Castle ruins, heritage houses and hiking trails in beautiful alpine countryside are part of this peaceful northern corner of Liechtenstein.
Schellenberg is a destination to explore Liechtenstein’s picturesque Unterland region. Visit the relics of centuries-old fortresses, walk amid lush green landscapes and stay overnight at quaint villages. Schellenberg sits on the slopes of the Eschnerberg hills. It is part of the Lordship of Schellenberg, a one-time state of the Holy Roman Empire that was united with the County of Vaduz in 1719 to form the Principality of Liechtenstein.
Within the town are a number of historical buildings and landmarks. Among these is the Frauenkloster Schellenberg, a nunnery that has been a residence of the Sisters of the Precious Blood since 1858. The Biedermann Museum is a 16th-century farmstead with artefacts highlighting the traditions of rural Liechtenstein. Look for a stone pillar with a plaque honouring the nation’s acceptance of Soviet soldiers seeking asylum after World War II.
Spend a day touring the relics of the area’s medieval fortresses. Just outside the town is the Lower Castle, first constructed in 1250 and added to for a century after. In the Hinterschloss area is the Upper Castle, built in 1200. Reach both easily on foot from the town centre.. It stretches south via evergreen forests and sprawling meadows from Schellenberg to Bendern. Enjoy sublime panoramas of the Appenzell Alps and the Rhine Valley. Stop off at the ancient settlements of Lutzengütle and Malanser. To the northeast, a rugged trail along the Liechtenstein-Austria border offers views of Feldkirch and Austria’s Eastern Alps.. Spot exotic birds at the Birka Bird Paradise and browse folk exhibits at the MuseumMura. Learn about the importance of water to the Rhine Valley at Küefer-Martis-Huus in Ruggell.
Schellenberg is just a 20-minute drive north of Liechtenstein’s capital, Vaduz. Travel between the two by taking public buses. Local buses also travel across the Austrian border to Feldkirch and to Buchs, Switzerland.
