5 Fun Ways to Celebrate Liechtenstein's 300th Birthday

Only slightly larger than Manhattan island, the principality of Liechtenstein — landlocked between Switzerland and Austria — is the world’s sixth smallest country.

Snuggled between mountain ranges that rise above the Rhine River, the miniature country offers a novel experience for travelers, and staff at the Liechtenstein Center tourism office are happy to put a stamp in clients’ passports to provide proof of their visit.

And in 2019, Liechtenstein will be celebrating its 300th anniversary, so there’s no better time to visit than now.

Here’s how clients can join the festivities.

Raise a Glass
Toast the country’s birthday at The Princely Wine Cellars of the Prince of Liechtenstein Foundation’s Hofkellerei location in Vaduz, Liechtenstein’s capital. With its almost 9 acres of southwest-facing slopes and a mild climate influenced by the warm foehn winds, Herawingert — where travelers will also find Hofkellerei — ranks among the best vineyards of the Rhine Valley.

Try award-winning, estate-bottled wines including pinot noir and chardonnay at Hofkellerei. Customized tours through the cellar facilities and wine tastings for groups of 10 or more persons are available by appointment.

www.hofkellerei.li

Go Hiking
From easy walks in the Rhine Valley to more challenging excursions amidst soaring summits, exploring Liechtenstein via the 250-mile network of hiking trails is one of the most popular summer activities among locals and visitors.

And as part of the country’s birthday celebrations, the Liechtenstein Trail, set to cross all 11 municipalities, will be launched on May 26. Clients can take a long — or short — stroll on the 46-mile trail that features 136 curated historical sites and idyllic views.

Some parts will be accessible for people with limited mobility, and a free “Listory” app offering Liechtenstein history lessons will be available for download.

www.tourismus.li

Join the Royal Party
Liechtenstein’s population size of 38,000 inhabitants might seem small, but these folks certainly know how to throw a party. On the country’s national day, Aug. 15, the Liechtenstein royal family invites citizens and visitors from abroad to the rose garden at Vaduz Castle (castle grounds are otherwise closed to the public).

Join the crowds there for an aperitif, then head to the capital city’s streets where beer and wine flow freely. Stay up to watch the traditional torchlight procession up the Princes' Way hiking trail before the grand fireworks finale. The celebrations and musical live acts continue well into the wee hours of Liechtenstein’s biggest annual party.

Admire Priceless Art
Hans-Adam II, prince of Liechtenstein, is one of the world’s wealthiest monarchs, and he owns a priceless art collection that includes more than two-thirds of all of Peter Paul Rubens’ paintings. From Sept. 19, 2019, to January 2020, for the first time since 1938, some of the royal family’s artwork will be part of an exhibition at Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein (Museum of Fine Arts) in Vaduz.

Additionally, don’t miss The Treasure Chamber of the Principality of Liechtenstein in Vaduz, which holds the world-famous Apple Blossom Egg by Faberge; lunar rocks collected by the astronauts onboard Apollo 11 and Apollo 17; and the first-ever postage stamp issued by the Principality of Liechtenstein.

www.landesmuseum.li
www.kunstmuseum.li

Learn How to Make Kasknopfle
The traditional national dish of pint-sized Liechtenstein is the also rather small kasknopfle, doughy pasta-style cheese dumplings or “buttons” (“kas” means cheese and “knopfle” means buttons). They are typically served with spicy grated cheese, fried onions and applesauce. Every local family has its own recipe, but Kasknopfle is a dish that is enjoyed year-round, especially on a sunny terrace in summer or by an open fire in winter.

Clients can make their own during a 45-minute kasknopfle cooking class at Hotel Turna Malbun, located in the country’s only ski resort of Malbun. Enquire directly through the hotel for booking information or through Liechtenstein Marketing.

www.turna.li

The Details
Liechtenstein Tourism
www.tourismus.li

300 Years Liechtenstein
www.300.li