Discover the Principality of Liechtenstein in wheelchair, from exploring cultural sites and trails to enjoying delicious food
- 7 Minutes of reading time
- 18 April 2024
- maria.nigg
If you're considering a visit to Liechtenstein but are concerned about wheelchair accessibility, don't worry. Despite its size of only 160 square kilometers and its mountainous location, Liechtenstein offers many accessible sites, trails, and restaurants.
The country has made significant efforts to improve wheelchair-friendly facilities, ensuring that all visitors have easy access to its attractions and infrastructure. Let's start our journey with activities in Vaduz.
A visit to Vaduz, the capital of Liechtenstein
The iconic Vaduz Castle is a must-see for any visitor to Liechtenstein. While the interior of the castle is not open to the public, visitors can still admire its exterior and surrounding grounds. The castle is located on a hilltop overlooking Vaduz. The path leading up to the castle is accessible, but it is steep and may be challenging for manual wheelchair users. It is advisable to take a taxi or car to the castle and park nearby.
The Alte Rheinbrücke is an old wooden-covered bridge over the Rhine that connects Vaduz, Liechtenstein, and Sevelen, Switzerland, spanning only 135 meters. It is the last remaining wooden-covered bridge over the Rhine River. It allows visitors to be in two countries simultaneously, making it an ideal spot for souvenir photos. The bridge is accessible to cyclists, pedestrians, and wheelchair users, but not to motor vehicles. Disabled parking is available at the Rheinpark Stadion, which is located a short distance from the bridge. There is also a wheelchair-accessible toilet in the parking area.
The Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein is an art museum in Vaduz with a collection of modern and contemporary artworks, as well as earlier artifacts from the prince's personal collection. The museum is wheelchair accessible with a wide entrance in the pedestrian zone, an elevator, and accessible restrooms. It is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm, with free admission on Wednesdays.
The Court Cellar of the Prince of Liechtenstein is a wheelchair-accessible winery in Vaduz offering wine tastings, vineyard tours, wine-tasting courses, and a restaurant. Please note that the vineyard path is covered with pebbles, so it may be challenging for wheelchair users to navigate.
Embrace nature in Liechtenstein
If you want to enjoy nature, the country offers several barrier-free paths. Here are three trails where you can experience Liechtenstein's stunning scenery:
- Vaduz-Balzers: This nine-kilometer trail takes 2 hours and 10 minutes through a varied landscape. It is paved and has a gentle incline, making it suitable for wheelchair users of all abilities.
- Bendern-Schaan: This trail begins in Bendern and follows the Rhine for seven kilometers. It's perfect for a leisurely exploration and takes about 1 hour 40 to complete.
- Valünaweg: On this trail starting from Steg, you can discover the Stausee (lake) and its shores, as well as the Valünerbach (stream), which flows through lush forests. Once you reach the Valünahütte (hut), you can relax at one of its sturdy tables while admiring the enchanting view of the valley. The seven-kilometer journey takes approximately two hours to complete, with an ascent of 140 meters.
Shop and dine in Vaduz
The small city center of Vaduz is a great place to browse for souvenirs and collectibles, or simply to take a leisurely stroll. It's only about 10-15 minutes to explore. Here are a few recommendations for you:
- Philatelie Liechtenstein: If you're a stamp collector, don't miss the postage stamp museum in Vaduz.
- Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein: The museum shop is a great place to find unique gifts and souvenirs.
- Liechtenstein Center: You can get a remembrance passport stamp for a fee of 3 CHF, and the staff can provide information about the country.
- Hoi-Laden: This shop sells a variety of souvenirs, including magnets, mugs, pens, and more.
- Liechtensteiner Fürstenhütchen: For chocolate lovers, there are the delicate pralines made according to the original Liechtenstein recipe. They are available at many supermarkets in Liechtenstein.
When you need to take a break or enjoy a delicious lunch or dinner, visit one of the following wheelchair-friendly cafes and restaurants. Please consider: If you are planning to dine out, it is best to make a reservation, especially at popular restaurants or during peak hours.
Located in the same building as the Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein, this wheelchair-accessible café offers a blend of café, bar, and lounge atmosphere, along with a Japanese sushi menu.
The building is at the level of the pedestrian area, so no ramps or elevators are needed. There is a disabled toilet and disabled parking in the underground garage.
Café 44 im Hof is located next to the government building and the Liechtenstein Center and is ideal for an aperitif. They offer coffee, pastries, ice cream, drinks, and homemade milkshakes.
The café entrance is wheelchair accessible. There are no steps in the restaurant area, however, the restrooms are not accessible as there are 20 steps to manage.
Located in the Hotel Residence in Vaduz, this restaurant serves a variety of traditional and modern dishes, all made with seasonal ingredients.
The bistro is fully accessible by wheelchair, including a disabled bathroom.
This wheelchair-accessible restaurant is located in the centuries-old Herawingert princely vineyard in the heart of Vaduz. It has an extensive wine cellar and is known for its excellent cuisine. It has received praise from both Gault & Millau and Guide Michelin.
The restaurant has been classified as wheelchair accessible by the local wheelchair association. The restrooms in the basement are accessible with a wheelchair lift. Wheelchair users can park in the supplier parking lot next to the restaurant.
The Berggasthaus Masescha in Triesenberg, near Vaduz, offers stunning views of the Rhine Valley and the mountains. Its weekly menu is a fusion of local and international cuisine. A popular dish is Käsknöpfle, the national dish of Liechtenstein. It's a pasta-like dish with lots of melted cheese and is usually served with green salad, potatoes, apple sauce, or fried onions on top. Don't forget to try Maria's famous covered apple pie if you want something sweet for dessert.
The restaurant has one step at the entrance door over the terrace, so wheelchair users need assistance. Also, the ramp in the restaurant requires assistance. There is an accessible toilet and disabled parking at the front door, but it is not marked.
Transportation and restrooms
Public transportation: Liechtenstein's bus system is wheelchair accessible, with ramps and priority seating available. Most routes run daily until midnight. Tickets can be purchased on board, at the customer center in Schaan, or through an app. You can use SBB travelcards such as the half-fare and general (GA) travelcard in Liechtenstein.
Private transportation: If you prefer to travel privately, you can rent a car, take a taxi, or even explore Vaduz on a wheelchair TriBike.
Public restrooms: Some bus stops, such as Vaduz Post, Vaduz Städtle, and Triesen Post, offer public restrooms that are spacious and are equipped with handles.
Accessible accommodations in Liechtenstein
If you are planning to extend your visit to Liechtenstein, there are hotels and hostels that offer wheelchair-accessible rooms. It is a good idea to book in advance and inform them of the accessibility features you need.
The Residence Hotel is located in the center of Vaduz. According to its own information, it offers “access-friendly” rooms and toilets in all categories. The hotel staff is always available to provide the best possible support for people with disabilities.
All rooms of Schaan-Vaduz Youth Hostel have barrier-free access. There are many categories available, from double rooms to family rooms and multi-bed rooms.
If you prefer a more home-like experience, you can try Airbnb. However, when you filter the available accommodations for accessibility, there are not many left. Therefore, be sure to contact the host directly to make sure that the accommodation is suitable for you.
Finally, here are some other useful links for your stay in Lichtenstein:
- Liechtenstein tourism
- Public transportation
- The Princely House
- Vaduz barrier-free
- Barrier-free vacation in Liechtenstein (in German only)
Tell us about your travels in Liechtenstein. We'd love to hear about your experiences and get any recommendations you have.