climbers abseil down over the edge onto the wall and climb back up. The climbing routes in Balzers have difficulty levels of between 5 and 8.

Gantenstein climbing garden in Schellenberg
This garden is popular with climbers from across the Austrian border in Feldkirch. The region is particularly well-known for its challenging boulder routes, some of which are relatively high off the ground (crash mats are available – please use them!), but also offers a large number of well-maintained climbing routes.