Vaduz Castle
瓦杜兹城堡 · Vaduz, Liechtenstein
Vaduz Castle, the symbol of Liechtenstein, stands on a rock terrace about 120 meters above the town, its white walls and towers visible from all over Vaduz; it is the princely family's residence and closed to the public, so you can only admire it from outside.
Know before you go
- Do not climb fences or try to enter the castle
- do not enter private areas
- do not make loud noise around the castle
This article is Not yet verified. Please check official announcements for prices, opening hours and dates.
Stories & people
Stories & people
History
The fire of 1499
During the Swabian War, Swiss Confederate forces reached Vaduz in February 1499 and set the castle on fire. It was repaired and enlarged many times afterwards, and the white walls and towers you see today are the result of centuries of rebuilding.
Source: Wikipedia: Vaduz Castle (German); Wikipedia: Vaduz Castle
History
From count's castle to princely home
In 1712 the Liechtenstein family bought the County of Vaduz, and the castle came with it. In 1938 Prince Franz Joseph II settled in the castle with his family, and it has been the family's main residence ever since.
Source: Wikipedia: Vaduz Castle (German); Wikipedia: Vaduz Castle
Culture
Culture & customs
Background
Vaduz Castle stands above Liechtenstein's capital, Vaduz, on a hillside rock terrace about 120 meters above the town. The trail up has several viewpoints overlooking the town and the Rhine Valley, and the evening light is best for photographs. The earliest parts of the castle are generally thought to date from the 12th century, with the keep among the oldest; the castle is first recorded in 1322, and in 1499, during the Swabian War, it was burned by Swiss Confederate forces and later rebuilt. In 1712 the Liechtenstein family bought the County of Vaduz, and the castle came with it; from 1938 Prince Franz Joseph II lived here with his family, and it remains the princely family's main residence today, which is why the interior is not open to visitors.
Local customs
- Walk up the Castle Hill trail from town and take photos from the viewpoints outside the castle, looking over the Rhine Valley
- after coming down, visit the Liechtenstein National Museum and the Postage Stamp Museum in the town center, and get a commemorative postmark at the tourist information office. The national day ceremony on 15 August is held on the meadow in front of the castle, and afterwards the princely family often invites the public to gather in the castle garden.
Etiquette & taboos
Etiquette & taboos
Don’t DON'T
- Do not climb fences or try to enter the castle
- do not enter private areas
- do not make loud noise around the castle
- do not take steep shortcuts when the paths are icy
Locals appreciate DO
- Follow the marked trail up the hill
- take photos from the viewpoints outside the castle
- keep your voice down
- carry water and sun protection in summer
Plan your visit
Practical info
Travel tips
- The castle is a private residence and its interior is closed to the public, but you are free to view the exterior and walk the trail
- there is no parking or direct bus at the castle, so you must walk up. The trail is steep with little shade, so wear good walking shoes and carry water and sun protection in summer. Liechtenstein uses the Swiss franc, and prices are similar to Switzerland's.
- Liechtenstein has no airport
- you usually take a train from the Swiss or Austrian side to a nearby station, then a bus to Vaduz
- if you drive, park in a town car park. Spring and autumn are the best times to walk up, with mild weather and fewer visitors
- summer afternoons are sunny and hot, so go in the morning or toward evening
- in winter the trail may be icy, so check conditions before you go. Check official announcements for national day arrangements.