Great things come in small packages: the Principality of Liechtenstein measuring 160 square kilometres is one of the smallest but also most prosperous European states. In the west it borders on to Switzerland and from there extends between the banks of the Rhine and the Austrian province of Vorarlberg.

Vaduz, the capital, is the seat of the Landtag and government offices as well as the royal residence since 1939. The royal family lives in the town’s landmark, the medieval castle which was extended in the 16th and 17th centuries and is located high above Vaduz.

The modern art museum designed by the Morger, Degelo & Kerez team of architects is the cultural highlight. The prize-winning design attracts great numbers of architecture fans. The building houses exhibitions from the royal collections, which are among the oldest and most comprehensive private collections in Europe, and from the state art collections.

In-depth information about the principality's history is available at the Liechtenstein Landesmuseum. Philatelists will find a visit to the Post Office and Stamp Museum (Briefmarkenmuseum) rewarding. And 100 years of ski history are presented at the Ski Museum.

The lively old town of the "Städtle" is perfect for leisurely strolls. And gastronomy is a well-established tradition here, with the Gasthof Löwen, for example, dating from 1380. The culinary top venues in Vaduz usually also have their own wine cellar since ideal hillside locations with chalky soil provide the perfect basis for local wines.

In the small principality excursion destinations are never far off: Triesenberg is starting point for many hikes and home to a Walser Museum. In winter, Malbun is a popular family ski area and Steg is an ideal destination for active Nordic ski enthusiasts and tobogganing fans.

• Liechtenstein art museum - one of the oldest and most comprehensive private collections in Europe housed in a modern museum building
  
• Post Office and Stamp Museum - the stamps of the Principality of Liechtenstein are a must for philatelists
  
• the Ski Museum shows the history of the winter sport from its beginnings to the present
  
• Triesenberg/Malbun/Steg - most important excursion, hiking, ski and cross-country skiing region in the Principality of Liechtenstein
  
• Gastro and wine-growing tradition - vineyards, historic inns and top cuisine make a visit well worth it

Fasnacht (or Carnival) - lots of lively fun with processions and monster concerts (February)
National Holiday - in the small principality the big day is celebrated with an impressive firework display (15 August)

Public Transport: One hour from Lake Constance and at least one solid hour from Zürich. There are convenient bus connections from the train stations of Sargans, Buchs and Feldkirch.

By car: Distances: Zürich 110 km, Geneva 390 km, Munich 235 km, Frankfurt am Main 470 km, Vienna 650 km, Milan 250 km Autobahn exit /Vaduz on A13.

Other/Air: The nearest airports are Zürich-Kloten (115 km), Altenrhein (50 km) und Friedrichshafen (85 km). In addition, there is an airport for small aircraft in Bad Ragaz.