Hiking in Liechtenstein: The Princes Way Trail

Liechtenstein is a paradise for hikers who seek breathtaking alpine panoramas, hearty mountain hut food and well marked trails. There are so many trekking trails in the principality of Liechtenstein, one of the tiniest but richest countries in this world, that you’ll have a hard choice on which one to do.

On my short weekend trip to the principality, I got to do several hikes. Despite the limited size of Liechtenstein, I couldn’t do every hike in Liechtenstein in 2 days (Just that you get an idea of many trails there are!).

Read more about what to do in Liechtenstein

There seems to be a trail for everybody: multi-day trails that go across the entire country (“Route 66“), routes for less experienced hikers, trails for adventurous outdoor enthusiasts…

The choice is yours! Without any doubt, in my eyes, the Princess-Gina Trail is one of the most picturesque trails of this charming little country.  

Before going to hike in the Alps, I recommend checking out the best time to visit Europe. As Liechtenstein is surrounded by Switzerland and Austria, you can easily combine your trip to Liechtenstein with several of the 25 best things to do in Switzerland or with a day trip from Zurich.

Read on why the Princess Gina hiking trail is the perfect blend of the best Liechtenstein’s trekking trails have to offer.

The Princess-Gina Trail, in German Fürstin Gina Weg, has all it needs to become the ideal hiking trail of Liechtenstein: alpine panorama views, dramatic mountain peaks, huts serving delicious food and a unique flora. The trail is named after the mother of the actual Prince, Princess Gina von Wilczek. It’s definitely one of the top things to do when traveling to Liechtenstein.

We started in Malbun, the winter sports hotspot of Liechtenstein.

Here you can decide whether you want to get up to the first peak, Sareis, by foot or by chairlift. As we knew that the trek would be quite long (12km), we opted for the chairlift which spoiled us already with lovely views on the alpine village of Malbun.

First, breakfast!

Arrival point is the ski station of Sareis which ideally comes with a picturesque mountain hut named “Berggasthof Sareis“. It’s the perfect location to enjoy a hearty breakfast with breathtaking views from its wooden terrace. It’s truely a princely vista that you got from this spot.

Just perfect to rally all forces to climb the Augstenberg peak of 2359m.

Flowers Everywhere!

The Augstenberg is the destination of the hike’s first part departing from Sareis station. The trail leads you along the ridge, filled with unique colourful flowers, to the Sareiserjoch. The charming flowers add so much to the delight of this trek.

According to our guide, some of them are true rarities.

By the end of the ridge, the climb to the Augstenberg (2359m) begins. It’s much more challenging than the first part, but therefore the views get better and better. As the path gets more craggy with every step you take, the enormous cross of the peak comes closer and closer. We’re almost there!

The sensations when you finally reach the Augstenberg peak are overwhelming: I felt both relieved to have coped with the challenging ascend and totally in awe when glancing at the jaw-dropping view over the valley of Malbun, the Alps of Liechtenstein, Switzerland and Austria.

My stomach starts rumbling again, it’s most definitely time for lunch! Fortunately the next mountain hut isn’t far away. But the path leading to the highly desired meal in Pfälzerhütte is steep and tedious. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot some ibex or marmots.

Finally we reach the mountain hut Pfälzerhütte. I can’t wait to devour my hearty lunch inspired by German and Austrian cuisine in front of the breathtaking views over the mountains.

Having lunch in a charming mountain hut was definitely one of the highlights of my visit to Liechtenstein.

So far we trekked half way of the circular trail to Malbun. The descend from Pfälzerhütte to Malbun leads along scenic mountain views to the mountain pasture “Alp Gritsch“. Here the trail is broad and very easy to walk. It’s been pure bliss!

Descend to Malbun, Liechtenstein

At the turnstile, preventing from cows to enter, the trail descends along lush green pastures to Malbun. Sometimes I felt like in a scene of the “Sound of Music” movie. The topic of Liechtenstein as a financial hub couldn’t be more far away.

It’s all so quiet and idyllic. Cows are grazing peacefully, crickets chirp cheerfully as you get closer to the final destination of the trail: Malbun.

Visit Malbun

Malbun offers several leisure options. The legendary eagle and owl show at the Falknerei Galina is definitely the most prominent one. Listening to the falconer Norman Vögeli and his unique relationship with his birds are definitely a huge highlight for children and adults.

Always remember that these birds are not imprisoned but since the age of 5 years, they make their decisions autonomously and whether they want to stay with the falconer or not.

Having dinner at the restaurant of Falknei Galina is the crowing glory of an exciting day and a glorious hike in the principality of Liechtenstein. The Princess Gina Trail is, along these 10 Things To Do in Liechtenstein, just 1 reason more, why you, hiking lovers, should put Liechtenstein on your travel map.

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I did the Princess Gina hike in the very good company of several other passionate bloggers: Doris, Julia and Cindy. Don’t forget to check out their blogs (in German):

Doris: DorisWold.at
Julia: Living4Taste.de
Cindy: RunFurther.de

I recommend the Liechtenstein Museum and Adventure Pass which will give you free entry to most museums and important discounts on many attraction throughout the country. It’s most definitely worth its money.
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In order to get more information on tourism in Liechtenstein, I recommend the site of Tourism Board of Liechtenstein.

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Os recomiendo la tarjeta Museum y Adventure Pass, que te dará entrada gratis a muchos sitios y todavía más descuentos en las atracciones más importantes del país.
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Para más información sobre Liechtenstein, os recomiendo la página web de la Oficina de Turismo de Liechtenstein.

Disclaimer:  I have been a guest of the Tourism Board of Liechtenstein. All my opinions, as always, are my own. This post contains affiliate links. In case you purchase one of the items, I’ll receive a small commission at no extra cost for you.