Liechtenstein: A Wonderful Little Gem

Nestled in the mountains just southeast of Lake Constance and on the Rhine River along the Austrian-Swiss border is the Principality of Liechtenstein, one of the world's smallest nations and a small gem which visitors frequently and regrettably speed past on the autobahn. Of course, this is understandable because it is easy to miss the nation's one exit off the highway!

This primarily German speaking country comprises only 62 square miles - less than 8 miles by 8 miles and about 90% of the size of Washington, DC! - and has only 32,000 inhabitants in its 11 communities. Liechtenstein has been independent since early in the 18th Century and its constitutional monarch is Prince Hans-Adam II. His castle rests atop a mountain overlooking the capital city of Vaduz and its 5,100 citizens. Construction on the castle began in the 14th Century and it was renovated from 1904 to 1914. The royal family's vineyards are on the northside of Vaduz and tasting and buying rooms for the excellent vintage are just off the main road from town. Our visit to the tasting rooms resulted in the purchase of several bottles of excellent wine which kept our group happy for several days.

The Swiss Franc serves as Liechtenstein's currency and passport and entry regulations are the same as for Switzerland so it is an easy place to visit. No visa is required for Americans. Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and stores.

Liechtenstein is a great place to visit at any time of the year. For example, the spring through the fall period offers mountain trails for hiking and bicycling and rushing mountain streams for fishing. Winter visitors may choose from ski slopes in the mountains overlooking Vaduz and other winter sports. The cool, bracing air in Trisenberg, a village of 2,500 on the mountain above Vaduz, is a certain plus for visitors, winter or summer. A warning: those unfamiliar with manual transmissions, particularly in rental cars, should practice before attempting the steep, winding road to Trisenberg!

The Hotel Martha Buhler in Triesenberg is an excellent place from which to sample Liechtenstein's attractions. Hotel managers Uwe and Andrea

are wonderful hosts and we know Uwe's work as chef in the hotel's Nurnberger Restaurant deservedly attracts many very happy, repeat diners. The views from our room's balcony onto the Rhine River far below and into Switzerland to the west were stupendous, particularly as the sun began to set beyond the snow covered Alps. What a way to prepare for dinner, local wine in hand and expecting a great meal, good wine and beer, and a warm bed afterward!

It is wise to make reservations for lodging in Liechtenstein since it is a popular destination. Mr. Hubertus Rank of the German travel agency Reise-Profi Service is an excellent source for making reservations in the Hotel Martha Buhler and other hotels in Liechtenstein and throughout Europe. He can also provide rental cars at rates competitive with those available from companies based in the US. He's at email: info@driveeurope.com or hrank@driveeurope.com.