LIECHTENSTEIN: Triesenberg & Vaduz

Everyone says there’s nothing going on in Liechtenstein. I say good. With all of the turmoil, corruption, and stupidity in the world, it’s nice to have a place to go and get away from it all. Like Switzerland the prices are out of this world, but luckily I found a hotel that could offset some of my expenses. As it turned out, I had the nicest stay of my world tour thus far.

First glimpses of Liechtenstein from the bus.

HOTEL OBERLAND – Triesenberg – Home for the next four days.

My tiny but extremely luxurious and cozy room. It’s funny, but like me, many people prefer this to the more spacious rooms with a view. Single travelers like myself just take to it for some reason. I won’t drop any names, but there are a few very wealthy owners of large companies that you would immediately recognize who will only stay in this room. As small as it is you don’t feel cramped due to the first class design.

There is even a flat screen with over 100 channels. Over ten of them are English speaking which is rare. Anton the Innkeeper, has such an attention to detail and is without a doubt the most hospitable host I have encountered in my 55-years of travel.

Everything is spotless and gleaming, and there is even a spacious shower. It’s a three-star property, but I have stayed at many four stars that can’t approach their quality and value. This room is only $75 a night which is extremely reasonable in one of the most expensive countries in Europe. A substantive breakfast is offered gratis that includes cold cuts, hard-boiled eggs, quality cheeses, and the usual continental fare. You can even order a delicious, frothy cappuccino at no extra charge.

Oh and here’s the view from the hotel terrace.

AND THIS…

AND THIS…

AND THIS.

 

RESTAURANT KAINER

Dinner at my favorite restaurant with a fantastic view, good food, and a sweet and kind waitress. There is no kinder place than the Kainer.

Such a lovely peaceful place.

Beautiful Sunday – The Following Day – Perfect Weather

I’m off for a pleasant stroll to soak up the countryside.

 

MINI HOUSE

Hiking down the mountain through Triesen to the town of Vaduz.

 

 

 

VADUZ TOWN CENTER

 

 

 

                          KUNSHAUS MUSEUM

Pablo PICASSO

Paul KLEE – Clown

Gianni COLOMBO – Spazio Elastico – 1968

 

This is a motorized artwork that is about a meter deep. It is constantly undulating and changing shape. You could stare at this thing for hours. It’s made of thin metal tubing and nylon line.

Günter FRUHTRUNK – Diagonal Progression – 1970

René MAGRITTE – La Chambre du Devin – 1926

Just a quick splash of art today since it was free admission today, followed by a quick sandwich to fuel the next leg of my extensive alpine trekking.

VINEYARDS IN THE BACKYARD

 

On my way, hiking to Vaduz Castle.

Just one of many elegant homes with beautiful sculpture in their gardens.

VADUZ CASTLE AWAITS

FRANZ JOSEF

 

ANOTHER BEAUTIFUL VIEW

 

VADUZ CASTLE

It is the home to the Royal Family and not open to the general public, but is awfully nice for a flyby on a beautiful Sunday afternoon.

PRIVATE ENTRANCE

 

 

Laughing it up after being accused of being a Catholic priest. A fellow stopped with his family to offer me a ride after mistaking me for a member of the clergy. Doesn’t he know better than to offer a ride to a Catholic priest when he’s got a van load full of kids?

Now to complete my nine-mile circular hike back up the mountain to the town of Triesenberg and the Hotel Oberland.

JOHANN II

 

I made it home after my refreshing outing.

Beautiful sculpture to go with their multi-million dollar view.

 

Hotel Oberland – My Last Night

Bad weather on my last two days afforded me the time to get caught up on the blog, enjoy the hotel, and try out the sauna. I am going to miss this place so much. I can’t help but think I’ll be back regardless of the expense and inconvenience of getting here and out of here. For those wishing to visit this area a car is recommended. If you do visit, this hotel is the only way to go. If you’re by yourself go for my micro-suite. Captains of industry, as well as one travel zealot, have slept in that bed. What a nice vacation.