Vaduz, capital city of Liechtenstein

Vaduz is the capital city of Liechtenstein

Vaduz is the capital of Liechtenstein, the sixth-smallest country in the world. At just 6 kilometers wide and 25 kilometers long, the principality is pocket-sized but filled with spectacular views, friendly locals, charming villages and lush green forests crisscrossed with numerous cycling and hiking trails. Vaduz is the perfect jumping-off point to exploring this stunning natural beauty.

There are a handful of museums in the country, but the best is the Walsermuseum. There, visitors gain a better understanding of the intriguing story of the Walsers, German immigrants who emigrated across the continent in the 13th century. Among other places, they settled in Liechtenstein, and they still thrive there today, speaking their own unique dialect. From the museum, you can also explore the Walserhaus, a 400-year old residence.

The Liechtenstein Museum of Art is one of the coolest places in the city. Housed in a gorgeous ebony building, the museum features changing exhibitions of modern art. You won't find any Dutch masters in the gallery, but you will see works by Warhol, Basquiat, Donald Judd and pieces by rising stars like Gunter Fruhtrunk and Bill Bollinger. After browsing the collection, relax with a coffee and a book in the chic cafe.

To really understand the Walsers, take a hike through the Walser Legends Trail. Like many of the country's stunning mountain trails, this one is themed. As you walk past the incredible scenery, signposts tell stories about the people's history and point out entertaining mythical carvings left on the trees.

The Planet Trail is another themed trek. You can race toward Jupiter and other planets on the trail-long solar system map complete with signposts and shining silver orbs.

For more adventure, head to Neuguthof Adventure World, a Wild West-themed play land perfect for families. The imaginative park is home to a population of rabbits that thrive in their own Old West city complete with a rabbit jail and a saloon. Absurdly cute pygmy goats traipse throughout the park, and you can spend hours navigating the fiendishly difficult corn maze or catching thrills on a mini safari.

Explore the quaintest streets of Vaduz on the miniature City Train. The leisurely journey takes visitors past idyllic vineyards and the show-stopping Vaduz Castle. The country's prince reigns from the romantic fortress marked by white and crimson medieval shutters and massive ramparts. Built in the 12th century, the castle was largely destroyed by a fire in 1499 but was completely restored in 1905. The prince enjoys his privacy, so visitors are not welcome inside, but it is still a stunning sight.

There are no border crossings at either of the country's frontiers, but visitors can get their passports stamped at the Liechtenstein Tourist Office. For more souvenirs, visit the small retail village just outside of Vaduz. There, you can buy authentic cuckoo clocks, flags and other knickknacks.

Schaedler Keramik, just eight kilometers north of the capital, is the best place to buy traditional pottery. Known for its dark glaze and adornments of folksy figures and flowers, the traditional pottery style is a national treasure. In Schaedler Keramik, you can watch locals create the ornate hand-painted pieces at daily workshops.