Balzers: Gutenberg Castle and the southern Rhine valley

Gutenberg Castle

**Burg Gutenberg** stands on a rocky knoll in the middle of the village, its walls and towers rising above vineyards and gardens. The site has been settled since prehistoric times, and a medieval castle stood here before falling into ruin. In the early twentieth century it was rebuilt in a romantic style, and today it belongs to the state. The castle interior is opened for guided tours, events and concerts on selected dates rather than daily, so check with the municipality or the tourist office. Even when closed, a walk around the hill and up to the chapel below gives fine views and photos.

Chapels and the village

Balzers has several small chapels, including **St. Peter's chapel** with its old frescoes, and the large parish church of St. Nicholas. The old village streets around the castle are pleasant to wander, with traditional houses, fountains and gardens. Like the rest of the Rhine valley, Balzers is surrounded by fields and orchards, giving it a rural feel despite being only a few minutes from Vaduz.

Walking and cycling

The **Rhine dam path** runs along the river for the full length of the country. From Balzers it is flat and easy going north to Triesen and Vaduz, ideal for a bike ride or a relaxed walk with views of the mountains on both sides. To the south, the **Ellhorn** is a forested hill on the border with Switzerland, with paths and views over the Luziensteig pass. The **Liechtenstein Trail**, which crosses the whole country, starts or ends in Balzers.

Bikes can be hired from local outlets and the regional bike sharing scheme, and electric bikes make the climb into the hills easier. Paths are well signed for cyclists.

Seasons and events

Balzers is at its best from spring to autumn, when the castle hill is green and the river paths are dry. The village has an active cultural life, with concerts at the castle and community events through the year. The carnival season, **Fasnacht**, is celebrated in the villages across Liechtenstein, and the **Funkensonntag** bonfires on the first Sunday of Lent light up hillsides all over the valley.

Food

Balzers has a few village inns and restaurants serving Swiss and Liechtenstein dishes. For more choice, Vaduz is about fifteen minutes north by bus, and Sargans is the same distance south across the border.

Where to stay

Accommodation in Balzers itself is limited to a few small hotels and holiday apartments. Most visitors see it as a half day trip from Vaduz, or stop on the way in or out by bus from Sargans.

Getting there

Tips for your visit

Combine Balzers with a ride along the Rhine path to Vaduz, or with Triesen on the way north. Bring a picnic, since village restaurants keep limited hours, and check castle event dates before you travel if you hope to see inside. Spring blossom and autumn colours make the castle hill especially photogenic.

LIEmobil buses link Sargans railway station in Switzerland with Balzers, Triesen and Vaduz, making Balzers an easy first or last stop on a trip. Check the timetable for current routes. Find places to eat and see with our places to visit list, and see the Vaduz guide for the capital just up the valley. The free trip planner will help you fit it all together.