No it’s not a spell from Harry Potter nor it is a tongue twister. Furstentum Liechtenstein, popularly known as Principality of Liechetsein is the sixth smallest country in the world. Nestled between Austria and Switzerland with mountain slopes rising above the Rhine Valley, lies this quiet, yet quite rich country. The drive from Switzerland to Austria is probably the most scenic view that one can encounter, so make it a point to go through this small place which, once upon a time happened to be an integral part of Roman Empire.
The place is quite famous, for being a tax heaven along with the likes of Monaco & Montecarlo. Though in the recent years, the government has tried its level best to ward off that image. Interesting to note that the country got its independence from Germany in the year 1866 yet it was under the influence of neighbouring Austria. After the fall of the Hepsburg monarchy in 1919, the country started building its alliance with the other neighbour, Switzerland. They even adopted Swiss Franc as their currency.
The country is roughly 160 sq. km in area, supporting a population of about 38,000 and divided into 11 municipalities. The chief one being Vaduz (not the largest) which also happens to be the capital. Vaduz is famous for the old relics of the castle. The castle gave the name to the city and not the other way around. One can walk in those intertwined lanes which takes you back to the ancient Roman times. The roads are still brick lined radiating that rustic charm.
Although there is a postal museum and an old cathedral but to be honest there isn’t much to see. So why should we make a stop over here? The answer is for the train!! There is a train that takes you around the city giving a panoramic view, much like those open roof buses of London. Whenever we hear toy train rides, an image of a mountainous terrain pops up. It is very rare to have such rides on plain land. So enjoy a seated tour of the city as you strike off another country from the list!!
The Enigmatic Pen 