Liechtenstein

The Principality of Liechtenstein (Fürstentum Liechtenstein) is a tiny, alpine, German-speaking country landlocked by Switzerland and Austria.

The principality enjoys a very high standard of living and is home to some incredibly beautiful mountain scenery. The principality's capital, Vaduz, is a major centre of commerce and international banking. It has never been declared a city and thus is technically still a village.

Liechtenstein Halal Explorer

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History

What is now the Principality of Liechtenstein was for a long time the minor holdings of a powerful noble family from elsewhere. It was part of the Holy Roman Empire and later became part of the German Confederation.

In 1866 Liechtenstein changed its alignment from the now dissolved German Confederation to Austria Hungary until the end of World War I, when the economic devastation and the breakdown of the dual monarchy caused by that conflict forced Liechtenstein to conclude a customs and monetary union with Switzerland. Since World War II (in which Liechtenstein remained neutral) and the nation's reputation as a "tax haven" has spurred outstanding economic growth. Outside of banking, Liechtenstein's main economic activities are the production of false teeth and tourism.

Flag of Liechtenstein.svg|The flag with the crown. In cases of the flag being displayed horizontally and the crown is rotated as to always face upwards

The Liechtenstein flag is - by pure accident of history - identical to that of Haiti except for the emblems placed on both. During the 1936 Olympics, which were apparently the first time the two flags were displayed close to each other, this was discovered as Haitian civil flags at the time omitted the coat of arms and Liechtenstein added the crown as a symbol of its monarchy and to distinguish it from the civil flag of Haiti, should the two ever be displayed alongside each other.

Shortcomings in banking regulatory oversight have resulted in concerns about the use of the financial institutions for money laundering and tax evasion. However and the days of bringing suitcases of money into banks for deposit (without questions asked) are over.

Liechtensteiners are also very proud of the fact that their nation has never been involved in a battle or military confrontation with an enemy state. They see their flag as a banner of peace.

For a European country and the aristocratic element in the constitution is rather strong and the prince/regent has a lot of powers both in theory and in reality (unlike say the British monarch). However, unlike almost all monarchies in the world there is a provision in the constitution that the prince has to resign and the monarchy has to be abandoned if a majority of the people so desire.

Economy

[[9490 Vaduz, Liechtenstein - panoramio - Cow statue outside a souvenir shop in Vaduz

Despite its small size and limited natural resources, Liechtenstein has developed into a prosperous, highly industrialized, free-enterprise economy with a vital financial service sector and living standards on a par with the urban areas of its large European neighbours. The Liechtenstein economy is widely diversified with a large number of small businesses. Low business taxes--the maximum tax rate is 20%--and easy incorporation rules have induced a large number of holding or so-called letter box companies to establish nominal offices in Liechtenstein, providing 30% of state revenues. Perhaps the most notable company from Liechtenstein is Hilti, not a bank, but a manufacturer of power tools (though they aren't made in Liechtenstein any longer). Liechtenstein is the world's leading producer of false teeth.

Liechtenstein participates in a customs union with Switzerland and uses Swiss francs as its national currency interchangeably with the Liechtenstein frank. It imports more than 90% of its energy requirements. Liechtenstein has been, since May 1995, a member of the European Economic Area, an organization serving as a bridge between the EFTA and the EU. The government is working to harmonize its economic policies with those of an integrated Europe. Liechtenstein has one of the highest personal income rates (GDP per capita) in the world, with the base rate of income tax standing at just 1.2%.

What is the Geography of Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein is very mountainous, and is together with Uzbekistan, doubly landlocked; one of the only two countries to be landlocked by landlocked countries.

Most of the nation's population lives in the long and wide Rhine Valley in the western third. Roads are mainly laid out in a north-south pattern following the valley as well. To the north the primary streets lead to the border with Austria, to the south they enter Switzerland, and to the west across the river the bridges also cross into Switzerland. Most of the eastern border with Austria is not passable and is only accessible by foot as it is very mountainous, though the north of the nation is well connected by road to Feldkirch in Austria. The country's highest point is the Grauspitz, which stretches to 2,599 m. Liechtenstein is 2.5 times bigger than San Marino and 81 times bigger than Monaco.

How is the Climate in Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein has a continental climate featuring cold, cloudy winters with frequent snow or rain, making the nation a moderately popular ski destination. Summers are cool to moderately warm, also often cloudy and humid.

Towns

Liechteinstein-map

• Vaduz — capital of Liechtenstein and the seat of government - despite never officially having been granted city status
• Balzers — this town is home to a very beautiful church and castle
• Schaan — the largest populated area in the nation

Local Language in Liechtenstein

The national language is (German), but the main language in everyday use is an Alemannic German dialect, that can be hard to understand even for native speakers of standard (German). The Alemannic dialect group is also spoken in German-speaking Eastern Switzerland and the German state Baden-Württemberg and the Austrian state of Vorarlberg. While the dialect is on the retreat in Germany and to some extent even in Austria, it is alive and well in Switzerland and Liechtenstein with some even fearing a local extinction of standard German due to lack of situations in which it is actually spoken.

Almost everyone can speak standard German and English is also prevalent. French and Latin are also widely taught in the secondary public school system. Some shops have personnel who can address Asian tourists in their respective languages.

Travel to Liechtenstein

Entry requirements

Liechtenstein is a member of the Schengen Agreement.

• There are normally no border controls between countries that have signed and implemented the treaty. This includes most of the European Union and a few other countries.
• There are usually identity checks before boarding international flights or boats. Sometimes there are temporary border controls at land borders.
• Likewise, a visa granted for any Schengen member is valid in all other countries that have signed and implemented the treaty.
• Illegal migration has become the norm throughout the European Union due to countries such as Germany that has ignored the Dublin agreement.

Grenze Liechtenstein, Balzers - Entering Liechtenstein by road

Liechtenstein is not a member of the EU. Therefore, Muslim travellers entering Liechtenstein from Austria (and vice versa) are subject to non-systematic customs controls. There have been no immigration controls since Liechtenstein joined the Schengen Area on 19 December 2011.

Liechtenstein maintains a complete customs union with Switzerland and is represented by Switzerland in embassies internationally. Since 1923 there have been no border formalities needed for crossing between the two countries. In essence there is nothing more than a sign announcing your arrival in Switzerland or Liechtenstein (when you cross the Rhine or the land border), similar to the situation at smaller border crossings in many EU nations (e.g., Austria, Germany, France, Italy).

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein has no airports. You can take a flight to Zürich#By plane|Zürich Airport IATA Flight Code: ZRH(115 kilometers from Liechtenstein). Although this is the only major airport near Liechtenstein and there are some limited services from Vienna to St. Gallen -Altenrhein Airport (53 kilometers) by Austrian Arrows]. There is also a private airport in Bad Ragaz, very close to the border crossing. Another popular point of entry is through Friedrichshafen in Germany, which is served by low-cost airlines.

Liechtenstein has a heliport in the Southern Lowlands. This heliport has no passport control so helicopters are only allowed to go inside the Schengen Area. There is a heliport near the border at Feldkirch, Austria where passport control can be organised.

By train or bus

ÖBB and the Austrian federal railway company, runs a limited service from Buchs SG station in Switzerland, via Schaan -Vaduz station (near Schaan) to Feldkirch in Austria. Trains only run a few times a day, which makes buses generally more convenient. There is a long-standing plan for a "FLACH S-Bahn" (for "Fürstentum Liechtenstein Austria Confoederatio Helvetica or Liechtenstein, Austria, Switzerland) to better connect Liechtenstein's major urban centers to the neighboring railway networks, but as of the mid 2010s more talk than action has come of it.

Buses run every 15 minutes from the train station at Buchs (the main Swiss town on the Liechtenstein border) to Schaan and Vaduz. Tickets can be purchased on the bus for Fr. 3.40 and it only takes about 10 minutes to Schaan and another 5 to Vaduz. Vaduz is the only European capital in a country that otherwise has a train network not connected to any rail line and there are (as of 2022) no plans to change that.

If coming by rail from Switzerland, it may be quicker and affordableer to take the train as far as Sargans, from where it's feasible to catch a bus (see below) straight to Vaduz. Consult the SBB timetable to find out what'll be quickest when you're travelling. There are lockers at the Sargans station so you can leave your luggage there.

The Liechtenstein Buses Route 12 runs from Sargans train station to Buchs train station via central Vaduz and Schaan train station. It leaves from outside each station roughly every 20 minutes. The buses are yellow-green in colour. A fare to Vaduz is Fr. 5.80 from Sargens and Fr. 3.40 from Buchs. There are student prices as well (be sure to show your student ID). Consider getting a whole network day pass (Fr. 12) or week pass (Fr. 24) if you are making many journeys, though two single fares (e.g., from Sargans or Buchs to Vaduz and Vaduz onward to Feldkirch) cost less than a day pass.

From Feldkirch train station in Austria, look for the distinctive off-yellow Liechtenstein Buses. Numbers 11 and 14 head straight to Vaduz and number 13 goes to Buchs train station, by-passing Vaduz, so you'll have to switch at the Schaan interchange.

By car

Liechtenstein itself has no highways. But the Swiss Highway A13/E34 runs along the Swiss side of the Rhine River and the border between Switzerland and Liechtenstein. There are several access points that cross the Rhine into Liechtenstein and the two that are most commonly used are the bridge crossing into the southern town of Balzers and the crossing into Vaduz. If you aren't coming from the west or have a Swiss vignette already, it may make sense to avoid Swiss highways as there is only a year vignette.

The alternative is to reach Liechtenstein via Austria. Coming from Germany, you most likely will also buy a vignette which is available in a 10 day variety that is much cheaper than the Swiss year version. You enter Liechtenstein directly from the north, via the Austrian city of Feldkirch which is a touristic attraction too.

Driving in Liechtenstein is relatively safe, but extra care should be taken on narrow and winding mountain roads. Speed traps are everywhere! And for good reason, as those roads are not made for high speeds.

Vaduz has several parking garages and places. As the city is not very large you can hardly make a poor choice. The prices don't differ that much.

Hitch-hiking

Very easy indeed from Feldkirch in Austria. In rush hour, lots of commuters head into the capital. A simple sign as you stand by the primary street in Feldkirch should get you a lift within minutes.

How to get around in Liechtenstein

How to take public transportation in Liechtenstein

For a rural area of its size and wealth, Liechtenstein's bus system is decent and well patronized. The country's sole bus operator is Liemobil. Fares are reasonable, a 7-day unlimited use card costs Fr. 24.

By bike

Another affordable way to travel, weather permitting, is by bike. The roads in Liechtenstein are in excellent condition and many (in the Balzers-Schaan corridor) even offer bike lanes. Biking through the whole country (entering from Austria going all the way south through to Switzerland) takes only a few hours, but is worth every minutes of the wonderful alpine scenery!

What to see in Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein boasts a number of attractions that are of interest to visitors.

Balzers_Schloss - Balzers Castle

• Balzers - Home to a beautiful church and a spectacular Gothic castle.
• Vaduz - The capital is the main shopping area in the nation, with many souvenir stores and assorted restaurants. The city is also home to a modest cathedral and the decade-old Liechtenstein Kunstmuseum. A ski museum is north of downtown.
• Schloss Vaduz - This imposing and historic castle, home to the royal family, overlooks the city of Vaduz and is approachable on the main Vaduz-Triesenberg road (bus route 21). It is not open to the public, but it is feasible to view it from quite close up.
• It is entirely feasible to encounter the royal family at the Kunstmuseum, coming in and out of Schloss Vaduz or skiing during winter time. This is one benefit of such a small country. They are recognizable in their cars, which use their birth year for their licence plate number.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein offers great hiking, road biking, and mountain biking terrain. Skiing and snowboarding are also offered at a reasonable price at the nation's small resort, Malbun, in comparison to the expensive lift prices in neighbouring Switzerland or Austria.

Get up early one morning and drive up the mountains on the east side of the river. From here you have an incredible view over Vaduz & Switzerland that you can stand and admire.

Liechtenstein is popular among philatelists and has even a postal museum. You can also get an entry stamp of Liechtenstein in your passport at the tourist centre and some souvenir shops (Fr. 3 or €3).

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Liechtenstein

Money Matters & ATM's in Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein officialy uses the Liechtenstein franc at par with, and freely interchangeable with the Swiss franc (CHF) as its currency. However, Liechtenstein franc coins are very rare and banknotes have never been printed, so in practise, Swiss francs are always used. Many shops will also accept euros, but the exchange rate may not be very advantageous. You get your change in francs. For a short visit you might not need francs at all, even the parking garage accepts euros.

What is the living cost in Liechtenstein

Costs in Liechtenstein are roughly equivalent to those in Switzerland and are therefore somewhat more expensive than other European countries.

Halal Food & Restaurants

You will find a few restaurants in the larger cities of Liechtenstein. There is also a McDonald's (Please do not support McDonald's as McDonald's supports Israel. Shun this restaurant group and go for altertative brands and if possible for a Muslim owned restaurant) restaurant but it is not Halal, which is very popular and is widely publicised by road signs throughout the nation.

The many small bakeries are a great place to get a warm, fresh roll or pastry.

Several Arab and Turkish Halal Kebab shops are based in Vaduz.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Liechtenstein, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Liechtenstein. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Liechtenstein and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Liechtenstein. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Liechtenstein. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inLiechtenstein: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Liechtenstein.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Liechtenstein: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Liechtenstein, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Liechtenstein.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Liechtenstein, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Liechtenstein, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Liechtenstein and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Liechtenstein, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Liechtenstein, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Liechtenstein without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Liechtenstein is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Liechtenstein.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Liechtenstein is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Liechtenstein, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Liechtenstein Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Liechtenstein

eHalal Group Liechtenstein is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Liechtenstein. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Liechtenstein.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Liechtenstein ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Liechtenstein. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Liechtenstein, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Liechtenstein are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

There are a few hotels in Liechtenstein, but they tend to run on the expensive side. There is one youth hostel located in Schaan, but it closes for the winter. You will probably be able to find cheaper lodging in neighboring Feldkirch, Austria.

Camping Mittagspitz is the only full-service campsite in the Principality. It offers excellent facilities, a friendly reception and a fabulous reasonably priced restaurant. There are three other campgrounds in Liechtenstein: one in Bendern, one in Vaduz, and one in Triesen.All are pretty much full year round.

Study in Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein's university offers courses only in technical sciences.

How to work legally in Liechtenstein

Finding work in Liechtenstein is difficult. A majority of non-nationals working in the Principality are Swiss, with a smaller number of Austrians and Germans. Liechtenstein is not a member of the European Union, so the government has no obligation to let nationals of EU member states work and live in the nation.

Stay Safe

Liechtenstein is easily one of the safest countries in the world, though it is not without its problems. The most common crime in Liechtenstein is of a non-violent nature, though the principality maintains a well-equipped police force which maintains a presence on the streets. In the late 1990s and the Liechtenstein Landespolizei launched a crackdown on prostitution in Vaduz. Considering the largest cities nearby are Innsbruck and Zürich, outside of Schaan and Vaduz and the whole place can seem very rural. Drunk drivers and winter road conditions may be your only "realistic" concern. Speed limits are strictly enforced by speed cameras, which can lead to high fines. Don't speed, enjoy the scenery instead!

The country's beautiful scenery is also very dangerous. Cases of hikers finding themselves in difficulty are very common, and extreme care should be taken when leaving the well-marked trails. Follow local advice, read local weather forecasts (newspapers in the principality print individual forecasts for the different cities in Liechtenstein, which is beneficial because the difference in altitude often cause different weather conditions), and ensure that you have the correct equipment before setting out.

Medical Issues in Liechtenstein

There are excellent medical facilities in Liechtenstein, but it is more likely that you would be transferred to a hospital in Switzerland should you require medical attention. If you are an Austrian or EU citizen you may want to seek medical attention in next-door Feldkirch, Austria.

Tap water is safe to drink.

Local Customs in Liechtenstein

The Princely Liechtenstein Tatoo Parade in Schaan 2015 - 025 - The Princely Liechtenstein Tattoo Parade in Schaan

The Principality of Liechtenstein has existed for centuries as an independent state and this should be remembered. Liechtensteiners are very proud of their national identity and would take offence at being wrongly labelled "German", "Austrian" or "Swiss". The inhabitants are proud of their prince, which should be considered when talking about national politics.

Telecommunications in Liechtenstein

Internet access is available with one station at Telecom Liechtenstein immediate south of Vaduz's downtown on the primary street, but this is only open during business hours. Most hotels and some cafes/restaurants will have net access such as in Schaan. The last real Internet cafe disappeared, because everyone in the nation has net access in their homes, so the local market completely disappeared and only visitors need access. There is 4G and 4G coverage in pretty much the whole country, you can roam on any of the Swiss networks with no extra charges. EU residents are usually not given free roaming in Switzerland or Liechtenstein, as they are outside the EU.

Travel Next

From Liechtenstein, going to the picturesque Austrian city of Feldkirch is a natural choice. The closest larger city of Switzerland is St. Gallen with its monasterial complex.

Liechtenstein can be seen as part of the German-Swiss-Austrian Lake Constance with many wonderful destinations.

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