Friday 25 September 2009

Liechtenstein during the summer


Last week we have decided to vistid Liechtenstein in the summer (after a visit with M. in the winter). The Principality of Liechtenstein is a doubly landlocked alpine microstate in Western Europe, bordered by Switzerland to the west and south and by Austria to the east. Its area is just over 160 km² (about 61.7 square miles) and it has an estimated population of 35,000. Its capital is Vaduz, the biggest town is Schaan.

Liechtenstein is the smallest German-speaking country in the world and the only alpine country to lie entirely within the Alps. It is also the only German-speaking country not to share a common frontier with Germany. It is a constitutional monarchy divided into 11 municipalities. Much of Liechtenstein's terrain is mountainous, making it a winter sports destination. Many cultivated fields and small farms characterize its landscape both in the north (Unterland, lower land) and in the south (Oberland, upper land). The country has a strong financial sector located in the capital, Vaduz, and has been identified as a tax haven. It is a member of the European Free Trade Agreement.

We have taken a post bus to Malbun, my favourite place in the whole country. There was a teleferique that took us up to the mountains. Views were really spectacular. You can easily get to 2000 m and then take a walk to the nearest peak.

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