At a glance
- Best for
- Family skiing, ridge hikes and Alpine calm
- Nearest airport
- Zurich, about two and a half hours by train and bus
- Time needed
- One to three days
- Best season
- December to March for snow, late June to September for hiking
- Getting around
- LIEmobil bus from Vaduz, then walking
- Good base for
- The Fürstin Gina Weg, Pfälzerhütte and Sareis
The village
Malbun sits in a bowl at the head of a high valley, ringed by peaks on the border with Austria. Everything is within walking distance: a handful of hotels, a few restaurants, ski schools, a small chapel and the lift stations. It is quiet in the shoulder seasons, when many businesses close, and busy but never frantic in winter and high summer. Members of the British royal family famously learned to ski here in the past, and the resort still has a homely, unpretentious feel.
Winter in Malbun
The ski area, run by **Bergbahnen Malbun**, is small by Alpine standards, with chairlifts to **Sareis** and **Hochegg** and runs that suit beginners, children and relaxed intermediate skiers. Ski schools teach in German and English, and there are gentle practice areas near the village. Beyond the pistes you can try snowshoe trails, winter walking paths, sledging, and cross country skiing on the loops in the Saminatal around Steg, a few minutes down the road. Avalanche risk applies off piste, so stay on marked runs unless you go with a qualified guide.
Summer hiking
When the snow melts, Malbun becomes a hiking base. The classic route is the **Fürstin Gina Weg**, named after Princess Gina, which starts with a chairlift ride to Sareis and follows a ridge along the Austrian border to the **Pfälzerhütte**, a mountain hut on the Bettlerjoch pass. The views stretch over the Rhine valley on one side and the Gamperdona valley of Austria on the other. The route has some exposed sections and takes most of a day, so start early and check the weather. Easier options include walks around the valley floor, the short climb to the **Friedenskapelle** chapel and family trails with play areas.
Falconry and family fun
The **Liechtensteiner Falknerei Galina** puts on flight shows with eagles, falcons and owls in summer, a highlight for children. Malbun's ski area and the summer lift also run family friendly activities such as adventure trails and playgrounds.
Food
Mountain restaurants at Sareis and in the village serve rösti, Käsknöpfle, soups and cakes, with sunny terraces. Many places close between seasons, typically in spring and late autumn, so check opening times before you plan a meal.
Where to stay
Malbun has a small number of hotels, from family hotels with children's clubs to simple mountain lodges, plus holiday apartments. Book early for school holidays. If Malbun is full, Triesenberg and Steg are short bus rides away, and Vaduz is about half an hour down the mountain.
Getting there
Tips for your visit
Pack sun cream and sunglasses even in winter, because the altitude makes the sun strong. Mountain weather changes fast, so check the forecast before ridge walks.
Take a LIEmobil bus from Vaduz through Triesenberg and the road tunnel to Malbun. The road is kept clear in winter, but drivers should carry winter equipment. Lifts and many businesses close in spring and late autumn, so check the lift operator's season dates. Plan your stops with our places to visit list and the free trip planner, and read the Triesenberg guide for the villages on the way up.
Questions about Malbun
Is Malbun good for beginners?
Yes. Malbun is small and gentle, with ski schools, practice areas and mostly easy and intermediate runs, which makes it a favourite with families and first time skiers.
Can I visit Malbun in summer?
Yes. Lifts run in summer for hikers, and the Fürstin Gina Weg, the Pfälzerhütte and falconry shows are summer highlights. Some hotels and restaurants close between seasons.
How long is the Fürstin Gina Weg?
Most people take a few hours from the Sareis lift to the Pfälzerhütte and back down to Malbun. It has exposed sections, so you need good boots and settled weather.
How do I get to Malbun?
Take a LIEmobil bus from Vaduz via Triesenberg. The ride takes about half an hour, and services are more frequent in the ski season.
Facts checked . Fees, schedules and entry rules change, so always confirm the latest with the official source.
