Ruins in the forest
Walls and arches with trees among them since the fifteenth century.
Lucas Kendall — CC BY-SA 4.0 · -wuppertaler — CC BY 4.0 · -wuppertaler — CC BY 4.0 · -wuppertaler — CC BY 4.0
Schalun Castle — popularly the "Wildschloss", the wild castle — is the ruin of a twelfth- or thirteenth-century castle hidden in forest on the mountainside above Vaduz, far higher than the prince's castle. Abandoned since the fifteenth century, nothing remains but walls, arches and the stump of a tower with trees growing among them — a silent place, the romantic dream of a forgotten castle made real. It is reached on foot only: a shaded mountain path from Vaduz (about 45–60 minutes uphill, moderate, passing Vaduz Castle on the way) or from the village of Valorsch. No fee, no gate, no guard — you arrive and wander the ruins freely, and small events are occasionally held there in season. The reward is a view down over the whole valley, and a complete quiet rare in a country millions pass through. For the lover of walking and ruins: the finest two hours available in Vaduz, and entirely free.
Walls and arches with trees among them since the fifteenth century.
Rare silence above a valley millions pass through.
The whole Rhine valley from above.
Wildschloss, 9490 Vaduz
The Red HouseThe Red House is Vaduz's second most recognisable building after the castle, and14 minutes walk4.2
The Städtle (central Vaduz)The "Städtle" is Vaduz's main street and everything that resembles a "city centr18 minutes walk4.6
Vaduz CastleVaduz Castle is Liechtenstein's symbol and its image on every postcard: a white 18 minutes walk4.2
Kunstmuseum LiechtensteinThe Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein is the national museum of modern and contemporary 19 minutes walk4.4
Treasure Chamber of LiechtensteinThe Treasure Chamber (Schatzkammer) is a small, concentrated museum showing the 20 minutes walk3.8Moderate: a continuous climb on a dirt-and-stone forest track, 45–60 minutes from Vaduz at ordinary fitness, with steep sections. Sturdy trainers suffice in dry weather; after rain it turns slippery. Climb to Vaduz Castle first and continue to Schalun — one outing joining both castles in half a day. Take water: there are no facilities on the way.