Skip to main content
POINT OF INTEREST

Vaduz Castle

Vaduz, Liechtenstein

Perched on a hillside above Vaduz, Vaduz Castle is the city’s most memorable monument and an enduring symbol of Liechtenstein. Standing guard over the capital since the 12th century, it’s now the official residence of Liechtenstein Prince Franz Josef II and one of the first stops for travelers visiting the small country.

The basics

Hiking up the hillside to Vaduz Castle is a rite of passage for travelers to Vaduz, and the short but steep path is dotted with information panels detailing the city's history. Almost all sightseeing tours of Vaduz include a stop at the castle, whether you take a walking tour of the capital, visit on a day trip from Zurich, or join a tour of the city’s Instaworthy attractions. There are a few different viewpoints along the way, affording views of the city below.

Things to know before you go

  • While you can’t visit the castle, the hilltop site offers magnificent views over Vaduz.
  • The castle has no public facilities, so bring everything you need for the walk, including plenty of water.
  • The walk to the castle is unsuitable for wheelchairs or people with limited mobility, but you can also drive up to the viewpoint.

How to get there

Vaduz Castle is located on a hilltop about a ½-mile (1 kilometer) east of downtown Vaduz. The short walk to the top of the hill typically takes about 15 minutes, although it may take up to 30 minutes, depending on your fitness level. Driving up to the castle viewpoint or taking a taxi is also possible.

When to get there

As Vaduz Castle isn’t open to the public, there are no opening hours, and you can visit the surrounding viewpoints anytime. Walking up in the early morning or late afternoon in summer is best to avoid the heat. The hilltop is also a great spot to watch the sunset.

A walking tour of Vaduz

Liechtenstein’s small capital can easily be explored on foot in a few hours. Once you’ve walked up to Vaduz Castle, pick up some collectible Liechtenstein stamps from the Post Office and get your passport stamped at the Tourist Office. Next, peek inside the Cathedral of St. Florin, admire the Government Building and the quirky Red House, and learn about local history and culture at the Liechtenstein National Museum. Finally, walk down the riverside to see the old wooden footbridge crossing the Rhine.

THE VALUE OF TRIP CANVAS

Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas

Get Ideas from the Pros

As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.

Build and Research Your Options

Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.

Book Everything in One Place

From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!