Whenever we travel, whether within the US or abroad, we become obsessed with visiting as many states or countries as possible—even if it's just for a few minutes or hours. There's something very thrilling about uncovering a new state or country on our scratch-off map of the world or logging a new location in our geocaching stats.
Every so often, we visit a place that unexpectedly captures our hearts. Liechtenstein did just that during our one-day visit.
While planning our backpacking trip through Germany, Mark discovered it was feasible to rent a car for the day and take a quick trip to Liechtenstein.
Liechtenstein, a tiny country nestled between Switzerland and Austria, has no airport of its own. Travelers visiting this beautiful Alpine principality typically fly into Zurich, Switzerland, and then take a scenic train or drive into Liechtenstein. Despite its small size, Liechtenstein offers a wealth of cultural and natural attractions, including the picturesque Vaduz Castle and extensive hiking trails. This unique lack of an airport contributes to Liechtenstein's charm, making the journey part of the adventure.
The drive up into the mountains from the tiny capital city of Vaduz was surreal—the higher we ascended, the more stunning the views became. We spent the day hiking trails at the Malbun ski resort in the Triesenberg region. In winter, Malbun is bustling with skiers enjoying its beginner to intermediate runs and a few cross-country trails. In summer, the hiking trails along the mountain ridges are second to none. Liechtenstein boasts roughly 400 km of hiking trails crisscrossing its picturesque countryside.
We purchased passes for the Sareis Chairlift to the Sareiserjoch hiking area, perched at an elevation of 2,000 meters. Surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Alps, with their rocky summits and lush green valleys, and the inviting, winding hiking trails that beckoned us to explore further, it was almost painful to realize we had only about seven hours before we had to head back. The crisp mountain air, the vibrant wildflowers dotting the landscape, and the serene, panoramic views made it feel like stepping into a postcard.
Determined to make the best of our time, we started with a few photos at the top and a quick stop at the restaurant for a drink. The incredibly friendly bartender, recommended a shot (or two) of an amazing plum liquor before we hit the trails. I don’t remember the name or the brand or where it was made. If any of you reading this know what it is, please comment! I’d love to find it again.
And it’s just not right to share moments of this hike without talking about the cowbells! Aside from the gentle breeze, the only sound that filled the air was the melodious clanging of cowbells from the free-range cows meandering in the valley below. The rhythmic, soothing tones of the cowbells created a peaceful, almost musical ambiance that perfectly complemented the breathtaking alpine scenery. I love cowbells :)
We were even lucky enough to tag along slightly behind a Scottish man who seemed to be giving a guided tour about Golden Eagles. The rugged landscape was alive with wildlife, and he kindly chatted with us for a bit, sharing with us that the small, furry critters we were watching along the mountainside, darting in and out of holes in the ground, were marmots. His eagle, perched majestically on his arm, was also keenly observing them, its sharp eyes scanning the terrain. The interplay between the marmots and the eagle added an exciting dynamic to the already stunning mountain scenery, making the experience even more unforgettable.
I was joking all day with Mark that every time we came across an unknown fork in the trail, we would have to add another day to our trip if and when we could return to Liechtenstein. By the time the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the rugged mountain peaks and verdant valleys, I think I was up to 14 days.
As we headed back down the ski lift, the panorama of alpine splendor gradually receded from view. It was the worst feeling knowing we had to leave. Knowing it could be some time before we would return again. But those seven hours were filled with some of the best hiking we've ever experienced, surrounded by the unparalleled beauty of the Alps, with every step revealing new vistas and hidden wonders.
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