Balzers Travel Guide

Discover Balzers, a charming town in Liechtenstein, with our comprehensive guide. From natural attractions, must-visit places, local culture, food, and everything in between, plan your next trip with ease.


Introduction to Balzers

Nestled in the heart of Liechtenstein, Balzers is a quaint town famous for its natural beauty and historical significance. This idyllic destination promises a serene escape from the bustling city life. Balzers is a town full of surprises, with a mix of culture, history, stunning landscapes, outdoor activities, and serene nature. The town is small enough to be explored on foot but has everything required to keep visitors entertained for days.

List of Places to Visit in Balzers

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

If you love learning about different cultures and historical architectures, Balzers has some great attractions to offer. The following are a few of the must-visit tourist spots in Balzers.

  1. Gutenberg Castle: This fascinating museum is located on the Schlossberg hill and is one of the most popular landmarks in Balzers. The castle’s history goes back to the Middle Ages, and the museum features interactive exhibits that tell the story of the castle’s past. Visiting the Gutenberg Castle will give you a glimpse into the life of royalty and the Middle Ages.

  2. St. Martin’s Church: A historic church in the heart of the town, St. Martin’s Church houses some of Liechtenstein’s most awe-inspiring murals and beautiful frescos, which have been restored and preserved over the years.

Natural Attractions of Balzers: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Balzers is a hidden gem for those who love outdoor activities and nature. The town is surrounded by mountains, and there are plenty of outdoor activities you can enjoy to experience nature at its best.

  1. Burg Gutenberg Trails: The trails offer stunning views of the town from the castle ruins. It’s is a perfect hike for visitors who want to experience the beauty of nature.

  2. Balzers Forest Adventure Park: Set in the middle of the forest, this park is perfect for adrenaline junkies and kids. The park features a rope course, giant zip line, and other outdoor activities that will keep visitors engaged for hours.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Balzers

If you love hiking and biking, Balzers has plenty of trails to offer, which will allow you to explore the stunning views of the town.

  1. The Three Castles Trail: This trail is for hikers who can handle a long-distance trek. The trail covers the three medieval castles of Balzers and impressive panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

  2. Balzers Bike Trails: Balzers has some of the best mountain bike trails in the region, offering options for riders of all levels from beginners to experienced riders.

Best Things to Do in Balzers: Activities and Tours

Balzers has plenty of activities to offer for visitors of all ages. From exploring museums to scenic views and outdoor adventures.

  1. Liechtensteiner Brauhaus Brewery Tour: Beer lovers cannot miss out on this brewery tour. It’s a fun and entertaining way to learn about the brewing process while tasting some of the best beer in the region.

  2. Paragliding Tour in Balzers: Experience the thrill of flying over the countryside by availing paragliding tour. Get a bird’s eye view of the natural beauty of Balzers and its surrounding areas.

Week-Long Itinerary for Balzers

To make the most out of your visit to Balzers, it’s recommended to plan a five to seven-day itinerary. Below is a sample itinerary that will allow you to explore the best Balzers has to offer.

Day 1 Arrive in Balzers and check-in to your hotel. Explore the town at your own pace.
Day 2 Visit the historical landmarks in Balzers, such as Gutenberg Castle and St. Martin’s Church.
Day 3 Spend the day in the mountains with an outdoor adventure like the Burg Gutenberg Trail or Balzers Forest Adventure Park.
Day 4 Experience the stunning views while hiking or biking.
Day 5 Enjoy a paragliding tour or visit the Liechtensteiner Brauhaus Brewery.
Day 6 Take a day trip to nearby towns or cities, such as Vaduz or Zurich.
Day 7 Depart from Balzers, having experienced everything the town has to offer.

Food and Drink Scene of Balzers

Must-Try Dishes

Balzers has a rich culinary culture, and the town’s restaurants offer many different dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. Here are some of the must-try dishes.

  1. Käseschnitte: A popular Swiss dish that consists of melted cheese on top of crispy bread.

  2. Röstli: It is a dish made of grated potatoes, fried onions, and bacon. It’s a perfect meal after a long day’s hike.

Local Beverages

  1. Wine: Balzers has a long history of winemaking, and the town’s vineyards produce some of the best wines in the region. The local wineries sell red, white, and rose wines, which are a must-try for visitors.

  2. Bier: Liechtenstein has a few breweries that produce delicious beer. The most famous is the Liechtensteiner Brauhaus, which offers brewery tours and tastings.

Where to Stay in Balzers: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Balzers has a variety of accommodations to offer, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious hotels. Here are some of our top picks.

  1. Hotel Martha Buehlerhof: A charming hotel located in the center of town, offering amazing views and all modern amenities.

  2. Youth Hostel Balzers: A budget-friendly option for backpackers seeking affordable accommodations. The hostel has a central location, bunk beds, and a communal kitchen.

What to Buy in Balzers: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you’re looking for something to take back home, you’ll find plenty of options in Balzers. Here are some of the best souvenirs and local products to consider.

  1. Liechtenstein Wine: Stock up on the town’s best wine, which makes for an excellent gift for your friends and family.

  2. Handmade crafts: Check out the local shops selling handmade crafts made by the town’s artisans. You’ll find unique items such as pottery, paintings, and handmade jewelry.

Local Culture and Customs of Balzers

Balzers has a unique culture, and visitors should respect local customs and traditions. Some of the most common customs and traditions include:

  1. Politeness and Respect: Greetings are an essential part of Liechtenstein culture. Visitors should greet the locals when they meet them and show proper respect.

  2. Language: German is the official language of Liechtenstein, and most of the locals speak it. Visitors should learn a few basic German phrases before visiting Balzers.

Best Time to Visit Balzers

The best time to visit Balzers is during the summer months from June through September. The weather is warm, and the town’s outdoor activities are in full swing. Winter and spring months can be colder, but there’s no denying the beauty of winter landscapes.

Do’s and Don’ts of Balzers

Do:

  1. Respect the local culture and customs.
  2. Explore the great outdoors, and take some fantastic photos.
  3. Visit the local museums to learn about the town’s rich history.

Don’t:

  1. Litter or cause any environmental damage.
  2. Be loud and noisy in public places
  3. Disrespect any religious or cultural ceremonies.

Safety and Health

Safety in Balzers

Balzers is a safe town with a low crime rate, and visitors can explore the town without worrying about their safety. However, visitors must take standard safety precautions, such as locking their doors, keeping their wallets and passports safe, and being alert when using public transportation.

Health in Balzers

Liechtenstein has a modern healthcare infrastructure, and visitors can access quality healthcare facilities in case of any medical emergencies. However, visitors must still have travel insurance to cover any medical expenses.

Getting to Balzers: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Balzers

Balzers is easily accessible from two international airports:

  1. Zurich Airport is the largest hub in Switzerland and is approximately 132 km from Balzers.

  2. Stuttgart Airport is approximately 200 km from Balzers and is one of the closest airports in the region.

Bus Stations Near Balzers

Balzers is also easy to reach by bus. The town is served by the Liechtenstein Bus network, which connects the town to most major destinations in Liechtenstein and Switzerland.

Other Options

People traveling from within the region can use road transport, trains, or hire a private car.

How to Get Around in Balzers

Balzers is a small town that can be easily explored on foot. The town has a reliable network of buses and taxis. Buses run every half hour and cover many tourist spots of the town. Visitors who want to explore the mountains can rent a bicycle, motorbike or a scooter.

Where to Go Next from Balzers: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

There are plenty of nearby destinations that visitors can explore after a visit to Balzers. Some of the popular destinations include:

  1. Vaduz: The capital of Liechtenstein is just 10 km away from Balzers. It is a charming town that features many historical landmarks, museums, and galleries.

  2. Zurich: The largest city in Switzerland is just 1.5 hours away from Balzers. Zurich is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the region, featuring museums, galleries, shopping centers, and much more.

Conclusion

Balzers is a true hidden gem, a town full of surprises, from cultural important attractions to scenic views and outdoor adventures. This comprehensive travel guide will help visitors make the most out of their visit to this charming town and experience everything Balzers has to offer.

The castle in Balzers. The castle in Balzers.