The Liechtenstein Trail in Winter

Day 1 - From Balzers to Triesenberg

After the one-hour drive to Balzers, we (Lina and Mo from Zurich) get out of the car and let our eyes wander over the lovely Liechtenstein landscape. It is cold, but still sunny. Our goal is to master the 75 km Liechtenstein Trail in winter. Gutenberg Castle, perched on a small hill, catches my attention. I nudge Mo: "Look, there is our first stop". Our eyes light up with anticipation. The narrow castle path winds its way up through the vineyards. On the castle hill, a wonderful view of almost the entire Principality opens up to us. We are ready for the Liechtenstein Trail adventure.

Then we take a dirt road to Triesen, with a breathtaking mountain landscape on our right. "It's truly a winter wonderland!" enthuses Mo. At the St. Mamerta Chapel, surrounded by snow-covered vineyards, we take a breather. Mo's stomach growls loudly. After a stop at the "Gasthof Schäfle", we set off invigorated.

Luckily, because the biggest climb follows to the Walser village of Triesenberg, which lies around 900 m above sea level. We walk along the edge of the village of Triesenberg, past herds of cows and sheep - the rural idyll seems almost perfect. But then we pass Marc Schädler's llama and alpaca farm, where the llamas and alpacas are already waiting for us.

"With their long necks, spoon-like ears and woolly fur, they naturally stand out. Together with the llamas we walk a part of the Liechtenstein Trail, which is thus given a touch of exoticism."

We are reluctant to part with the llamas and alpacas, who spread good humour and help us with our luggage. Arriving in the village centre of Triesenberg, however, there is also a lot to discover, such as the Walser Museum. So we say goodbye to our animal companions and meet Leander Schädler, director of the Walser Museum and a true Triesenberger.

The Walser Museum is right next to the post bus station and is centrally located in Triesenberg. Leander Schädler, whose ancestors were also Walsers, gives us an exclusive guided tour of the museum, which is dedicated to Walser settlements. Because what many people don't know: Triesenberg is also a Walser village. They settled in the Liechtenstein municipality as early as the end of the 13th century and helped shape the village and the landscape. After this detour, we look forward to dinner in the cosy "Café Conditorei Guflina". While enjoying our "Älplerrööschti", we watch as dusk falls over the St. Gallen Rhine Valley. Afterwards, we recharge our batteries for the next few days at the Hotel Oberland.