Liechtenstein: Day Trips and Tours from Zürich

The tiny land-locked country of Liechtenstein is a place of impressive natural beauty. This German-speaking nation is only 160 square kilometers in size and lies in the Upper Rhine Valley with the Rhine River forming the nations’ western boundary and the Alps on the eastern Austrian region.

Compared to many of its neighbors, Liechtenstein has a relatively mild winter climate and is a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts. Despite its compact size, Liechtenstein has a lot to offer with natural beauty, world-class sporting activities, a vibrant culture and entertainment scene and a thriving retail sector.

A day trip to Liechtenstein from Zürich or elsewhere in Switzerland is definitely worthwhile, even if only to be able to have set foot in Europe’s fourth smallest state.

Here's all you need to know about Liechtenstein, one of the most exciting day trips from Zürich.

How to get to Liechtenstein from Zürich?

The principality of Liechtenstein is a double-landlocked country lying on the western border of Switzerland, with Austria on its eastern boundary. There is no international airport and the country is only accessible by road or rail.

From Zürich to Liechtenstein by car

To drive to Liechtenstein from Zürich, you will travel west along the A3 or along the A15 and A3 for around 80 kilometers. The travel time is between 1 hour 15 minutes and 1.5 hours.

From Zürich to Liechtenstein by public transportation

There is no direct train from Zürich to Vaduz, Liechtenstein's capital, so you will need to stop in Sargans to change trains or continue from there by bus. It takes roughly 4 hours for a return trip from Zürich to Liechtenstein.

Another route option is from Zürich to Buchs in St. Gallen, where you can also connect to Vaduz, Liechtenstein.

Guided tour to Liechtenstein from Zürich

With Liechtenstein being only a short journey from Zürich and having the same travel and visa requirements as Switzerland, a guided tour is the ideal way to see the sights of this spectacularly beautiful monarchical state.

Tours from Zürich typically take around seven hours, although private day trips may take as long as 12 hours. On a guided tour, you will have the benefit of your guide’s knowledge, while many arrangements will be made in advance.

What is the typical itinerary?

On a coach or small group tour, you may need to meet up at the Sihlquai bus terminal close to the Zürich train station. For a private tour, your guide will meet you at your hotel.

On a typical tour, you will depart the city and pass through or stop at the medieval town of Rapperswil and the small town of Maienfeld (also called Heidiland) during the summer, or the quaint village of Werdenberg during the wintertime.

There are many natural landmarks and attractions en route and you might stop for one or two photo opportunities.

In Liechtenstein, you will visit the capital city, Vaduz. Here you will see the Vaduz Castle, have some time to wander in the shopping district and get your passport stamped at the Post Museum.

After a day traveling through some of Switzerland's most scenic areas and perhaps even spotting the neighboring countries of Germany, Austria, Italy and France from Mt. Santis on a clear day, you return to Zürich in the evening.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Liechtenstein?

Depending on whether you would like to join a coach tour or are looking for something smaller and more personal, there are different types of tours to suit your requirements.

Guided tours to Liechtenstein and Heidiland from Zürich

A guided coach tour offers a panoramic sightseeing experience that includes some of Zürich’s rich architectural history and its world renowned financial and shopping districts.

Some of the places you may visit include the medieval town of Rapperswil and its fragrant rose gardens, Liechtenstein’s capital city Vaduz with its unique historical, cultural and religious sites, as well as Maienfeld, the setting of Johanna Spyri’s “Heidi”.

This tour takes a scenic drive back to Zürich via the shores of Lake Walen.

Private trip to Vaduz, Liechtenstein and Swiss Heidiland from Zürich

Under the expert care of your guide, this private excursion takes you to the rose gardens at Rapperswil, the Swiss landscape memorialized in Johanna Spyri’s “Heidi” and Vaduz, the capital of Liechtenstein.

There will also be time for a stroll in the Swiss countryside and an opportunity to purchase souvenirs or some delectable Swiss chocolates. These tours include pickup and drop-off at your hotel in Zürich.

Day trip to Liechtenstein plus Appenzell from Zürich

Take in the beauty of eastern Switzerland, with a day trip from Zürich that includes highlights such as Mt. Santis, the Appenzell cheese dairy, the Maestrani Chocolate factory and Liechtenstein.

One of the most popular aspects of the tour is lunch at the revolving restaurant at Bruelisauer, where you will have some amazing photo opportunities before returning to Zürich.

Private trip to Liechtenstein plus Austria and Germany from Zürich

This tour begins in Zürich and travels to Liechtenstein to view the Vaduz Castle and the famous Post Museum. Bergenz in Austria is the next port of call, where several historical buildings make this town worth visiting.

Lindau in southern Germany is next, where colorful medieval houses and fragrant gardens will catch your attention. After lunch, the tour visits Meersburg and the beautifully preserved medieval town of Stein am Rhein, before returning to Zürich.

How much does a day trip to Liechtenstein from Zürich cost?

Guided tours to Liechtenstein and Heidiland from Zürich by coach cost from €90 per adult and €50 per child between the age of 6 and 15 years old. These include a live tour guide on your coach.

A private trip to Vaduz, Liechtenstein and Swiss Heidiland from Zürich for two people will cost in the region of €1,100. These trips are distinguished for the personal attention of your guide and your own vehicle.

Day trips to Lichtenstein plus Appenzell from Zürich cost around €400 per person, for two to six guests. Transport and a guide is included.

Private trips to Liechtenstein plus Austria and Germany from Zürich start at €1,300 for up to 2 people, €1,400 for 4-8 people and €1,650 for groups of 9 to 16 passengers. Hotel pickups, private vehicle and guide services are included.

What will you see and do?

Most tours to Liechtenstein start in Vaduz, the capital city of the principality and home to most of Liechtenstein’s residents. The Vaduz Castle and Post House are two major attractions.

The black concrete and basalt cuboid design of the country’s art museum is eye-catching and worth a visit, as is the Landesmuseum which showcases the principality’s past, natural history and heritage.

Liechtenstein is also home to several religious sites that are significant, as well as the preserved quarter of Mitteldorf. There are several popular microbreweries as well as a winery at Hofkellerei.

On the way to Liechtenstein there are also several popular or significant landmarks, attractions or places of interest including the Rapperswil Rose Gardens and The Heidiland leisure area.

When is the best time to visit Liechtenstein?

The best time to visit Liechtenstein is from late spring to early autumn. The country has an alpine climate in the mountain areas and a milder climate along the Rhine River.

Summers are generally sunny and occasionally very humid, while winters are mild by central European standards. The winter sports season begins in late November, spring and autumn are great for hiking and other outdoor activities.

Travel tips

• Be sure to carry your passport on a cross border excursion.
• Comfortable shoes are ideal for hiking and strolling in cobbled streets.
• Remember sunscreen and a hat – even in the winter months.
• Where possible, book a tour that includes the extras such as entrance fees, meals and drinks. This saves both time and money.