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Missing Liechtenstein

© James Foster Robinson

In the year 2000, over 62,000 tourists visited Liechtenstein. While more visitors are staying overnight each year, a great many are just passing through. They stop to get their passports stamped, buy a souvenir or two and then rush off to other places in other countries. At the most, their impressions of Liechtenstein are of the “Don’t blink or you will miss it!” variety and are not an accurate portrait of the people and the country.

Likewise armchair visitors (like myself)who learn of the country by watching TV newscast and reading newspaper accounts, magazine articles and books on Liechtenstein (including this topic on Suite101.com) are also only getting a partial and oft bias view of a complex and interesting country. Looking at pictures of the Liechtenstein landscape can convey a rough idea of its beauty and quality of life. But again it can also distort realities. Absorbing facts and figures likewise can lead to false impressions and incorrect views.

Yes, Liechtenstein is small and its citizens few. But Liechtenstein is an independent country with its own government, industry, culture, history and dreams. They are not Germans, Austrians or Swiss. They are Liechtensteiners!

Planken Village

If you really want to get to know the people and their way of life, you have to spend some time there and not just visiting the main points of interest in Vaduz and then rushing off to somewhere else. Plan to stay for at least a week or more. Look for accommodations in one of the twelve villages. There are close to fifty hotels and guesthouses to choose from. Get out into the countryside and into the mountains. A car is helpful but the roads are twisting and maybe more than you are used to. Instead, take the post bus that travels to all parts of this little land. Buy a weekly bus pass, pack a lunch, load the camera with fresh film and set off on an exploration of the byways of this unique country.

Hike the famous Eschnerberg historical ridge path, an extensive network of footpaths in the northern part of Liechtenstein. Information boards give you the lowdown on the chequered history of the people as well as information on the local wildlife and landscape of the Eschnerberg. Though modern industry has made its mark on the region, the Eschnerberg still retains much of its natural character and beauty.

Visit the villages of Liechtenstein and stay awhile. Explore the streets and byways. Get to know the people and you will make new friends. Each village is unique and has its own history and way of life. Together they give you a good look into the real Liechtenstein, one you can not get by just passing through.

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