Appenzell to Liechtenstein | Appenzell to Liechtenstein I Discover the Hidden Alps

Alpine lakes, mountain inns, and two countries explored at your own pace

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Trip Highlights:

Hike through the Alpstein’s limestone peaks and alpine lakes, with an overnight stay at the mountain inn of Meglisalp.
Explore Liechtenstein’s Fürstensteig trail and climb Augstenberg for sweeping views across the surrounding Alps.
Walk at your own pace, with time to linger over lunch at mountain huts and explore Appenzell, Vaduz, and Malbun.

Our Appenzell to Liechtenstein self-guided trek takes you from the green pastures of eastern Switzerland into the mountains of one of Europe’s smallest countries. Along the way, cowbells carry across the hillsides, limestone towers rise overhead, and mountain inns offer a welcome stop for lunch. Over eight days, you’ll walk through a landscape where farming traditions and mountain hospitality remain part of everyday life.

Appenzell

In Appenzell, painted houses line the village streets, and the mountains feel surprisingly close. Soon, you’re walking beneath the cliffs of the Alpstein, looking down on blue-green lakes as the trail winds toward the next pass. At Aescher-Wildkirchli, the inn sits tucked beneath an enormous overhang. Farther into the mountains, Meglisalp welcomes you with dinner and a bed in a small alpine settlement reached on foot. Your luggage stays behind for this overnight, so you’ll carry what you need for an evening among the peaks.

There’s plenty of reason to pause along the trail, whether for a hut terrace overlooking Fählensee or a plate of local cheese. Then you reach a saddle, and another valley opens up beyond. Because you’re traveling self-guided, you can enjoy these moments at your own pace, with your own hiking companions.

Liechtenstein

Across the Rhine in Liechtenstein, the trails draw you high above the valley. On the Fürstensteig, the path threads through limestone walls, with handrails along exposed sections. Meanwhile, views stretch down to the villages below and across to the surrounding mountains. You’ll need sure footing and a head for heights.

Around Malbun, open slopes lead toward the Austrian border. After a climb to Augstenberg, stop at the Pfälzerhütte before following the trail back toward your hotel.

Throughout the trek, Ryder-Walker takes care of your accommodations and luggage transfers, except for the Meglisalp overnight. We also provide route descriptions and GPX tracks through our Vamoos app. With those arrangements in place, you can concentrate on the hiking and decide which terrace deserves a little more of your afternoon.

Learn more about the Appenzell, Switzerland to Liechtenstein destination

Trip Elevation

Trip Itinerary

Choose from our standard itinerary or customize the trek by adding or subtracting days.

Day 1 - Appenzell

Independently transfer to Appenzell. Overnight in a charming four-star inn.

Day 2 - Appenzell Day Hike

Your adventure begins with a warm-up hike in the scenic Alpstein mountains. After a visit the iconic cliffside Berggasthaus Aescher-Wildkirchli, you continue to Berghaus Schäfler for a panoramic alpine lunch. End your memorable day on the trail back at your hotel in Appenzell.

Distance: 6.5 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 1200 ft.

Day 3 - Berggasthaus Meglisalp

After a short train ride to Wasserauen, begin hiking to Seealpsee for lunch where you enjoy incredible views of the Säntis. Continue to the Berggasthaus Meglisal, located below Säntis and above Seealpsee lake where you spend the night. You will not have luggage tonight.

Distance: up to 8 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 1900/2125 ft.

Day 4 - Meglisalp to Vaduz

Setting out directly from the Berghaus Meglisalp, today’s hike climbs to the panoramic viewpoint of the Widderalpsattel. Next, a short descent brings you to the beautiful Fählensee where you enjoy lunch at the Berggasthaus Bollenwees. The afternoon continues with a spectacular crossing of the renowned Saxerlücke followed by a ridge-line hike that finishes at Stauberenkanzel. From here, you’ll ride the scenic cable-car into the valley and catch a short taxi transfer across the Rhine river to Vaduz, Liechtenstein’s charming capital, where you’ll spend the night.

Distance: up to 8 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 3100/2900 ft.

Day 5 - Vaduz

Today, we tackle the Fürstensteig, known as the “Prince’s Climb.” This thrilling trail winds along a stunning limestone ridge above Vaduz, offering up-close views of the dramatic rock formations. Sweeping vistas over the Rhine Valley reveal both Swiss and Austrian landscapes, making this a truly memorable hike. Return to your hotel in Vaduz to unwind after a day on the trail.

Distance: 8 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 2800 ft.

Day 6 - Malbun

Today’s hike takes you to the charming alpine, ski-resort village of Malbun. After a short transfer to Steg, follow a trail that ascends the summit of Schönberg, or “beautiful mountain,” before descending into Malbun. On clear days, the views stretch all the way to Lake Constance in southern Germany.

Distance: 9 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 2800/2400 ft.

Day 7 - Malbun

Your final hike takes you to the Austrian border and up to the summit of Augstenberg. At the peak, a sturdy summit cross and unforgettable panoramic views await before you descend to the Pfälzerhütte, Liechtenstein’s only mountain club hut. Complete the adventure with a loop trail back to your hotel Malbun.

Distance: 8 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 2000/2750 ft.

Day 8 - Depart

Trains to Zurich be easily met in Buchs, which is about 1/2 hour by taxi from Malbun.

BOOK THIS TRIP! Self-guided

Trip Rating

COMFORT

EFFORT

TERRAIN

Trip Ratings Explained

Self-Guided Tour

Late June-October

Pricing
$3,440 per person double
Single (+$1000)

Guided Tour

July 10-17, 2027

Pricing
*$6,900 per person double
Single (+$1000)

*A minimum of four people is required to run this trip.

Private Guided Tour

Late June-October

Pricing
**$8,970 per person double
Single (+$1000)

**Price based on a group of four.

Please contact us to schedule a private guided tour.

Trip Profile

Duration

7 nights/8 days
Hiking up to 9 miles with ascents up to 3100 feet.

Tour Package Includes

Custom route descriptions
Topographical maps
GPX Maps for each day hike
Custom travel itineraries
Touristic recommendations
Regional information

Accommodations

6 nights at first class hotels
1 night at charming Berggasthaus

Breakfast + Dinner

Breakfast and dinner included daily.

Luggage Transfer

Luggage are included daily except night 3 at Berggasthaus Meglisalp.

Transportation

Public transportation costs are not included in the trip price. If the itinerary includes public transportation, we provide timetables, schedules, and a link to purchase tickets if available. Airport transfers are not included.