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The Lay Of The Land

© James Foster Robinson

The Principality of Liechtenstein is one of the smallest countries in the world and is one of only two in the world that are landlocked by two neighbors. Uzbekistan is the other. Liechtenstein's 160 square kilometers or 62 square miles in located on the Upper Rhine River the European Alps in Central Europe. Its geographic coordinates are approximately 47 10 N, 9 32 E.

The Rhine River forms most of the Principality western border with Switzerland. Its eastern border with Austria mainly runs along top of a mountain range. It would be a 76-kilometer walk if you tried to follow the boundary line on foot. You would have little problem doing that on the western border but you will have to be an experienced mountaineer to try it on the eastern side.

Two thirds of its terrain is mountainous. The other third is the lowlands on the east bank of the Rhine. Here is where most of the 32,000 citizens live and work. Though small, Liechtenstein has extremes in elevation. The highest point is a mountain - Grauspitz at 2,599 meters while the lowest point is 430 meters at Ruggeller Riet. This variation in elevations creates a variety of microclimates. But its overall climate is continental. Liechtensteiners experience cold, cloudy winters with frequent snow or rain. Summers are cool to moderately warm, cloudy, and humid.

Ruggeller Riet

Though it is one of the most highly industrialized as compared to it size, Liechtenstein has sought and seems to have found a balance between nature and industry. Factories are well integrated into the surrounding countryside. In fact the country retains a rural atmosphere. There are a number of walking trails and lookouts. One lookout in the north end provides a spectacular view that takes in most of the country all the way to its southern tip.

Furstensteig Trail

Natural hazards naturally include avalanches in the mountains in winter and rock slides when it rains a lot. One large slide wiped out a whole village many years ago. This tragedy is remembered in an old legend seldom told today. The Samina and Malbun valleys are well known for their skiing facilities in winter The excellent skiing found there is the result of heavy settling snow from December to March.. In summer their alpine slopes are filled with wild flowers and a delight to walk in.

There are no cities and the capital is the village of Vaduz. The ruling Prince lives with his family in Schloss Vaduz, one of the two remaining castles, and situated on a hill overlooking Vaduz. There are a number of municipalities called communes each with a lengthy history and traditions.