An extremely rich European country with a small population and no airport remains difficult to reach for tourists. It offers spectacular alpine landscapes, discreet luxury and absolute tranquility, being one of the most exclusive destinations in Europe.
According to data provided by tour operator Riviera Travel, in 2024 tourists spent more than 200,000 nights in Liechtenstein. In comparison, Serbia, the tenth least visited country, recorded more than 12.6 million nights spent by tourists, underscoring Liechtenstein’s low-key character.
Located between Switzerland and Austria, Liechtenstein is one of the smallest and least known countries in Europe. The principality is a microstate and is doubly landlocked, which means that to reach the coast, you have to pass through at least two other countries, writes express.
With an area of just 62 square miles and a population of about 40,000, Liechtenstein is the fourth smallest country in Europe and sixth in the world.
However, the country is notable for its prosperity: it is one of the richest nations and is ruled by a highly influential monarch.
Prince Hans-Adam II has an estimated fortune of £7.9 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, ranking him among the 300 richest people in the world.
The principality also boasts the highest density of millionaires in the world: almost 19% of households are classified as millionaires. Liechtenstein is also one of the few debt-free countries, and in the past was considered a tax haven for billionaires.
As an alpine country, Liechtenstein attracts winter sports enthusiasts with resorts such as Malbun, but the mountainous terrain does not allow for the construction of an airport.
The nearest airport is Altenrhein in Switzerland, 30 minutes from Vaduz, and Zurich Airport is approximately 90 minutes by car.
The principality has no railway stations or seaports, and rail connections are made via the Swiss border stations of Buchs and Sargans, or via the Austrian station of Feldkirch.
