Lichtenstein

Today, we decided to pay a visit to Liechtenstein. Despite my Swiss background, I must confess that I've never had the chance to explore this charming country. My knowledge of Liechtenstein was limited to it being a tiny nation nestled along the banks of the River Rhine, home to a mere 36,000 residents, and sharing borders with Switzerland and Austria. I often came across images of its picturesque castles. I heard tales of its shallow wealth tax rate, which stood at a mere 0.000,007% (although it's worth verifying whether this remains true today).

Our journey along Highway A1 was swift and effortless, taking just over an hour. Regrettably, we couldn't visit Vaduz Castle due to ongoing renovations that had closed off access. However, Ursula quickly spotted the nearby Vineyards and Cellars of the Prince of Liechtenstein, a delightful alternative. Enjoying a glass of wine (Pinot Noir, Riesling, and Eiswein) left us with a contented eagerness to explore more of Liechtenstein.

Following a narrow road, we ascended to Oberdorf, with a stunning view of the Rhine River Valley. Gazing toward Sargans, we identified Burg Gutenberg Castle, perched majestically on a distant hill.

Our journey led us to a parking lot in Balzers, where we embarked on a hike up to the castle. Today, it belongs to the municipality of Balzers, and although we were unable to explore its interior without a visitor permit, we marveled at its well-preserved exterior. Burg Gutenberg boasts a rich history, with its first mention dating back to 1263 when it was under the ownership of the Freiherren of Frauenberg before being occupied by the Duke of Austria and later the Habsburgs.

Tonight, we relished a quintessential Swiss meal, savoring grilled OLMA Veal Sausage paired with crispy Rösti Potatoes, expertly prepared by Ursula and her brother, Wally. It was the perfect way to conclude yet another splendid day in Switzerland.Read more