A Georgia Girl in Germany: Vaduz & Malbun, Liechtenstein

Sunday, May 25, 2008

Vaduz & Malbun, Liechtenstein

The next stop on our three-country express was the tiny Principality of Liechtenstein. Liechtenstein is the sixth smallest country in the world, measuring only 62 square miles. This microstate has a population of 34,000 and is located on the Rhine River between Switzerland and Austria in the Alps.

We crossed the Rhine River and traveled to an elevation of about 3,000 feet to Triesenberg Commune. This village encompasses an area less than 19 square miles and has a population of 2,564...and has quite a view of the valley below. The entire country has only 40 police officers and one police dog. The law enforcement is mostly concerned with enforcing traffic laws. In the summer, the jail even doubles as a hotel. Talk about low crime and high tourism!

Unfortunately, by the time we reached that altitude, the cloud cover obstructed the view of the valley below. At least we had a nice view as we climbed up, taking hairpin turns regularly as we ascended higher and higher.

Benjamin took a nap after we left Switzerland, and awoke when the bus stopped at the top of Triesenberg. Of course, after he saw me step off the bus for a photo, he had to do the same.

After heading back down the mountain, we headed into Vaduz, the capital of Liechtenstein and the seat of the national parliament with a population of about 5,250. The city is one of the few capital cities in the world without an airport or railway station. But, it does have a city train used for its tourism industry. Benjamin didn’t want to miss out on going for a ride, so immediately climbed aboard! The “FL” above the train stands for “Fürstentum Liechtenstein” -- Principality of Liechtenstein -- and is also the letter designation used on the country’s license plates.

It took a little coaxing, but I managed to get Benjamin off the train long enough to get our passports stamped. We actually had to purchase the stamps from the tourism board, but I figured it was worth it since this would likely be our only visit to the country. After making that purchase, we all climbed aboard for our city tour.

The tour took us past the Red House, which was built in 1338 and is the oldest house in Liechtenstein. In the 16th century, it became a convent, and it still has an oak-wire press from 1483.

The vineyards adjacent to the house were teaming with plump green grapes. In the photo to the left, you can see Schloss Vaduz -- Vaduz Castle -- perched atop a hilltop overlooking the town.

I think the early morning departure was catching up to Zachary while we were on the sightseeing train ride.

Here’s a close-up of Schloss Vaduz. It’s the official residence of the Prince of Liechtenstein and is named after the town below. Since 1712 the castle has been the property of the royals of Liechtenstein. Since 1938 the castle has been the primary residence of the Royal Family, and therefore not allowed to be visited by tourists. The flag is flying over the castle, indicating that Prince Hans-Adam II is there.