Spring Time In Liechtenstein

I had hoped to visit Liechtenstein this spring and walk among the blossoming wild flowers in its alpine meadows. But due to unforeseen circumstances, I can only dream.

The winter’s snow has begun to melt. A warm south wind called the Fohn should be arriving soon if it has not already. It will hasten the melting of alpine snow. Soldanellas, primulas, crocus, anemones among others should be blossoming in the lower valleys. Then the snow line will retreat higher the mountain slopes chased by the sun and the blooms of millions of flowers. Their myriad colors are a delight to the eyes. An advanced guard, the tiny alpine snowbell (Soldanella alpina) sticks its head out of the melting snow. The spring pasque flower, (Pulsatilla vernalis), will often flush a pale violet on the outside of its snow-white petals. The alpine pasque flower (Pulsatilla alpina) protected by tiny hairs from the still cold weather will deck itself out in colors ranging from violet to pink-blue. In the meadows and pastures, the majestic lily family will hold court. The asphodel, crocus, fritillary and scilla will all be in attendance. The tall yellow gentian (Gentiana lutea) will show off its starry multi-flowers on upright stems. You will also see the delicate of the tiny spring gentian (Gentiana verna) and the deep royal blue of the trumpet gentian (Gentiana kochiana).

We should not forget the woolly grey blossoms of the edelweiss (Leontopodium alpinum). Known as the queen of the mountain and famous as a symbol of the Alps, it is actually an immigrant. This small white flower originated in Turkey and was brought to the Alps in 18th century where it flourished. Its German name “Edelweiß” means noble and white and tradition says that only the best can reach the Edelweiß. Young alpine men used to climb the steep mountains and cliffs to pick an Edelweiss to give to their beloved as a sign of pure and worthy love. The edelweiss is now on the endangered species list. Perhaps even “true love” and heroic deeds should be on that list.

This is also the time of the year that the people of Liechtenstein seek to drive away the winter blahs. On the Sunday just before Easter, they hold 'Funkensonntag' ('Spark Sunday') at which they burn straw witches on huge bonfires. The villages compete with each other to see who has the biggest and best bonfire. This public festival has its roots in the witch trails and burnings of the Middle Ages.

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