I have always loved to travel. My soul feels most at peace when I am on the road. However, I never go alone. My loyal dog, Arthur, is always by my side. We recently visited a place that feels like it came from a storybook. This tiny country is called Liechtenstein.
It sits right between Switzerland and Austria. Many people skip this place because it is small. They make a huge mistake. Dog Friendly Liechtenstein is not just a dream. It is a reality. I spent a lot of time there with my pups. I want to share everything I learned. This guide is for you if you love to tour with your furry best friend.
First of all: The Rules of Entry
You can not just hop in the car and drive across the border without a plan. Liechtenstein is an independent country. Though it is small, it has rules. The country follows many of the same regulations as the European Union. First of all, your dog must have a microchip.
This chip is very important. It must be a 15-digit chip that follows certain international standards. If your chip is different, you must bring your own scanner.
On top of that, your dog needs a rabies vaccine. You must make sure the vaccine happens after the microchip is put in. If you do it before, the vaccine does not count. Later, you must wait 21 days after the first shot before you can travel. I learned this the hard way once. Do not rush the timeline.
Additionally, your dog needs a Pet Passport if you live in the EU. If you come from a place like the USA or the UK, you need an official health certificate from a vet. This certificate proves your dog is healthy.
Plus, it shows all the shots are up to date. I always keep these papers in a special folder. You never know when a customs officer might want to see them. There are no real border controls when you drive in from Switzerland or Austria, but you should still be ready.
The Geography of a Micro-Country
Liechtenstein is tiny. It covers only 160 square kilometers. That is about 62 square miles. The whole country is only 25 kilometers long. You can drive from one end to the other in about 20 minutes. But do not do that. You will miss the beauty. There are only about 39,600 people living here. It feels like a large town rather than a whole nation.
The landscape is full of mountains and forests. The Rhine River runs along the western border. Most of the people live in five or six main areas. Vaduz is the capital city. It is really just a large village. But it is a very Dog Friendly Liechtenstein place for dogs.
Exploring Vaduz with Your Pup
We started our adventure in Vaduz. The city is very easy to walk. First of all, you should head to Vaduz Castle. This castle is the home of the Prince of Liechtenstein. You can not go inside the castle. However, the grounds around it are open to everyone. We walked up the hill to see the view. The paths are wide and clean. I kept Arthur on a short leash. The views of the valley below are stunning. It is a great spot for photos.
Later, we walked down to the Städtle. This is the pedestrian zone in the center of town. It is a treasure chest of art and culture. You will see many sculptures on the street. Dogs are welcome in this outdoor area. We saw many other people with their pets. Arthur loved all the attention.
If you like art, you should see the Dog Friendly Liechtenstein. You can not bring your dog inside the museum buildings. But you can explore the outdoor sculpture garden together. It is a very peaceful place. Similarly, the vineyards of the Prince are nearby. You can walk along the paths through the grapes. Just make sure your dog stays on the leash. Do not let them chase any birds or squirrels.
Walking the Rhine River
One of my favorite spots was the Rhine River walk. The paths along the river are flat and long. They are perfect for a long morning stroll. You can see the mountains reflecting in the water. Arthur ran for miles here. It is one of the best parts of Dog Friendly Liechtenstein travel. There is a lot of space for dogs to play. Plus, the air is very crisp and clean.
On the contrary, if you want something more cultural, head to Schaan. Schaan is the largest municipality in the country. We visited the St. Laurentius Church there. The area around the church is lovely for a walk. Additionally, if you visit on a Thursday, you might see the local market. It is a great way to see how the locals live.
Moving Up to Malbun
You must visit Malbun if you love nature. It is a mountain village high up in the Alps. The drive up the mountain is very scenic. There are so many hiking trails here. We tried the Swing Trail. This trail is about 5.5 kilometers long.
It takes about two hours to finish. There are ten giant swings along the path. Each swing offers a different view of the mountains. I sat on a few of them. It made me feel like a kid again. Arthur just sat and watched me with a confused look on his face.
Another great option is the Panorama Route. This hike is easy and takes about one hour. It gives you a 360-degree view of the peaks. If you want something harder, you can hike from Malbun to Schönberg. That hike is 10.7 kilometers long. It takes about four and a half hours. You should only do this if you and your dog are fit.
Gradually, we learned that Malbun is very quiet. It is the perfect place to escape the noise of the world. There are large grassy areas where dogs can just be dogs. However, always remember to bring water. The mountain sun can be very hot.
Public Transport: The LIEmobil Experience
You do not need a car to see everything. The public transport system is called LIEmobil. It is very good. Buses go almost everywhere. But you must know the rules for dogs. First of all, dogs are allowed on all buses. Small dogs in a container can travel for free. But if your dog is larger, you must buy a ticket.
The price for a dog ticket is a reduced rate. If you stay for a long time, you can even buy a dog annual pass for 80 CHF. That is a great deal. However, you must keep your dog on a leash. Also, if you take the bus across the border into Vorarlberg, Austria, your dog must wear a muzzle. This is a strict rule there. Always carry one in your bag just in case.
I found the bus drivers to be very polite. They are used to seeing dogs on the bus. Plus, the buses are very clean and on time. If you stay in a participating hotel, you might even get a Guest Mobility Card. This card gives you free rides on all the buses during your stay. This is a huge bonus.
Where to Stay: Pet Friendly Hotels
Finding a place to sleep is easy. There are several pet-friendly hotels in Vaduz. We stayed at the Hotel Vaduzerhof. They allow dogs of any size. The fee was about 20 CHF per night. It was very comfortable. Another luxury option is the Parkhotel Sonnenhof. They allow two pets per room. The fee there is 30 CHF per night.
If you prefer a more private space, there are many Airbnb rentals. Some of them do not even charge a pet fee. I always message the host first. I want to make sure they are okay with a big dog. Most people in Liechtenstein are very welcoming to pets. They see dogs as members of the family.
Similarly, there are hotels in Malbun and Triesenberg. The Hotel Gorfion in Malbun is one of the places that offers the free bus card. It is a great spot if you want to be right next to the hiking trails.
Eating Out with Your Dog
You will get hungry after all that walking. The good news is that many restaurants allow dogs. Most places let dogs sit in the outdoor seating areas. I always ask the waiter before I sit down. They usually say yes. Some even brought a bowl of water for Arthur without me asking.
In Vaduz, we ate at a few nice spots. Restaurant Torkel has a lovely atmosphere. Restaurant Engel and Altenbach Restaurant & Bar are also good choices. If you are in Malbun, try Restaurant Gletscher. It is very cozy. They serve a dish called Käsknöpfle. It is a type of cheese noodle. It is very heavy but very delicious. You must try it. Arthur even got a tiny piece of cheese. He was very happy.
Health and Safety: Vets in Liechtenstein
No one wants to think about their dog getting sick. But you must be prepared. Dog Friendly Liechtenstein has excellent veterinary services. If there is an emergency, you can find help in Vaduz. I kept a list of names in my phone. Mrs. Cornelia Bärtschi has a clinic in Vaduz. Mr. Martin Hilti is another vet in Schaan. There are also clinics in Triesen and Mauren.
Emergency care is available for urgent needs. Cars can sometimes cause accidents, so be careful near the roads. Getting help quickly can save a life. It is also a good idea to have pet insurance. Some surgeries can be very expensive. One lady I met told me her dog’s leg surgery cost over 2,500 CHF per leg. That is a lot of money. Therefore, being prepared is the best plan.
Comparing the Neighbors
Many people ask me about other cities. I often hear the question: is prague a dog friendly city? Yes, Prague is very friendly to pups. But it is very crowded. Liechtenstein is much more relaxed. People also ask is Dog Friendly Liechtenstein? It is. You can visit many places there. But you might wonder are dogs allowed in luxembourg gardens? Some gardens have strict rules. In Liechtenstein, the rules feel more natural. There is so much open space in the mountains. It feels more free.
Liechtenstein might be small, but it has a big heart for animals. It is one of the most Dog Friendly Liechtenstein places I have ever seen. Every village feels safe. Every trail feels like a new discovery.
FAQ
Is Liechtenstein dog friendly?
Yes. This charming microcountry welcomes four-legged friends with open arms. You will find that pets are valued members of society here. The country has many parks, green spaces, and serene mountain trails where your dog can enjoy the outdoors.
Can I speak English in Liechtenstein?
German is the national language of the country. However, you can find travel guides, museum websites, and transport apps in English. Many people in the tourism industry speak multiple languages to help visitors.
Can you use euros in Liechtenstein?
Yes. You can pay for bus tickets with euros or Swiss francs. The official currency used in the country is the Swiss franc.
Is it expensive to live in Liechtenstein?
Yes. Living here is relatively expensive. The prices for goods and services are very similar to those in Switzerland.
Is Liechtenstein expensive for tourists?
It can be. Public transport is considered expensive for visitors. However, you can save money by staying in participating hotels that offer a Guest Mobility Card for free bus rides. You might also buy an Adventure Pass to save on local sights.
Concluding Words
Liechtenstein is a perfect choice for anyone traveling with a pup. Small country. Big heart. You can explore the pedestrian zone of Vaduz or hike the scenic trails in Malbun with your loyal friend.
The bus system makes it easy to get around if you follow the simple leash and ticket rules. You will find many hotels and cafes that treat your pet like family. This tiny land offers fresh mountain air and memories that will stay with you forever.
