Vaduz, Capital city in Rhine Valley, Liechtenstein
Vaduz is the national capital of Liechtenstein, lying along the eastern bank of the Rhine and framed by wooded mountain slopes. The small town spreads over gentle hillsides, with the castle perched on a rocky outcrop above the rooftops and the center gathered along a short pedestrian street.
The settlement was first mentioned in writing during the 12th century and grew around a medieval fortress. In the 18th century the princely family acquired the lordship and the settlement became the administrative seat of the newly established principality.
The name comes from the Latin word for ford, recalling a time when travelers crossed the river at this point. Today locals meet in the pedestrian streets, stopping at small shops and cafés while visitors walk past wine cellars and traditional restaurants.
The town is easy to explore on foot, as most sights are close together and the center is compact. Buses from Switzerland stop directly in the center, from where hiking trails lead into the surrounding mountains.
The princely family actually lives in the castle that towers above the town and is not open to visitors. On national holidays the princely couple invites residents into the gardens, where visitors can chat with locals over a glass of wine.
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