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Mountains Valleys
Mountains Valleys
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The Liechtenstein Trail in Winter
Day 1 - From Balzers to Triesenberg

Gutenberg castle Balzers

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.

Gutenberg Castle Balzers

Gutenberg Castle Balzers

Village of Balzers

Village of Balzers

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.

Liechtenstein Trail Triesen

Just before Triesen

Liechtenstein Trail Triesen

Liechtenstein Trail Triesen

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.

Llama-Trekking in Winter

Mo

"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."

Triesenberg in winter

The Walser village of Triesenberg

Torchlight hike with the llamas

Torchlight hike with the llamas

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.

Leander Schädler, Director of the Walser Museum Triesenberg

Leander Schädler, Director of the Walser Museum Triesenberg

Walser Museum Triesenberg

Walser Museum Triesenberg

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.

View of the valley area from Triesenberg

View of the valley area from Triesenberg

Hotel Oberland

Hotel Oberland

Information and offers

  • The Liechtenstein Trail

    On the Liechtenstein Trail, 75 kilometres full of exciting stories, sights, magnificent views, idyllic resting places and much more await the explorer.

    Learn more

  • The App LIstory

    The ideal companion on the Liechtenstein Trail is the LIstory app. Immerse yourself in the history and culture of the country with the app and also use the app for route planning and navigation.

    Learn more

  • Liechtenstein Trail: Winter Package

    The Liechtenstein Trail can also be hiked safely and easily in winter. Book the winter package here.

    Learn more

#liechtensteinweg: Impressions of the Liechtenstein Trail

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