Discover castles and Apline scenery just 90 minutes from the UK

September heralds a fabulous opportunity to explore the European mainland, boasting reduced travel costs amidst the captivating autumnal landscapes.

With gentle temperatures ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and city wanderings, top destinations such as Paris, Copenhagen, and Amsterdam beckon travellers during the seasonal shift.

Yet, amidst Europe’s vast offerings, Liechtenstein emerges as a gem of grand vistas without the crowds.

Nestled snugly between Switzerland and Austria, the Principality of Liechtenstein hosts approximately 40,000 residents over its compact 160 square kilometres.

Despite its size, this diminutive nation stands out as Europe’s fourth-smallest state, and the world’s sixth least extensive by area.

A TikTok poster using the handle @livingourmemories became utterly enchanted with Liechtenstein’s charm, sharing a breathtaking video capturing the essence of this pocket-sized country.

Their post said: “Can you believe this what the 4th smallest country in Europe looks like?”

featuring a visual feast of dense pine forests and vibrant azure lakes that define the region’s renowned beauty, reports the Mirror.

Liechtenstein boasts a rich tapestry of medieval castles, alpine scenery, and picturesque hamlets.

Its iconic Vaduz Castle, presiding over the capital for seven centuries, has remained the venerable home of the Princely Family since 1938.

Perched 120 meters above Vaduz, the capital city, an ancient fortress has become a symbol of Liechtenstein’s ‘fairytale’ charm.

Regrettably, the castle is not open to the public but guided tours of Vaduz and the Princely Theatre offer intriguing glimpses into its history.

Gutenberg Castle, situated just south of the capital, is another of this fascinating country’s beautiful historical fortresses.

According to the tourismus.li website: “The castle itself may have been built in the 12th century.

“It was inhabited until the 18th century. After that, the building fell into ruin before being rebuilt between 1905 and 1912.

“Visitors can walk to the castle from the nearby village, and the bailey (‘Vorburg’) is open throughout the year.”

But it’s not all about ancient castles and royalty here. The tiny principality also boasts some of Europe’s finest hiking trails.

The Liechtenstein Trail, a 75-kilometre-long adventure, ascends and descends from the Rhine’s banks to the mountain peaks.

Completing the trail in one go would take approximately 21 hours, so most outdoor enthusiasts divide the experience over several days, using the handy LIstory app for guidance.

Whether you’re cycling, hiking or simply taking a leisurely walk from south to north, or vice versa, the country’s iconic Alpine natural beauty is a sight to behold in autumn.

If the weather permits, enjoy a peaceful paddle in the serene Gaenglesee Lake in Steg or venture further for a lakeside barbecue at Stegersee Lake.

How to get to Liechtenstein from the UK

UK travellers looking to visit Liechtenstein, the nearest airport is Altenrhein Airport in Switzerland, which is approximately a 30-minute drive to the border.

Alternatively, Europe’s extensive rail network can transport passengers to the Swiss station of Sargans. From there, buses depart for Vaduz roughly every half an hour.