We drove south to Lake Constance and along its southern shore toward the Alps in the distance. The sun was shining and the countryside was putting its best foot forward. Our plan was to spend the weekend exploring some of the delights the tiny alpine country of Liechtenstein has to offer. We crossed over the Rhine River from Switzerland into the north of the country and continued south with the river on our right and the mountains towering skyward to our left, spectacular. 

Think of a quintessential Alpine scene and what do you picture? Lush green meadows, punctuated with colourful wild flowers, in the background rugged snow capped mountain peaks and the sound of cow bells all along the hillside. Well that is exactly how we found Liechtenstein, all that and more. 

Blue skies, sunshine, the air perfumed by meadows of wild flowers and wild garlic. Hilltop castles and off road trails to explore by the river or up into the mountain pastures. Friendly locals, everyone says hello because everyone knows everyone. In Vaduz, the tiny capital ‘city’ there was a festival being held on the bridges over the Rhine between Switzerland and Liechtenstein to celebrate 100 years of the customs treaty between the two countries. There were stalls and food, fun activities and performances, it seemed like the whole town had turned out. 

Apparently Liechtenstein is Europe’s least visited country and I for one am surprised at that because it has a little bit of everything. We spent two days exploring this delight of a country and we only scratched the surface, but if it is history, castles, quiet mountain exploring, nature, biking and/or hiking or skiing in winter, you are after Liechtenstein is definitely one for your bucket list. And I have no doubt we will be back again to savour more of its delights. 

For a video of cows with bells click the link: Cows with bells it is such a sweet sound, to my ears at least.