Vaduz Castle in Liechtenstein, known as “Schloss Vaduz” to locals, is the home and private residence of the reigning Prince of Liechtenstein. Yes, I said reigning Prince …
Yup, that’s right! The principality of Liechtenstein is a constitutional hereditary monarchy!
Although Liechtenstein is, in part, largely run by a politically active monarch, it’s a unique type of monarchy. Their Constitution is based on both democratic and parliamentary principles in which the Prince and the people share authority of the state together.
Still, the Prince is the Head of State of Liechtenstein and plays an important role in the legislation and governing of the country. And the Princely House of Liechtenstein dates wayyyyyy back. We’re talking 13th century. Since then, the family line has been uninterrupted.
Today, Prince Hans-Adam II is the reigning Prince of Liechtenstein and the 15th reigning Prince overall. He grew up right here in Vaduz Castle, where he still lives with his wife, Countess Marie Kinsky of Wchinitz and Tettau, and their four children. Want to learn more about the Princely Family? Check out their website!
Pretty wild, huh?! ?
Alright, well enough about the Prince, let’s get back to his big gorgeous castle up on the hill!
Vaduz Castle History
Although you can’t visit the inside of Vaduz Castle, it’s still worth a trip to see it up close. The Castle is located high up on a hilltop, overlooking the length of the tiny country below, in the foreground of some pretty stunning backdrops.
Schloss Vaduz has become the symbol of Liechtenstein’s capital city and even predates the principality itself by several centuries. Talk about history! The Castle is thought to have been first constructed for use as a fortress back in the 12th century, only later to have living quarters installed. In 1712 the Princely Family took ownership of the castle and it’s been in the family ever since.
Location of Vaduz Castle
Schloss Vaduz
Schlossstrasse
9490 Vaduz
Liechtenstein
*No number needed, just type in “Schloss Vaduz” to GoogleMaps to find this Castle.
How to get up to Vaduz Castle
There are two different ways to get up close to Vaduz Castle, by foot or by car.
How to get there by Foot
Walking up to Vaduz Castle takes around 20-30 minutes. From the main pedestrian street of Vaduz, there is a marked path that you can follow. It is pretty inclined, but anyone in decent physical shape should be able to do this.
This is my favorite way to get up to Vaduz Castle as the path is lined with historical information about Liechtenstein, the Royal Family and the Castle itself. There are also some pretty stunning panoramic views along the way!
To get started, take Vaduz’s main street, Städtle, until the corner of Beckagässli. You’ll see a restaurant called “Brasserie Burg” on the corner. From here, you’ll start your climb. At the first fork in the road stay right onto Haldenweg, and then simply follow the brown arrow signs for “Schloss” or “Castle.” The path is very easy to follow and clearly marked. You’ll end up taking “Schlossweg,” literally “Castle Path” until you see the big ol’ brick building right in front of you. Pretty straightforward ?
How to get there by Car
If you’re not in the mood to walk, or not able to, you can also arrive to Vaduz Castle by car. Unfortunately there is no public transport available that will bring you directly to the castle, nor are there taxis or apps like Uber readily available here in Liechtenstein. BUT, if you happened to drive, here are simple directions to get to the Castle from the center of Vaduz:
From the main road, 28, you’ll want to turn onto Feldstrasse (you’ll see a “Schloss” sign) and continue on past the “Cellars of the Prince of Liechtenstein” vineyard.
After about 250m turn right onto Fürst-Franz-Josef-Strasse and continue along this road a little over 1km until you see Vaduz Castle on your right. Continue on a bit past the castle, along the main road, first curving to the left and then the right. Here you’ll find a parking area to leave your car and walk down to the castle, as well as public bathrooms.
You can also enter: “Vaduz Castle Parking Area, Bergstrasse, Vaduz” into GoogleMaps or your GPS for guidance.
The trip by car to Vaduz Castle from the center of Vaduz takes around 5 minutes.
Hiking up to Vaduz Castle has become one of my favorite activities to do and work up a bit of a sweat while staying here in Liechtenstein. If you’re in the area, it’s definitely worth a trip!
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This looks unreal!! Your photos are beautiful!! I’m so obsessed with all your Liechtenstein adventures. It looks like an absolutely dream. I tried to route our winter road trip through there a few months ago, but my husband kept catching on and saying no. (Probably a good idea in winter, tbh.)
Love the view! Wanna visit all the miniature countries. Have done Andorra so far only. And the Vatican. #wanderfulwednesday
That’s cool that the royal family actually lives there. What a cool place to live! #wanderfulwednesday
I have not heard of Vaduz Castle before and it does look like it’s in an idyllic environment. I think it is a good idea when the monarchy and the people jointly share in the running of the country.
Yes! My first proper trip to Europe was on a bus tour (I know, cliche as all get out) and we spent like half an hour in Liechtenstein. I probably only remember because I spent that half hour getting a stamp in my passport. I should have to Vaduz Castle instead! Obviously.
Beautiful photos! I’m still kicking myself over a missed opportunity to go to Lichtenstein ten years ago. When did you visit and what did you think of it?
This looks unreal!! Your photos are beautiful!! I’m so obsessed with all your Liechtenstein adventures. It looks like an absolutely dream. I tried to route our winter road trip through there a few months ago, but my husband kept catching on and saying no. (Probably a good idea in winter, tbh.)
Love the view! Wanna visit all the miniature countries. Have done Andorra so far only. And the Vatican. #wanderfulwednesday
I have not heard of Vaduz Castle before and it does look like it’s in an idyllic environment. I think it is a good idea when the monarchy and the people jointly share in the running of the country.
Yes! My first proper trip to Europe was on a bus tour (I know, cliche as all get out) and we spent like half an hour in Liechtenstein. I probably only remember because I spent that half hour getting a stamp in my passport. I should have to Vaduz Castle instead! Obviously.
Beautiful photos! I’m still kicking myself over a missed opportunity to go to Lichtenstein ten years ago. When did you visit and what did you think of it?
That’s cool that the royal family actually lives there. What a cool place to live! #wanderfulwednesday
I am a native of Liechtenstein, but live in the US. Your description of Vaduz and our castle is very well written. There is a beautiful garden section next to the castle. it is not o9en to the public, but my mother took me there a few times when I was a child. That was 70 years ago.