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Liechtenstein: A Principality in The Middle of Europe

by mihaitache on 22/09/09 at 9:12 am

Liechtenstein is a principality of 160 km2 wedged between Switzerland and Austria.

 The territory is separated from Switzerland by a branch of the Rhine you can cross without any formality. The official currency of Liechtenstein is the Swiss franc. You’ll have no problem to change your currency or withdraw money. The principality is widely opened to tourists, there are many points of exchange.

The principality has scarcely 30,000 inhabitants spread over a dozen small municipalities. The official language is German but you can easily meet people even speaking English. Recall and the 4 official languages of Switzerland are nearby: The French, German, Italian and Romansch.
Liechtenstein is a constitutional monarchy. A 5-member government is mandated by a parliament of 25 members elected for 4 years. It’s almost the entire population ;-) For the record, the death penalty was abolished in 1981 and the prison has only twenty cells ;-)
The castle of the royal family above the town of Vaduz is the capital. This is the only city that really deserves a visit. You’ll find the famous postal museum. Stamps of Liechtenstein is internationally known and appreciated by many collectors.

With good walking shoes or a car that does not fear overheating, it is possible and interesting to take the road to Malbun, which you will climb to over 2000m (1500m altitude). The view is nice is unparalleled: Greenery and Mountains. Take a nap then head in the clouds …
Liechtenstein has a peculiarity. It is a tax haven! More than 70,000 companies are officially hosted. If you want to continue your journey to Austria, go through the border town of Schaanwald 30 km northeast of Vaduz. To pass you must present proof of identity and acquire a highway with a sticker price depends on length of stay.

To stay in Liechtenstein: The hotels are expensive, of course! Dare camping between Vaduz and Schaan (less than 10Km). You’ll find a quiet corner of greenery. Your stay in the Principality may largely be limited to one weekend. The kitchen is substantially that you will find one side or the other of its borders.

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