Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein is a small Alpine principality between Switzerland and Austria, on the right bank of the Rhine. Its compact capital, Vaduz, lies below the castle on its rock. The pedestrian Städtle holds the Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein, a black cube of concrete and basalt for modern and contemporary art, and the Liechtenstein National Museum. Vineyards climb the slopes right above town, and local wineries host tastings.

Cycle paths follow the Rhine dams past Schaan and the Unterland villages. Triesenberg sits on terraces above the valley, where the Walser from the Valais settled in the 14th century. Higher up, at about 1,600 m, Malbun has gentle, family-friendly ski slopes, with cross-country trails at Steg. In summer alpine meadows bloom, trails climb towards the Rätikon peaks, and a cliff path above the Rhine valley opens wide views.

The food is hearty: Käsknöpfle, cheese dumplings with fried onions, and Ribel, a cornmeal dish served with apple purée; the vineyards are best known for Pinot Noir. In the Alpine-continental climate, skiing usually runs December to March, hiking around June to October. Zurich airport is roughly an hour and a half by road, St. Gallen–Altenrhein is closer, and Swiss trains stop in nearby Buchs and Sargans. It suits couples, hikers, cyclists and food and wine lovers, and makes an easy stop on a Switzerland or Austria journey.