Our Experience: Vaduz Christmas Market

December 7, 2024

What Vaduz Christmas Market is Really Like

We have been to quite a few Christmas Markets, both big and small, and the Vaduz Christmas Market is by far one of our favorite ones. The castle overlooking the city and the surrounding mountains makes for such a stunning backdrop. It is on the smaller side, so you are able to stop at stalls and take your time looking. The people here were very friendly and happy which ultimately puts you in a good mood too! If you are thinking about visiting Liechtenstein, especially with kids, you have to check out this Christmas Market!

Welcome to Vaduz Christmas Market

The capital of Liechtenstein and the national seat of parliament, Vaduz sits along the Rhine River and borders Switzerland. The Vaduz Castle sits over the town and is home to the Prince of Liechtenstein. It is truly a fairy tale town, home to some of the nicest people we’ve ever met. The streets are beautifully decorated during the holiday season, with twinkling lights and festive touches that add to the magical atmosphere. Strolling through the town, you might stumble upon charming sculptures and hidden gems that make the experience even more memorable. Vaduz feels like the perfect blend of rich history, small-town charm, and holiday cheer.

A Taste of Vaduz

Here we had the best Gluhwein of our Christmas Market Extravaganza! It was sweeter than any other we’ve had which balanced it out quite nicely. The food here was great. There were some new options we hadn’t discovered yet such as Käsknöpfle mit Apfelmus which is a cheese dumpling with applesauce, and Ribel, which is warm polenta dish made with milk, cream, and sugar, and if often enjoyed with coffee or a sour cheese. There were also some traditional offerings such as roasted nuts, raclette, and bratwurst.

We ordered the bratwurst, and they took a piece of hard bread, hollowed it out, poured fondue in it, then shoved the sausage into it. It was delicious! It was warm and cheesy and the hard bread held up nicely against it all.

Have Fun at Vaduz Christmas Market

You cannot miss this super cool little train, the Märlizögle, that is free of charge, and takes you on a tour of Vaduz while you listen to a fairy tale told in German. We were able to warm up and sip our mulled wine. The town is so cute. You feel like you’re in a fairy tale while being told a fairy tale. It really is a special feeling.

The highlight for our daughter was the Packlefischen, where she got to “fish” a wrapped gift out of a box. It was something I had never seen before, and we were told it is an old tradition!

The tourist center is where you will find the kids’ crafts. For 3 Euros, our daughter got her picture taken while sitting on a throne, then used that picture to make an ornament! It is a very special souvenir.

Until Next Time

We would come back to this tiny country in a heartbeat. The Christmas Market far exceeded our expectations, and I wish we had more time to explore the town. The offerings were unique and high quality, the food was fresh and delicious, and the people were friendly. Until next time Liechtenstein!

Before you go, let us know your thoughts! Have you been to the Vaduz Christmas Market, or is it on your list? Drop a comment below and share your experience or plans. Don’t forget to check out our detailed Guide to Vaduz Christmas Market for all the specifics you’ll need to plan your visit!

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Christmas Markets Series

Everything You Need to Know About Vaduz Christmas Market

2024 Edition

Where

Städtle

Städtle, FL-9490 Vaduz, Vaduz, Liechtenstein

Date

December 7 – 8, 2024

Hours

Saturday Dec. 7: 11:00 am – 7:00 pm

Sunday Dec. 8: 11:00 am – 5:00 pm

Pro Tip

Take a break from the market hustle by visiting the local museum, the Liechtenstein National Museum, which offers fascinating exhibits on the region’s history and culture. It’s a peaceful place to warm up and learn something new.

book your stay early

Check out hotels in the area to start planning your holiday adventure

All About Vaduz Christmas Market

The Vaduz Christmas Market is a fairly recent tradition starting around 1995. With about 100 stalls, it has become one of the largest markets in the region. It is only 2 days long, and the only Christmas Market in Liechtenstein, so make sure you plan ahead!

Vaduz is the capital of Liechtenstein, and the most picturesque place to have a Christmas Market. It is located between the snow-capped Alps and the Rhine Valley making for some breathtaking views. The market itself is known for its unique blend of Alpine charm and festive cheer, offering a cozy, intimate atmosphere compared to larger European markets.

Must-Try Eats at Vaduz Christmas Market

Vaduz is home to some excellent food options. There were a lot of “Christmas Market Fan Favorites” such as roasted nuts, mulled wine, raclette, pain d’epices, and bratwurst. The bratwurst stuffed in bread filled with cheese fondue is amazing, and I highly recommend it!

Look for a dish called Ribel, which is one of the most traditional meals in Liechtenstein. It’s a cornmeal-based porridge typically served with cooked cherries, apple sauce, or a sour cheese. It’s a comfort food that reflects the local Alpine traditions and is perfect for warming up after exploring the market.

One of the best Gluhwein I ever had was from here. It was sweeter than any other ones I’ve tried, which made it perfect for my palette. Don’t forget to grab some pain d’épices, the traditional spiced bread, as it pairs wonderfully with your hot drink!

What to See at Vaduz Christmas Market

The Märlizögle, a picture-perfect “fairytale train,” offers free 15-minute tours of Vaduz while listening to fairy tales in German. Kids love the train and the story, and adults love the chance to warm up and sip their drinks. This charming little train ride is one of the highlights of the market and provides a unique way to see the town.

Be sure to stop by the tourist center where there are kids’ crafts, photo opportunities, and souvenirs available for purchase. You can also learn a lot about the town here. The staff working is very knowledgeable and were able to let us know the schedule for the day.

There is a men’s choir that performs right out front of the tourist center. *Check with the center for the times of these performances. The performances are heartwarming, and there’s something special about enjoying them in such a small, cozy setting.

Where to Park for Vaduz Christmas Market

There is a parking garage called Parkhaus Marktplatz, and some street parking is available. The signs for parking are clearly marked.

*Be aware there are no ride-sharing services here! It’s best to drive or take public transport, especially considering the market’s limited duration. Parking can fill up quickly as the market draws in both locals and tourists alike.

Best Places to Stay in Vaduz

Staying near the market means you won’t have to worry about parking or missing out on the festive atmosphere. There are several cozy accommodations to choose from, ranging from boutique hotels to family-friendly options. If you’re looking for something budget-friendly, consider booking early to secure a good deal, as rooms fill up fast during this busy season.

- Best Hotel near Vaduz Christmas Market – Residence Hotel
- Family- Friendly Hotel in Vaduz – Hotels with Family Rooms
- Budget Friendly Hotel – Hotels under $200USD
- Find Your Own Stay! – All Vaduz Area Hotels

Is Vaduz Christmas Market Worth Visiting?

100% Yes. This was our first time in Liechtenstein, and it will not be our last. The market is on the smaller side, but the small ones give you the opportunity to explore more and talk to the locals.

We were able to take in the choir concert without being trampled by people. It was really nice. The relaxed atmosphere of the market allows for a more intimate experience.

If you happen to be in this part of the world, you should make an effort to attend and save some time to explore the town. Vaduz is full of charm, with its stunning castle, lovely shops, and inviting cafés. It’s a perfect stop if you’re exploring the region, and you’ll leave with wonderful memories and perhaps a few souvenirs to remember your trip by.

We’d love to hear about your experience! Comment below and share what you loved most about Vaduz Christmas Market, or let us know if you have any tips for first-time visitors.

Liechtenstein