Rick Steves Claims This Tiny European Country Is Home To Endless Hiking Opportunities

When you think of hiking in Europe, what are the first countries that cross your mind? Maybe it's the Swiss Alps with stunning mountain views and cute wooden mountain huts scattered throughout the trails, or perhaps Norway for its dramatic fjord landscapes that tower into the sky. Travel expert and TV personality Rick Steves may know a thing, or two when it comes to discovering European gems, and he claims on his blog that this tiny European country is home to endless hiking opportunities. 

Bordering the countries of Switzerland and Austria, lies the Alpine micronation of Liechtenstein. Notably one of the smallest countries in the world, Liechtenstein has a land area of just 99 miles, a population of just over 40,000 people, and a vibrant capital city filled with museums, a car-free center, and gorgeous architecture.

Don't let Liechtenstein's size fool you. You'll want to make sure you pack your best pair of hiking boots when you visit. This stunning country is home to an approximate 250 miles of well-marked trails, making the country an absolute dream for outdoor enthusiasts and hiking fanatics. Surrounded by alpine nature, rolling green valleys, and towering mountain peaks, Liechtenstein's beauty is certainly one you don't want to sleep on during your next European trip. Rick speaks impressively about the views in Liechtenstein as he was whisked up the mountain from the village of Malbun, and says that "modern chairlift made me feel like literally the highest person in the land."

Liechtenstein, a landlocked country nestled between Switzerland and Austria, has no airport of its own. The most convenient way to reach it is by flying into Zurich Airport in Switzerland, located about 71 miles away, and continuing by car. Alternatively, you can fly into St. Gallen–Altenrhein Airport in Switzerland (31 miles away) or Friedrichshafen Airport in Germany (52 miles away). For those who prefer not to drive, Liechtenstein's capital city, Vaduz, is also accessible by bus in about an hour from Zurich.

What Liechtenstein lacks in size, it more than makes up for with its stunning landscapes and extensive network of hiking trails just waiting to be discovered. Ranging from easy to difficult, each hiking trail is well-marked, maintained, and provides hikers with spectacular views of lush green valleys, picturesque villages, and rugged mountain peaks. Whether you're looking for a leisurely walk with the family, or pushing your limits with a strenuous climb to a mountain summit, Liechtenstein has a trail for you.

The vast amount of trails to be found in Liechtenstein make it one of the best destinations in the world for avid hikers. Connected by some of the best ridge views in all of Liechtenstein, the Fürstensteig Trail and Drei Schwestern Trail is one of the best hikes in the country. It offers impressive views of the surrounding mountains, and has a medium level of hiking difficulty at approximately seven miles long and takes about 5.5 hours to complete. For those looking for a casual walk with stunning views of the Rhine Valley, the Philosopher's Trail is an easy trail that takes approximately 4.5 hours and is almost eight miles long.

Much like its Swiss neighbors, a big part of Liechtenstein's economy relies on tourism and sports. Rick captures the alpine charm perfectly in his blog post: "Ski lifts, busy both in winter and summer, take nature-lovers to the dizzying ridge that serves as the border with Austria," he writes, highlighting the year-round appeal of Liechtenstein's mountain adventures.

For seasoned hikers seeking the ultimate challenge, Liechtenstein delivers with its demanding multi-day treks designed to push both body and mind. The Via Alpina – Green Trail is truly a test of endurance and determination. Spanning approximately 176 miles with a staggering elevation gain of 54,790 feet, this epic journey takes about 16 days to complete. The trail begins in Wahlkreis Oberland and is rated "extra difficult," not just for its rugged terrain, but also for its length and elevation. Along the way, hikers are treated with some of the most breathtaking scenery Liechtenstein has to offer, making it an unforgettable adventure for those ready to rise to the occasion. For an extensive list of Liechtenstein's hiking trails and their difficulty rating, check out HiiKER's website.

With sports tourism on the rise, Liechtenstein has you covered. Whether you're in the mood for a leisurely bike ride, or looking to channel your inner Red Bull athlete, you'll be spoiled with choice when it comes to cycling trails. Liechtenstein has over 136 miles of cycling routes for two-wheeled adventures that take cyclists from flat trails through valleys, to rugged mountain bike trails to test your limits. Take the 52-mile Liechtenstein Trail, that allows you to go through all of the municipalities on a single trail. Or for those looking to get their heart rate up, the Pfälzerhütte trail is the highest and most difficult mountain biking trail in Liechtenstein.