The rock face
A path cut in stone.
Andreas Fischler — CC BY 2.0 · albinfo — CC0 · albinfo — CC0
The Fürstensteig, or «Prince's Path», is an exposed mountain trail cut into the northwest face of the Alpspitz, 1,942 m high, in Liechtenstein. Opened in 1898, it is the country's best known hiking route, a narrow, well secured path with wide views opening over the Rhine Valley. Prince Johann II paid for the building, while Carl Schädler was the main force behind the project and funded a section on to the Kuegrat from his own pocket, along with other mountain paths. It has drawn walkers ever since. It is graded T3 as a mountain walk and calls for sure footing and no fear of heights. It begins above the small village of Gaflei and ends at the Gaflei saddle at 1,853 m. It crosses sheer grey rock topped by pines, with steel cables fixed along its sides. The exposed stretches look down on the green valley and distant mountains. You can carry on past the Gafleispitz and Kuegrat towards the Three Sisters peaks. It is about 1.8 km in a straight line from Triesenberg, and the trail starts from Gaflei, reached by bus or car. It does not suit anyone who fears heights, or small children. Wear mountain boots, avoid the path after rain or in snow and check the weather before you start. Use the cables, do not stand at the edge for pictures and tell someone your plan.
A path cut in stone.
Safety at the edge.
From the exposed stretches.
Above Gaflei, Triesenberg
No, not those who fear heights, or small children.
Above Gaflei village in Triesenberg.
