Vaduz: Capital of Liechtenstein

History

Doubly Landlocked

Liechtenstein is one of only two doubly landlocked countries on Earth — surrounded entirely by countries that are themselves landlocked. Its neighbours are Switzerland and Austria, neither of which has a coastline. (The other doubly landlocked country is Uzbekistan.) This geographical curiosity has little practical impact but makes for an excellent trivia question.

80 Soldiers Sent, 81 Returned

In 1866, Liechtenstein sent 80 soldiers to fight for Austria in the Austro-Prussian War. Austria lost the war, but Liechtenstein's contingent suffered zero casualties. When they returned, they brought a new friend — an Austrian liaison officer — so 81 men came back. The army was deemed unnecessary and expensive, and was permanently disbanded in 1868. Liechtenstein has had no military since — over 155 years of demilitarization.

A Territory Purchased and Never Visited

The Liechtenstein dynasty bought the territory that bears its name purely for political standing in the Holy Roman Empire's diet. They purchased the County of Vaduz in 1712 — but didn't bother visiting their new principality until 1818, over a century later. The family's actual estates were in Bohemia and Moravia; the Rhine territories were just a necessary title.

Landmarks & Culture

Vaduz Castle — A Real Home

Vaduz Castle dominates the town from a wooded hillside. Built in the 12th century and expanded over subsequent centuries, it has been the primary residence of the ruling Prince since 1938. The interior is not open to the public — it is an actual private home. Visitors can walk up to the castle gates and enjoy views over Vaduz and into Switzerland across the Rhine.

Rent the Country

Liechtenstein offers something almost no country does: you can rent it for corporate events. For a fee, businesses can book Vaduz for team-building retreats, effectively having the capital largely to themselves for an evening. The country also relies historically on postage stamps as a revenue source — Liechtenstein stamps are collectors' items worldwide.

Fast Facts

• One of only two doubly landlocked countries — surrounded entirely by landlocked nations.
• Army disbanded 1868 after soldiers returned with more people than they left with.
• Vaduz Castle is the Prince's actual private home — not a museum, not open to the public.
• Liechtenstein uses Swiss francs and has an open border with Switzerland — essentially the same economic zone.
• One of the world's highest GDP per capita; major industries include precision manufacturing and financial services.