Where to Stay in Liechtenstein (Best Places)

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FIRST TIME IN LIECHTENSTEIN

FIRST TIME IN LIECHTENSTEIN

Vaduz / Schaan

Vaduz and Schaan are two neighboring towns that make up the most populous hub of the country. As the capital city, Vaduz is surprisingly compact and small.

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ON A BUDGET

ON A BUDGET

Ruggell

Ruggel is a peaceful little place to stay in Liechtenstein’s northern corner, famous for its nature reserves and flat cycling and running trails. It’s much quieter than the capital city, which also means it’s less touristy and slightly more affordable.

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FOR HIKING

FOR HIKING

Triesenberg

Perched high on the mountain overlooking the valley of Schaan and Vaduz, Triesenberg is the picture-perfect mountain-top village loved by hikers and nature lovers. It’s known for its traditional Walser culture and wooden cabin homes.

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FOR ALPHINE ADVENTURE

FOR ALPHINE ADVENTURE

Malbun

Malbun is the only Liechtenstein neighbourhood with a ski resort. While top in the country, being surrounded by the Alps, and some of the best ski resorts in the world.

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Being only 62 square miles big – a little smaller than Washington, D.C. – there are only a few options when it comes to figuring out where to stay in Liechtenstein. Its size also means that no matter where you stay, you’ll only be a short drive or train ride from the next town (or the other side of the country). 

TL;DR? These are the three top properties in Liechtenstein for all budgets and travel styles. Perfect for your upcoming trip around Europe.

Read on for four of the top towns, villages, and cities in Liechtenstein. Even with its small size, each of these four locations has a distinct vibe:

1. Vaduz / Schaan – Where to Stay in Liechtenstein for Your First Time

Vaduz and Schaan are two neighbouring towns that make up the most populous hub of the country. As the capital city, Vaduz is surprisingly compact and small. It’s got some modern galleries, historic landmarks, and beautiful alpine views. Schaan, right next door, is the more local and residential town, with plenty of parks and green spaces, and a more laid-back feel. 

Together, they offer a good mix of culture, convenience, and easy transport connections, whether you’re looking to explore the country or venture into the nearby Swiss and Austrian Alps. You’ll find some hotels, family-friendly home rentals, and even a hostel here. There are also heaps of free things to do in Vaduz, proving that travelling to expensive countries on a budget is very possible.

• Best For: First-time visitors, culture lovers, and easy access to attractions
• The Vibe: Small capital city with a polished, quiet, and slightly upscale feel
• Proximity to Airport: Around 1–1.5 hours from Zurich Airport
• Transport Level: Excellent — main transport hub with buses connecting across the country
• Budget: Mid-range to high-end
• Crowds: Moderate, busiest area in Liechtenstein

Things to See and Do in Vaduz / Schaan

1. Walk up the hillside towards the 12th-century Vaduz Castle and admire its medieval architecture
2. Explore the Vaduz city centre and main street, passing through Mitteldorf, home to the city’s oldest buildings
3. Wander around the 14th-century Red House in the middle of the vineyards
4. Visit the Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein for modern and contemporary exhibitions
5. Ride the City Train Vaduz for a scenic overview of the city’s main sights
6. Go winetasting at the Cellars of the Prince of Liechtenstein

Park Hotel Sonnenhof – Relais & Chateaux | Most Luxurious Hotel in Vaduz / Schaan

If there is one hotel that holds a high reputation in Liechtenstein, it would be the Park Hotel Sonnehof. Perched on the hills overlooking the town, with gorgeous views of Vaduz Castle and the valley, the hotel is the best place to stay in Liechtenstein – hands down. 

The atmosphere is serene and intimate, but with a strong focus on wellness and outdoor activity. Their in-house restaurants are so great that it makes it hard to justify venturing into the city for a meal.

Schaan-Vaduz Youth Hostel | Best Hostel in Vaduz / Schaan

The Schaan-Vaduz Youth Hostel is one of the only hostels in the country. When it comes to comfort and style, it seriously delivers. It’s surprisingly modern, with classy interiors, colourful walls, and quirky decor that gives it a hip coffee shop vibe.

It’s located between Schaan and Vaduz, making it easily accessible from both and perfectly situated for travellers who want to cycle along the Rhine Route.

Kid-Friendly Apartment with Castle Views | Best Family-Friendly Apartment in Vaduz / Schaan

This three-bedroom apartment in central Vaduz is all about one thing – convenience. It’s well-located, simply decorated with just the essentials, and has useful add-ons like a parking space, self-check-in, and a fully equipped kitchen.

While basic, it has all the comforts of a homey apartment, including spacious rooms and an open-concept living room with a balcony.

2. Ruggell – Best Place to Stay in Liechtenstein on a Budget

Ruggel is a peaceful little place to stay in Liechtenstein’s northern corner, famous for its nature reserves and flat cycling and running trails. It’s much quieter than the capital city, which also means it’s less touristy and slightly more affordable. While Liechtenstein is known as one of the most expensive countries to visit in the world, this little town is the most budget-friendly. It’s all relative, right?

Accommodations here lean towards family-run inns and hotels, self-catering apartments, and a few guesthouses. You’re likely to spend your days meeting farmers and small-town locals as opposed to business travellers. This is one of those places that is all about open skies and a slower pace of life, particularly attractive for cyclists and runners.

• Best For: Nature lovers, cyclists, and those wanting a quieter, local experience
• The Vibe: Peaceful, rural, and surrounded by nature reserves
• Proximity to Airport: Around 1.5 hours from Zurich Airport
• Transport Level: Moderate — buses available but less frequent
• Budget: Mid-range to budget
• Crowds: Low

Things to See and Do in Ruggell

1. Spend some time in the Ruggeller Riet Nature Reserve, home to plenty of birds and plants
2. Rent a bike and cycle the flat paths around the town
3. Engage your active side and do some sports at the Freizeitpark Widau sports complex
4. Check out the fairytale views from the 12th-century Schattenburg Castle 
5. Visit the Bäuerliches Wohnmuseum, a museum showing how people lived in the area in 1518
6. Put your running shoes on and explore the surrounding farmlands on foot

Hotel Kommod | Best Hotel in Ruggell

For a town that feels so small and remote, Hotel Kommod might surprise you. It’s modern, classy, and feels homey at the same time. There is something effortlessly sleepy about this place, like a cool Scandinavian hotel snuck its way into the remote Alps of Liechtenstein. 

The vibe is professional yet warm, making it perfect for both business travellers and outdoor adventurers. Plus, it’s got stunning views of the Rhine Valley and a calm energy that comes with being in a small town.

One-Bed Apartment with Quirky Interiors | Most Beautiful Apartment in Ruggell

This one-bed apartment is a bit like stepping into a feminine Wes Anderson movie set. It’s quirky, colourful, and full of patterns and character. From bold prints to unexpected design touches, it feels a bit like a tiny art gallery, yet somehow feels totally warm and homey at the same time. 

It has real personality and is located right next to the meadows and forest, making it the perfect place to stay in Liechtenstein for a good balance of outdoor adventure and indoor comfort.

Charming Studio with Balcony | Best Apartment in Ruggell

If you prefer simple accommodation with all the amenities and none of the fuss, this studio in Ruggell might be the place for you. It’s located in a relatively new apartment block with modern cabinetry, clean wooden floors, and moody lighting. Since it’s on the ground floor, it has large doors that open onto a terrace.

3. Triesenberg – Best Area in Liechtenstein For Hiking

Perched high on the mountain overlooking the valley of Schaan and Vaduz, Triesenberg is the picture-perfect mountain-top village loved by both beginner hikers and those more experienced. It’s known for its traditional Walser culture and wooden cabin homes. It’s not unlikely you’ll hear the locals here chatting away in a language older than German itself.

Accommodations range from chalet-style lodges to lofts and apartments with panoramic views. If you’re into fresh mountain air, alpine trails, and cabin vibes, this is the best place to stay in Liechtenstein. It’s home to a small yet interconnected community that thrives in the outdoors. 

• Best For: Scenic views, hiking, and a more traditional mountain feel
• The Vibe: Charming alpine village with panoramic views over the Rhine Valley
• Proximity to Airport: Around 1–1.5 hours from Zurich Airport
• Transport Level: Good — regular buses connect to Vaduz
• Budget: Mid-range
• Crowds: Low to moderate

Things to See and Do in Triesenberg

1. Walk with llamas in the gorgeous mountains 
2. Hike to Alp Bergalla at sunrise for coffee with a view
3. Eat a traditional cheese fondue in the mountains
4. Learn how the Walser people lived at the Walsermuseum
5. Hike through the surrounding mountains with a BBQ stop along the way
6. Strap in at the Rope Park and explore the forest from a different perspective
7. Hike to the Mittelpunkt von Liechtenstein

Hotel Schatzmann | Best Hotel in Triesenberg

Hotel Schatzmann is the kind of place that doesn’t try too hard, because it doesn’t have to. It’s the perfect mix between alpine charm and city slick, tucked into the hillside with views of the Alps. Having been refurbished with stylish interiors, it radiates timeless charm with big windows framing the gorgeous views, and warm wooden finishes that give it that classic, cosy cabin feel.

1-Bed Loft with Beautiful Views | Best Loft Apartment in Triesenberg

This one-bedroom loft is one of the most affordable spots in the area, but let’s get one thing straight – it’s got a million-dollar view. When the weather is cooler, it feels a bit like staying above the clouds.

Inside, it’s clean, open, bright, and has warm lighting that makes it feel like an instant home-away-from-home.

Modern 1-Bed Apartment 15 Minutes from Slopes | Best Apartment in Triesenberg

Staying in this apartment feels a bit like sleeping over at your quirky cousin’s home. It’s impeccably well-designed and thoughtfully decorated, with elements that make it feel lived-in and natural.

The highlights include a swimming pool (not common in the area), a balcony, and a patio, as well as extraordinary views of the surrounding mountains.

4. Malbun – Best Area in Liechtenstein for an Alpine Adventure

Malbun is the only Liechtenstein neighbourhood with a ski resort. While at the top of the country, being surrounded by the Alps, and some of the best ski resorts in the world, it’s not exactly ranked as one of the world’s best. It’s got seven ski lifts and around 14 miles worth of slopes. It falls under the radar in comparison to nearby ski resorts, which is precisely what makes it feel so special.

It’s a great spot for skiing and hiking, with some excellent hotels, chalets, and ski lodges. Expect to meet like-minded adventure seekers, families on ski trips, and locals escaping the cities here. In winter, the slopes are usually empty and peaceful, and in summer, the snow melts away to form pristine hiking trails. 

• Best For: Skiing, hiking, and outdoor adventures
• The Vibe: Compact mountain resort village with a cosy, outdoorsy atmosphere
• Proximity to Airport: Around 1.5–2 hours from Zurich Airport
• Transport Level: Good — direct buses from Vaduz, though limited late services
• Budget: Mid-range to high-end
• Crowds: Seasonal — busy in winter and summer, quiet in off-season

Things to See and Do in Malbun

1. Hike the Sassweg hiking trail in summer
2. Eat raclette or cheese fondue at one of the local chalet restaurants
3. Take a ski or snowboard lesson at the ski resort during winter
4. Ride the Malbun Gondola to the top of the Alps for stunning views
5. Spend the night in a rustic mountain chalet with a local host
6. Book a snowshoe tour through the snow-covered forests

Hotel Turna Malbun | Best Family Friendly Hotel in Malbun

There is always that one hotel that everyone wishes they could stay at in a ski resort, and in Malbun, Hotel Turna is it. It’s a modern and sleek, but set in a traditional cabin against a gorgeous mountain backdrop. It’s about as authentically Malbun as things get.

It’s kid-friendly, too, with an indoor and outdoor pool, ski lessons, and a family-oriented restaurant on site.

Jufa Hotel Malbun | Most Luxurious Hotel in Malbun

Wondering where to stay in Liechtenstein’s Alps? Jufa Hotel Malbun feels like a little Scandinavian haven. It’s modern and simplistic in design, with clean lines, wooden touches, and only uplighting (I mean, who likes downlighting anyway?). 

It’s curated for everyone, from business travellers to families, with an indoor playground featuring a climbing wall for kids and a high-end conference room. Plus, it’s got a gorgeous spa with a sauna and treatment rooms that will make you feel relaxed from the moment you arrive.

Mountainside Chalet with Two Bedrooms | Best Chalet in Malbun

Sometimes all you need is a little cabin in the middle of nowhere. This two-bed chalet in Malbun will give you instant story-book vibes. It’s surrounded by evergreen trees and crisp mountain air and has a full kitchen where you can prepare your favourite home-cooked meal (or indulge in a little fondue). It’s perfect for a winter trip in Europe.

The cabin is modern yet traditional in style, with a predominantly wooden structure, quaint windows, and mismatched furniture. Plus, it’s got a little outdoor terrace and garden that extends into the mountains, as far as the eye can see.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Liechtenstein

Unfortunately, things can go wrong when you least expect them. This is why good travel insurance is essential before you head on your trip to Liechtenstein.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Choosing where to stay in Liechtenstein is all about matching your travel desires with the country’s distinct regions. Vaduz and Schaan are the heart of it all, with art museums, castles, and plenty of dining options. Ruggell is the best place for a peaceful, outdoorsy trip where staying fit is a priority. 

Triesenberg is a hiker’s dream, with plenty of trails and beautiful views, and Malbun is the best place to stay in Liechtenstein for beautiful alpine adventures – be it skiing in winter or hiking in summer. If I had to choose just one place to stay in this tiny country, it would have to be this quirky one-bed apartment. It feels lived-in and homey, and emanates good energy with its pops of colour and bold patterns.