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August 17, 2015 By Hailey

Tiny Country Spotlight: Liechtenstein

Last summer, my friend SK and I included Andorra in our European Road Trip, even though travel reviews weren’t promising. Our journey through the small Pyrenean country of Andorra was rewarded with a splendid day of hiking and a humorously confounding cultural experience: Are we in Spain, France or somewhere else entirely? However, Andorra is not the only tiny country that I’ve been itching to explore. And this month, SK and I set off from Zürich – my new home – to uncover the mystery of The Principality of Liechtenstein.

Welcome to Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein is the 6th smallest country in the world, with only 160 km2 (62 mi2) of land to its name. Approximately 37,000 people live in this small sector of the European Alps, which also happens to be one of the richest countries in the world. Surrounded by Switzerland and Austria, it’s one of the two doubly–landlocked nations on the planet; the other is Uzbekistan.

Liechtenstein

Upon visiting, you cannot miss the fact that Liechtenstein is proud of their princely heritage. The Austrian feudal lord Karl I of Liechtenstein Castle began the princely line in the beginning of the 17th century after receiving title and territory by Holy Roman Emperor Matthias. However, it wasn’t until 1719 that the Principality of Liechtenstein, or Fürstentum Liechtenstein (FL) in German, became a sovereign state. Today, the picturesque Vaduz Castle remains the official family residence of the Prince.

I heart Liechtenstein

Although it’s political heritage is most closely linked with the Hapsburg Dynasty and the Austro-Hungarian Empire, modern day Liechtenstein seems to have a lot in common with its neighbor to the west: Switzerland. The Principality adopted the Swiss franc as its currency in 1920, and most native Liechtensteiners uses Swiss German in their everyday speech. The Alpine houses and hotels look like they’re out of a Swiss travel brochure, and the public transit system maintains a very Swiss-like reputation: clean, efficient, and reliable.

Liechtenstein cathedral
Malbun Liechtenstein

Throughout our 2-day exploration of Liechtenstein, I have to admit that there were times when I forgot I had left Switzerland at all. Because of the many similarities between the two nations, there is one question that travelers ask most about “Little Switzerland”: is Liechtenstein even worth visiting?

Like any travel experience, your attitude and your mindset make your trip. If the Alpine region does not capture your heart, then Liechtenstein is probably not the place for you. If you’re a curious and open-minded traveler who loves the great outdoors, then you may enjoy discovering what makes The Principality of Liechtenstein special.

Liechtenstein Postage

For my part, I certainly had a princely time in Liechtenstein! Check out my next story 7 Things to Do in Liechtenstein to learn more about what you can see and do in this tiny European Principality.


Hoi! Have you ever traveled somewhere that you knew little about to begin with? Have you ever made a relatively unknown and unpopular place your final destination? Have you visited a place against the critics’ advice? Are you interested in visiting Liechtenstein? Does this little country seem appealing to your travel taste?

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Hailey Domeck is a Southern girl with a Spanish heart and Swiss soul.

As a wife, mom, and travel addict, her love for mountains, fairy-tales, and great food keep her mind and heart always on the lookout for the next great adventure.

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💫 2020 - not about travel; all about family. 💫

#littleAlpenRose #WaveyBow
For me, this year was all about #motherhood - the For me, this year was all about #motherhood - the beauty of growing a child in the womb and then nurturing a precious newborn around the clock; the wild roller coaster of shepherding a toddler, whose contagious joy and  stubborn defiance make each day a challenge and a gift; the mundane tasks that help make a home feel warm and welcoming; and a bunch of other things. 

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📷: @whitneykeilman
Merry Christmas, y’all! 🤍 No matter your circ Merry Christmas, y’all! 🤍 No matter your circumstances, may you experience JOY in this holiday season and have HOPE  for a brighter year ahead. 

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#littleAlpenRose #WaveyBow 

📷: @whitneykeilman
• T H A N K F U L • We are saying thanks for • T H A N K F U L • 

We are saying thanks for all things in life this week. It’s so easy to get stuck on either the big picture or the tiny details, but I believe it’s important to take it all in - like I did on this ridge overlooking #Manang Village last year while trekking the #AnnapurnaCircuit in #Nepal. 

Creating a culture of gratitude takes intentionality and discipline... and it’s especially not easy when babies and toddlers demand so much of you at all hours of the day and night. Yet, here we are at the start of the holiday season, and I’m choosing to be grateful for the whole lot. 

What are you thankful for this year?
Hooray, it’s the weekend! 🥳 I don’t have a Hooray, it’s the weekend! 🥳

I don’t have any big plans today (#newbornlife), but I’m recalling the joy of “Heidi Hailey” in the Himalayas last November. ☺️ Shout out to @thatdutchieguy for bringing his Polaroid camera on our #CreateConnectNepal journey... what a fun way to capture special moments, - like my favorite stretch of the #AnnapurnaCircuit in the #Manang District ❣️

What are you up to this weekend?
As I sit here nursing an 8-week old babe, it’s j As I sit here nursing an 8-week old babe, it’s just wild to me that on this date exactly one year ago, I was walking among giants and completed the most difficult hike of my life. 

On November 11, 2019, the #CreateConnectNepal team and I went up and over the Thorong La Pass. At 17,769 feet (5416m), this is the pinnacle of the Annapurna Circuit and one of the highest mountain passes in the world. The day began in the dark with a grueling 4+ hour ascent through snow-kissed trails and then required a fierce descent down a bone dry valley. It demanded everything of me. 

Yet, that day up and over Thorong La was just one part of my epic adventure in #Nepal last November. I am eternally grateful for that experience and cherish those memories dearly. I also miss those people a lot. ❣️
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