Things To Do
in Eschen

Eschen is a small, leafy municipality in Liechtenstein's Rhine Valley, just a short drive from Vaduz. It sits at the foothills of the Alps and is bordered by Schaan, offering easy access to rural lanes and scenic viewpoints. The village exudes a calm, family-friendly vibe with convenient connections to hiking trails and cross-border day trips.

Expect a blend of traditional Alpine charm and efficient Swiss-style convenience in daily life.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Eschen
morning
:

Arrive in the charming village of Eschen and settle into your cozy accommodation. Take a leisurely stroll around the local area to soak in the picturesque scenery and fresh alpine air. Stop by a nearby café to enjoy a traditional Swiss breakfast of fresh bread, cheese, and coffee.

afternoon
:

Explore the historic sights of Eschen by visiting the local church, which dates back several centuries. Wander the small streets, observing the architecture and quaint homes that reflect the rich culture of Liechtenstein. Stop by a local craft shop to pick up some handmade souvenirs.

evening
:

Dine at a family-run restaurant that serves traditional Liechtenstein cuisine. Taste the local specialties, such as Käsknöpfle (cheese noodles) and apple strudel, while enjoying a warm, welcoming atmosphere. After dinner, take a peaceful evening walk and enjoy the beauty of the surrounding landscape under the starry sky.

day 2
Hiking Adventure
morning
:

Start your day early with a hearty breakfast before heading out on a hiking trail in the nearby Rappenstein Mountains. Enjoy the stunning vistas as you trek through lush forests and flower-filled meadows. Don't forget to pack a camera to capture the breathtaking views along the way.

afternoon
:

Reach the summit for a well-deserved picnic lunch with a view; relish the local flavors while surrounded by nature. After lunch, continue exploring the various trails suitable for different skill levels, encountering intriguing wildlife and flora. Take a moment to relax and immerse yourself in the tranquility of the stunning surroundings.

evening
:

Return to Eschen and unwind at a local pub with refreshing drinks to celebrate your hiking accomplishments. Engage in conversations with friendly locals who can share stories and insights about the region. Enjoy a relaxed evening, perhaps with some live music if available.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
Coffee or pastry$3-6
🚌Public transport ticket (one-way)$3-5
🛏️Budget hotel night$100-180
🧀Cheese or groceries$5-15

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Compact, walkable town with Alpine scenery
  • Safe and family-friendly; easy day trips to Vaduz and Schaan
  • Limited nightlife and dense tourist infrastructure
  • Higher prices relative to some neighboring regions
  • "Grüezi" - Hello
  • "Danke" - Thank you
  • "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Wo ist der Bahnhof?" - Where is the train station?
  • "Wie viel kostet das?" - How much does this cost?
  • "Entschuldigung" - Excuse me / Sorry
  • "Ich verstehe nicht" - I don’t understand
  • "Können Sie mir helfen?" - Can you help me?

Places to Visit in Eschen

Visit one of these nice places.

Eschnerberg Summit Viewpoint

Panoramic overlook above Eschen with sweeping views of the Rhine Valley and the Alpine panorama, best at sunset.

Rhine Riverbank near Schaan-Vaduz

Accessible riverbank with reflections on the water and distant mountain silhouettes for wide-angle shots.

Vaduz Castle from the River Trail

Dramatic angle of Vaduz Castle perched above the town, framed by the Rhine and mountains.

Culinary Guide

Food in Eschen

Liechtenstein's cuisine blends Swiss-German Alpine flavors with dairy-rich dishes and locally raised meat, heavily influenced by nearby Austria and Switzerland.

Eschen Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Käsknöpfle

A cheesy noodle dish similar to Käseknöpfli; widely served in Eschen and nearby towns. Try it with a touch of apple sauce on the side.

Must-Try!

Schlorzifladen

A traditional apple pastry with kirsch and raisins; a common sweet treat in Liechtenstein bakeries.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Vaduz–Schaan Farmers Markets

Seasonal markets just a short drive away where you can sample cheeses, breads, pretzels and local produce.

Climate Guide

Weather

Liechtenstein has a temperate Alpine climate with mild summers and cold winters; in the Rhine Valley it can be warmer than the mountains during summer; late spring and autumn are especially pleasant for outdoor activities.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Grüezi

A common greeting in German; use with a smile when meeting someone in public.

Punctuality

Being on time is valued for appointments and meetings.

Dress

Smart casual is typical; especially in towns like Vaduz connected to government and culture.

Safety Guide

Safety

Liechtenstein is very safe with low crime rates; standard safety precautions apply for mountain weather and cross-border travel. Use common sense when hiking in remote areas, check weather forecasts, and carry water and a charged phone. On the roads, watch for winter conditions and occasional glare from sun on snow.

Tipping in Eschen

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Service fees are not always included; rounding up or leaving 5-10% in restaurants is common if you’re satisfied.

Payment Methods

Cash (CHF) is widely accepted; cards are common in shops and restaurants; euros are sometimes accepted in tourist areas; some smaller places may prefer cash.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Warm, dry days ideal for hikes and outdoor cafes; occasional thunderstorms; bring a light jacket for cooler evenings.

Autumn

Pleasant temperatures with colorful foliage; great for countryside photography; harvest markets are active.

Winter

Cold with regular snowfall; some mountain roads may be closed; cross-border day trips to nearby Swiss towns are common.

Spring

Mild temperatures and blooming orchards; the countryside comes alive with green growth and flowers.

Nightlife Guide

Eschen at Night

In Eschen, nightlife is low-key and mostly centered in nearby towns like Vaduz and Schaan. Expect quiet cafes, wine bars, and casual pubs rather than large clubs. For broader options, head to Vaduz in the evening, where you can find live music venues and lounges, with most places closing by midnight.

Hiking in Eschen

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Eschnerberg Ridge Loop

Popular loop with scenic lookouts and manageable elevation for most hikers.

Rhine Valley Riverside Path

Flat-to-moderate terrain along the Rhine with views of the Swiss and Austrian Alps.

Malbun Panorama Trail (nearby resort area)

Scenic route around Liechtenstein’s alpine resort, offering high-altitude views and forest scenery.

Airports

How to reach Eschen by plane.

Zurich Airport (ZRH)

Major international hub about 100-120 km by road, with frequent connections across Europe; convenient for long-haul travelers.

St. Gallen-Altenrhein Airport (ACH)

Smaller regional airport about 40-60 minutes away by car; good for short-haul flights and connections to Switzerland.

Friedrichshafen Airport (FDH)

Regional airport near Lake Constance, offering some European links; ~1.5 hours drive.

Memmingen Airport (FMM)

Another regional option with limited but useful connections; roughly 1.5-2 hours by road.

Getting Around

Walkability

Eschen is small and very walkable, with compact streets and easy access to surrounding trails. Public transport links connect to Vaduz and Schaan, but most exploring can be done on foot within the village and nearby viewpoints.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Residents

Primarily German-speaking Liechtensteiners and locals from neighboring Swiss towns; families and retirees are common groups.

Expatriates

Small numbers of international professionals and cross-border workers who commute from Switzerland and Austria.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Skiing and Snowboarding

Nearby alpine resorts offer winter sports and lessons during the season.

Hiking and Mountain Biking

Extensive trails throughout the Rhine Valley and Alpine foothills.

Football (Soccer)

Popular recreational activity and local clubs in the region.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is generally light in Eschen; the village relies on a well-maintained road network. Public transport (bus) is reliable for connections to Vaduz and Schaan. In winter, mountain passes may require caution and winter tires; cross-border trips can be busier during fairs and holidays.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Eschen.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are available; look for cheese-focused dishes and vegetable plates; communicate dietary needs clearly in German or English.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare in Liechtenstein is of high quality and closely integrated with Swiss services. In Eschen, primary care and pharmacies are available locally, with hospitals and specialists in Vaduz or cross-border Swiss facilities in St. Gallen or Feldkirch for more advanced care.

Discover Liechtenstein

Read more in our Liechtenstein 2025 Travel Guide.

Liechtenstein Travel Guide