Overview
This compact triangle of destinations in the heart of the Alps offers an unusually rich cross-section of European culture, landscape, and history within a very short distance of one another. Chur, Liechtenstein's capital Vaduz, and the Austrian lakeside city of Bregenz can all be visited within a roughly 90-kilometer arc, making them ideal for a focused regional trip.
Chur (population around 40,000) is the capital of the Swiss canton of Graubünden and the oldest continuously inhabited town in Switzerland, with settlement evidence stretching back more than 11,000 years. Its compact medieval old town sits below the Bishop's Court and Cathedral of the Assumption, and it functions as the main rail hub for services into the Alpine interior — including the famous Glacier Express and Bernina Express routes.
Liechtenstein is a constitutional monarchy and one of only two doubly landlocked countries in the world (the other being Uzbekistan). Vaduz, its capital, is small but punches above its weight culturally, with the Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein housing a strong collection of modern and contemporary art, and Vaduz Castle — the prince's residence — visible from nearly everywhere in the valley. The country uses the Swiss Franc and participates in the Schengen Area.
Bregenz is the capital of Austria's westernmost state, Vorarlberg, and sits on the eastern shore of Lake Constance (Bodensee), which it shares with Germany and Switzerland. It is best known internationally for the Bregenzer Festspiele (Bregenz Festival), held each summer on a purpose-built floating stage on the lake. Beyond the festival, the town offers a well-preserved upper town (Oberstadt), a cable car to the Pfänder mountain, and easy access to the broader Vorarlberg hiking and ski network.
Before You Go
Visas and Entry
This itinerary crosses three countries — Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Austria — though in practice all three are part of the Schengen Area and border checks are routine or absent for most visitors. Liechtenstein is not an EU member but applies Swiss customs rules and participates in Schengen. Visa situations vary significantly by nationality. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section and consult the official immigration authorities of Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Austria well in advance of travel.
Health and Insurance
Travel insurance with good medical evacuation coverage is strongly recommended for any trip involving alpine activities. European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC or GHIC for UK holders) are valid in Austria; Switzerland and Liechtenstein are not EU/EEA members so different rules apply — verify your coverage before departure. Mountain rescue services exist throughout the region but can be costly without insurance.
Practical Prep
- Carry both CHF and EUR if you plan to move between Switzerland/Liechtenstein and Austria. ATMs are widely available in all three destinations.
- A rail pass (such as the Swiss Travel Pass or Eurail) can offer good value if you plan to use trains extensively; check current pass options on the relevant rail operators' official sites.
- Book accommodation early if you plan to visit Bregenz during the festival season (July–August), when the town fills up significantly.
- Weather in the Alps can change quickly at any time of year; pack layers even in summer.
Getting There
By Air
The most convenient international airports for this region are Zurich (ZRH), which has excellent rail connections to Chur (roughly 70–80 minutes by direct train), and Zurich or Munich (MUC) for Bregenz. Friedrichshafen Airport (FDH) in Germany is a smaller regional option for Bregenz. Verify current schedules and journey times directly with airport and rail operators.
By Rail
Rail is the backbone of travel in this region and highly recommended. Chur is on the main Swiss national rail network and is the starting point for the iconic Glacier Express (to Zermatt) and Bernina Express (to Lugano/Tirano). Trains connect Chur to Sargans, from which Vaduz in Liechtenstein is accessible by bus. Bregenz is served by Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) and by rail lines from Zurich, with journey times to verify on the ÖBB or SBB (Swiss rail) websites.
By Road
The region is straightforward to navigate by car, though note that Switzerland and Austria both require motorway vignettes (toll stickers) for highway driving — purchase these at the border or online in advance. Liechtenstein has no motorway vignette requirement. Parking in old town centers can be limited; park-and-ride facilities are available at the edges of most towns.
Getting Around
Within Chur, the medieval old town is compact and best explored on foot; the city also has a local bus network. A narrow-gauge railway (the Rhaetian Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage route) connects Chur to destinations throughout Graubünden.
For Liechtenstein, public buses run regularly through the Rhine Valley connecting Vaduz, Schaan, and other villages to the Swiss rail network at Sargans and Buchs. The country is small enough that cycling or walking between villages is feasible in good weather.
Bregenz is walkable in its central areas. The Pfänderbahn cable car provides easy access to the Pfänder summit and its panoramic views over Lake Constance. Lake ferries operated by various companies connect Bregenz to other lakeside towns in Germany and Switzerland — check seasonal schedules locally.
Moving between all three destinations without a car is entirely practical using trains and buses, though journey times require a full day if you are linking all three in one go. A car offers more flexibility for exploring smaller villages and alpine roads.
Where to Stay
All three destinations have accommodation options ranging from budget guesthouses and hostels to four-star hotels, though the range is naturally broader in Chur and Bregenz than in small Vaduz. Chur makes a practical base for the whole region given its rail connections.
For Bregenz during the festival season (July–August), accommodation sells out months in advance. If you cannot find a room in Bregenz itself, nearby towns along Lake Constance or in the Rhine Valley — including Feldkirch, Dornbirn, or across the lake in Germany — are feasible alternatives with good transport links.
Liechtenstein has limited but genuine hotel options in Vaduz and a few other villages; many visitors treat it as a day trip from Chur or from St. Gallen across the border in Switzerland. Verify current available properties and prices on booking platforms or the official tourism website for Liechtenstein.
Self-catering apartments and farm stays (Ferienwohnungen/Urlaub am Bauernhof) are widely available throughout the alpine areas surrounding all three destinations and can offer good value for families or longer stays.
Things to See & Do
Chur
- Old Town (Altstadt): Wander the pedestrianized lanes lined with historic buildings, workshops, and cafés. The area around Martinsplatz and the Obertor (upper gate) is the historic core.
- Cathedral of the Assumption (Kathedrale Mariä Himmelfahrt): A Romanesque-Gothic cathedral with origins in the early Christian era; a working place of worship — visit respectfully.
- Bishop's Court (Bischöflicher Hof): The complex above the old town has been the seat of the Bishop of Chur for centuries and defines the town's skyline.
- Rätisches Museum: The cantonal archaeological and historical museum, covering the long human history of Graubünden from prehistory through modern times. Verify current opening hours on the museum's official site.
- Scenic Rail Journeys: Even without leaving Chur, the Rhaetian Railway departures offer some of Europe's most scenic train rides. Day trips to Arosa, Davos, or along the Albula line are very accessible.
Liechtenstein
- Vaduz Castle (Schloss Vaduz): The prince's private residence sits on a hill above the capital and is not open to the public inside, but the walk up to it rewards with valley views.
- Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein: A well-regarded modern and contemporary art museum in the center of Vaduz. Verify current admission fees and hours on the official site.
- Liechtenstein National Museum (Landesmuseum): Covers the history, culture, and natural history of the principality. Verify hours locally.
- Passport Stamp: A popular traveler tradition — Liechtenstein's tourist office in Vaduz offers a souvenir passport stamp for a small fee. A quirky but harmless keepsake.
- Rhine Valley Walking and Cycling: Flat, well-marked trails run along the Rhine between Liechtenstein's villages. Bike hire is available locally — verify current providers on arrival.
Bregenz
- Bregenzer Festspiele (Bregenz Festival): Held each July and August on the famous floating stage on Lake Constance. Productions change on a two-year cycle. Book well in advance; check the festival's official site for the current program and tickets.
- Pfänder Mountain: Take the Pfänderbahn cable car for panoramic views over Lake Constance and into four countries on clear days. A wildlife park near the summit is popular with families.
- Vorarlberg Museum: Covering regional art, culture, and history with an architecturally distinctive building. Verify hours and admission on the official site.
- Oberstadt (Upper Town): The oldest part of Bregenz, with the medieval St. Martin's Tower and quiet lanes above the busy lakefront.
- Lake Constance Promenade: The lakefront is pleasant for walking and cycling, with views across to Germany and Switzerland.
Food & Drink
Chur and Graubünden
Graubünden has a distinctive culinary tradition shaped by its Alpine geography and mix of German, Italian, and Romansh influences. Look for Bündnerfleisch (air-dried beef, sliced thin), Capuns (chard leaves stuffed with a spätzle-like dough and dried meat), and Maluns (a potato dish typical of the canton). Local rye bread is excellent. Wine from the Bündner Herrschaft region to the north — particularly Pinot Noir — is well regarded and often available by the glass in local restaurants.
Liechtenstein
The food culture in Liechtenstein closely mirrors that of neighboring Switzerland and the Austrian Vorarlberg. Käsknöpfle (cheese pasta dumplings, similar to Swiss Käsespätzle) is a regional staple. Vaduz has a range of restaurants from traditional to contemporary; options are more limited than in a larger city, so booking ahead for dinner is advisable, especially in peak season.
Bregenz and Vorarlberg
Vorarlberg has a strong dairy tradition, and Käsknöpfle is considered the regional dish here as well. Local cheeses — particularly from the Bregenzerwald area — are worth seeking out at markets or delicatessens. Lake Constance was historically known for its freshwater fish (Felchen/whitefish in particular), though stocks have diminished; it still appears on menus and is worth trying when offered. The region also has a craft brewing scene and produces some Austrian wines, though Vorarlberg is not a major wine-producing state.
Across all three destinations, dining hours tend to follow Central European norms — lunch from roughly midday and dinner from around 6:30–7 pm. Many kitchens close between meals. Tipping customs vary: in Switzerland and Liechtenstein, rounding up the bill is common; in Austria, a 5–10% tip is customary for good service, though not mandatory.
Practical Information
Emergency Numbers
- General emergency (EU standard, works in Austria): 112
- Austria police: 133 | Ambulance: 144 | Fire: 122
- Switzerland and Liechtenstein police: 117 | Ambulance: 144 | Fire: 118
- Mountain rescue in Switzerland/Liechtenstein: 1414 (REGA helicopter rescue)
- These numbers are widely published; verify they are current before travel.
Money and Payments
Card payments are widely accepted across all three destinations, though some smaller rural businesses, market stalls, and mountain huts prefer cash. ATMs are accessible in all town centers. Note that Switzerland and Liechtenstein use the Swiss Franc (CHF), not the Euro, and prices are generally higher than in neighboring countries.
Connectivity
Mobile coverage is good in town centers and main valleys; it can be patchy in remote alpine areas. EU roaming rules apply in Austria for EU SIM holders; Switzerland and Liechtenstein are not in the EU, so roaming charges may apply — check with your provider. Free public Wi-Fi is available in many hotels, cafés, and some public spaces.
Accessibility
Chur's old town has cobblestone streets that can be difficult for mobility-impaired visitors. Bregenz's central lakefront areas are generally more accessible. Liechtenstein's Vaduz center is largely flat. Check with specific attractions for detailed accessibility information before visiting.
Safety
All three destinations are considered very safe by international standards. Standard urban precautions — being aware of your belongings in crowded areas, not leaving valuables visible in parked cars — apply as they would anywhere.
The primary safety considerations in this region are related to alpine activities. If you plan to hike or ski in the mountains around Chur or in Vorarlberg, check avalanche bulletins in winter (available from national meteorological services), stay on marked trails, and carry appropriate equipment. Mountain weather can change rapidly; do not underestimate conditions at altitude even in summer.
Lake Constance swimming and water sports are popular around Bregenz in summer; follow posted swimming area guidelines and be aware that boat traffic exists on the lake. Verify current water quality and safety information locally before swimming.
Local Culture & Etiquette
This region sits at a genuine cultural crossroads. Graubünden is the only officially trilingual canton in Switzerland (German, Romansh, and Italian), and even in Chur — a predominantly German-speaking city — you will encounter Romansh place names and occasional signage. Liechtenstein, though tiny, has a strong sense of national identity and takes pride in its independent status; the ruling Princely House of Liechtenstein remains actively involved in the country's cultural and civic life.
Vorarlberg, while Austrian, is culturally and architecturally distinct from eastern Austria and has historically strong ties to Switzerland and southern Germany. The regional dialect (Vorarlbergisch) is closer to Alemannic German than to Viennese German and can be unfamiliar even to other German speakers.
Across the region, Sunday trading restrictions mean many shops are closed; plan shopping accordingly. Public holidays differ by country — verify locally for the dates of your visit. Religious festivals, particularly around Easter and Christmas, are observed with genuine community participation rather than purely commercial emphasis.
