According to abbreviationfinder, Vaduz is the capital of the small principality of Liechtenstein that lies between Austria and Switzerland. The city, which is located on the banks of the Rhine at 455 meters above sea level, has an area of 17.3 km².
This small city can be explored on foot and it highlights the Castle of the city, nestled on top of a hill and which offers the traveler a beautiful panoramic view of the capital. In addition, how much with the State Art Collection, an art gallery, the Mail Museum, the Ski Museum and the National Museum.
History
It was in 1719 when Emperor Charles VI made the manors of Vaduz and Schellenberg a principality, lands that the Liechtenstein family had acquired in 1699. The country participated in the Rhine Conference between 1806 – 1814 and a little later in the Germanic Conference whose accession lasted until 1866. After the First World War and the consequent defeat of the central powers in the conflict, he completely disassociated himself from Austria, approaching the Helvetic Conference.
Second World War
In World War II, Liechtenstein remained neutral, as did Switzerland.
Present
In 1990 the region joined the United Nations and a year later the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). In 1992, a referendum was voted in favor of the country’s incorporation into the European Economic Area (EEA), which was ratified again three years later.
Geography
Vaduz is the capital of tiny Liechtenstein, a small Central European state bordered to the east by Austria and to the west by Switzerland. The city, which is located on the banks of the River Rhine at 455 meters above sea level, has an area of 17.3 km².
Nature
Its eastern sector includes the foothills of the Rhaetic Alps. One third of the national territory is deciduous forests in the lowlands and evergreen forests on the slopes of the mountains.
Climate
Vaduz enjoys a mountain climate, with cold winters and mild temperatures due to the warm winds from the south, better known as Fon. Annual rainfall usually reaches 1,016 mm. The most recommended season to visit the city is summer, from July to September, since the weather is good for taking a walk, although it is the most expensive season, due to the large influx of tourists. For those who prefer to practice winter sports such as skiing, the area offers snow slopes in the Alps that open from November to April, when the snow begins to melt with the arrival of spring.
Location
Vaduz is located at the western end of the Principality of Liechtenstein, in the beautiful Rhine Valley, the river in charge of draining most of the country. South of the capital are Liechtenstein’s highest peaks reaching 2,438 meters above the sea. The third part of the country’s territory is vegetation.
Population
Most of the city’s residents are German, although there is also a very influential Turkish and Italian minority. See population of Liechtenstein.
Religion
The religion most practiced in the small principality is Catholicism, although there are many followers of Protestantism who live in the region.
Economy
One of Vaduz’s most prominent economic sectors is industry, especially that dedicated to the production of metal products, precision instruments, pharmaceutical products and machinery. Packaged food and dental prosthetics are two other major activities in the city, as well as philatelic issues. As for agriculture, the most frequent crops are cereals and potatoes. Another booming sector is tourism and finance, due to the country’s good fiscal conditions, which attract a large number of international companies.
Sightseeing
The city has some points of interest for the visitor. The most prominent monument in Liechtenstein is a 16th century castle that stands on a hill in a commanding position. Although the rooms of the castle cannot be visited, it is worth going up the hill and seeing it up close. Other attractions are the Gothic parish church, a post office museum given the importance of stamps in the area (the Postage Stamp Museum) and the Liechtenstein Museum with an impressive collection of art from the ruling family.
Art and culture
The city is the largest tourist center in the principality. The Royal Castle, current residence of the princes of this small independent state, is one of the most important artistic relics of the capital, together with the Gothic church and two museums, the Post Office Museum, with one of the oldest stamp collections and extensive worldwide and the Liechtenstein Museum.
Crafts
The best-known items in the city are postcards or stamps, its stamps, and hand-painted pottery. Another type of handicraft in high demand is the Blazer (these are handcrafted objects where the raw material is marble).
Holidays and traditions
The festivals that are celebrated in the city are the following:
On January 1st: New Year; the January 6: Epiphany; February 2: Candlemas; February 16: Shrove-Tuesday; March 19: the Feast of Saint Joseph ; May 1: the Labor Festival; May 13: the Ascension; August 15: the Assumption; September 8: the Nativity of Our Lady; November 1: the Feast of All Saints; December 8: the Immaculate Conception; December 25: Christmas; December 26: Boxing Day. In addition, Holy Week, Corpus Christi and Pentecost Monday are also celebrated.
Sports
Among the sports practiced are basketball, tennis, handball, swimming and winter sports. In addition, it has a sports hall where multiple sports are practiced.
Important personalities
Josef Rheinberger: professor and composer born in Vaduz in 1839 and a teacher with the organ. He is one of the standards of the music of the region as well as a conservative author in the musical treatment. His famous piano trio, a very recurring piece in the dozens of taverns in the city, reflects his aesthetic and recalls the romantic period of European music in the 19th century.
