Alpine Hiking Switzerland, Austria and Italy

Vaduz to Sargans

NOTE: The description of this first section of the northern route to Giogo della Stelvio is unique in that it describes a hike taken in 2006 from Feldkirch, Austria to Vaduz, Liechtenstein and then on to Sargans.

August 2, 2006 Left Sargans on the early train to Feldkirch, Austria and began the long walk alongside the road to Sargans. It was a pleasant day; the walking was easy, if not a little monotonous. A short distance out of town I reached the Austria/Liechtenstein border and continued on toward Vaduz. I soon passed through Nendeln and then Schaan. Several hours after my start I walked into Vaduz. Vaduz is a picturesque town set below mountains to the east and seemingly dedicated to art and music. The central part of town is a large mall lined with statuary, art galleries and bistros. Above it all on the hillside is the palace of Hans-Adam II, the prince of Liechtensteirn. From Vaduz I continued on the road south to the town of Thiesen and then onto Balzers. At Balzers I crossed the Rhine River and entered Switzerland at Trubbach before turning south once again to Sargans. The entire walk was along the side of the road, but ignoring that, I passed through several quaint little villages along the way. Late in the afternoon I entered Sargans from the north and reached my hotel, the Zum Ritterhof, in time to enjoy a few cold beers before dinner.