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Liechtenstein: no airport, no army and one of the world’s richest economies

A doubly landlocked principality of 160 km² between Switzerland and Austria, with a castle above its capital and no airport of its own.

The story

A country you can cross in an afternoon

Liechtenstein covers 160.5 km² and had about 41,237 residents. It lies between Switzerland and Austria, and the Rhine forms its western border. It is one of only two doubly landlocked countries in the world, the other being Uzbekistan.

It has no airport. Visitors usually fly into Zurich, about 130 km away, or St. Gallen, about 50 km away, and continue by train and bus. The army was abolished in February 1868, and the last soldier died in 1939.

The currency is the Swiss franc, the capital is Vaduz, and 92 percent of the population speaks German. GDP per capita was about $210,600 in 2024 at purchasing power parity, among the highest in the world.

The Prince of Liechtenstein, Hans-Adam II, has been head of state since 1989, with his son Alois acting as regent. Vaduz Castle stands above the capital.

160.5 km²area, doubly landlocked
1868the army was abolished
~$210,600GDP per capita (PPP, 2024)

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Practical guide

Plan your Liechtenstein trip

Check before you go: Liechtenstein has no airport and uses Swiss francs, so plan your trip from Zurich. The whole country is small enough for a day trip, but ski season and some sights have seasonal hours.

Getting there

  • There is no airport. Zurich is about 130 km away and St. Gallen about 50 km.
  • A Feldkirch–Buchs railway line has four stations in Liechtenstein, and buses connect to Buchs and Sargans.
  • Liechtenstein has been in the Schengen area since 2008.

What to see

  • Vaduz Castle, the prince’s residence above the capital.
  • Gutenberg Castle, and Vaduz Cathedral in the center.
  • Eleven municipalities in a country you can cross in an afternoon.

Mountains and skiing

  • The highest point is Grauspitz at 2,599 m.
  • The lowest point is Ruggeller Riet at 430 m.
  • Malbun is the ski area.

Money

  • The Swiss franc is the currency.
  • GDP per capita was about $210,600 in 2024 at purchasing power parity.
  • Expect high prices.

The rent-a-country story

  • In 2011 the whole country was reported to be bookable for a night through a rental listing, at about $70,000.
  • It was a promotional stunt that made headlines worldwide.
  • Ordinary visitors only need an ordinary hotel booking.

Tourism numbers

  • In 2023 there were 116,759 arrivals and 222,266 overnight stays.
  • Stays are short, so many visitors come as a day trip.
  • German is spoken by 92 percent of residents.

Details come from Wikipedia and the official Liechtenstein tourism pages, which may not show the latest prices or hours. We checked on November 1, 2026. Entry rules, fees and prices change, so confirm them with official sources before you reserve.

Want the full picture? Read our complete Liechtenstein travel guide: how to get there, what to see, money, skiing and a one-day plan.
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Sources checked November 1, 2026: Wikipedia: Liechtenstein · TechCrunch: Airbnb rent a country · Liechtenstein Tourism

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