Nestled between Switzerland and Austria, in the heart of the Central European Alps, lies a wonderful travel destination that most vacationers have heard of but never seriously considered: Liechtenstein, the sixth-smallest country in the world, has a lot to offer travelers for a nation of just 38,000 inhabitants. A travel guide to one of the most beautiful places in Europe, which explorers often describe as an undiscovered paradise — and which is definitely worth a visit.

Liechtenstein is situated between Austria and Switzerland, making it a beautiful contrast to Central European destinations like the Netherlands or Nordic countries like Norway and Sweden. The state is based on a constitutional hereditary monarchy with a democratic foundation. The reigning head of state is Prince Hans-Adam II. With an area of just 160.47 square kilometers, Liechtenstein is the sixth-smallest country in the world. Yet it still has much to offer visitors: Liechtenstein lies on the right bank of the Rhine in the heart of the Alps and impresses with stunning views, for example of the Triesenberg. The Rhine Valley is the main settlement area, while the Samina Valley with its side valleys in the east boasts spectacular hiking trails, picturesque rivers, and gorges. A full 41 percent of Liechtenstein's area is forest:

Those who enjoy hiking and experiencing nature are in exactly the right place here, alongside destinations in Austria and Switzerland. Ab-in-den-Urlaub is one of many websites where you can book a vacation in Liechtenstein for just a few hundred euros. It's well worth giving this tiny principality a chance!

The country also has some surprising facts and experiences that regularly astonish visitors. While Liechtenstein is small, there are three other European microstates that are even smaller: Vatican City, Monaco, and San Marino are all tinier still.

Moreover, Liechtenstein is remarkably industrialized: with an industrial share of 41 percent of gross value added, the country ranks extremely high in global comparison and can nearly keep up with Europe's dream metropolises like London in this regard. The capital Vaduz has just 5,450 residents. Yet it is an internationally recognized financial center! The municipality had over 10,000 jobs at the end of 2014 and ranks 69th in the Global Financial Centres Index. With the Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein, Vaduz Castle, St. Florin Chapel, and the Parliament Building, the city offers visitors plenty to see.

The thriving casino industry also defies Liechtenstein's image as a rural state: it was only in 2009 that the gambling ban was lifted — and since then the industry has boomed. In May 2019, it was announced that in addition to the two casinos already operating in Liechtenstein, three more would soon follow. The current gaming houses, Casino Admiral in Ruggell and Casino Schaanwald, generated revenues of 12 million Swiss francs for the state in 2018. The rising number of customers at these casinos can be attributed to online gaming, which has become increasingly popular with digitalization. Online casinos make casino gaming particularly accessible and varied for beginners — for example, Betway offers alongside its typically broad selection of games also user-friendly introductory tools such as game explanations and histories. Armed with knowledge acquired online, players are increasingly open to land-based casinos while on vacation. The Liechtenstein gaming houses offer classics like Blackjack, Ultimate Texas Hold'em, and Punto Banco. American Roulette in particular has emerged as a tourist magnet in recent years. With soon one casino for every 7,600 residents, Liechtenstein will have a higher casino density than Reno or Macau in the near future!

Another surprising fact: with a foreign population share of 41.7 percent, Liechtenstein is very multicultural. It is therefore worth chatting with the locals in the evening. And the country's small size positively invites you to soak up the culture. You can even do so while hiking: trails like the Fuerstensteig invite travelers to discover Liechtenstein down to the smallest detail. Along the way, you can stay active and discover a place where you'll quickly feel right at home.