You say there is no heaven on this earth, in this day of cell phones, e-mail, videoconferencing, lunch at the desk and the kids’ soccer practice. Look again. Look very hard at your map, for you just might miss it. A tranquil little country thriving as nature intended, tucked between Austria and Switzerland. Here you will find azure blue skies, puffy silver clouds, emerald green grasses, clean crisp air, delicious drinking water, bright warm sunshine and plump brown cows snacking on brightly colored meadow flowers. In the stillness of the afternoon, you can feel your slowed pulse beating gently against your skin and faintly hear your pen scratching on the pages of your journal. You peer out the window to see a panoramic view of the Rhine River threading through the valley, rising up to alpine ridges drenched in birthday cake frosting.
How do you get to this heaven? Fürstentum Liechtenstein is easily accessible by car, bus or by rail from Switzerland, Germany, Italy, or Austria. In fact, those are the only conveyances; the Zurich airport is one hour away by train. There are major autoroutes that find their way to this fairy-tale principality. However, one must step from the train at a one of three stops to get to this tiny place: Buchs or Sargans in Switzerland, or Feldkirch, Austria. From any of these train stations, board the yellow PU bus to Vaduz.
Liechtenstein’s central location makes an ideal and economical resting place during your travels. If you plan to arrive or depart from Zürich, this petite country has lodging at economical prices when compared to nearby cities in Austria, Germany and Switzerland. And with the Zurich Hauptbahnhof (rail station) just an hour away, one is in a prime position for any international journey.
Liechtenstein has a rich history; it has existed as a colony since 800 B.C. The Principality was founded on January 23,1719. Since then, the little country has made great strides in commerce under the ruling House. The late, beloved Prince Franz Josef was the first ruler to take permanent residence and reigned for 51 years. His eldest son, HSH Prince Hans-Adam II ascended as ruler on November 13, 1989. The government power is shared between the Prince and the people, some 30,000 strong. In Liechtenstein, eleven municipal areas exist within 61.8 square miles, each one with something unique and vibrant to offer. One can choose from an assortment of pleasant pastimes in any season.
