Balzers offers several distinct themes to explore: historic buildings, evidence of wine and flour production, and opportunities to enjoy nature and get active. If you are looking for a hotel in Balzers, this variety can help you decide where to stay. Consider whether cultural history, landscapes or sporting activities are the main priority for your visit. You can weigh the different options according to your interests.
Cultural history in buildings and crafts
Mäls is home to two very different medieval landmarks. St. Peter’s Chapel is considered the heart of the settlement of Mäls and is one of the oldest surviving religious buildings in Liechtenstein. The Tower House in Mäls was built around 1300 and is the only surviving medieval secular building of its kind in Liechtenstein. Together, the two buildings represent the religious and secular sides of history.
Other buildings add to this picture across different periods: St. Nicholas Parish Church was built from 1909 to 1912 in the Neo-Romanesque style. Mariahilf Chapel has been a protected monument since 1951. The cultural range therefore includes medieval architectural history, a building from the early 20th century and a clearly dated protected status.
Wine and flour production are also specific local themes. The Torkel building in Balzers is the last surviving building of its kind in the municipality and houses a complete historic wine press. Balzers Mill is the only mill in Liechtenstein that still produces flour on an ongoing basis. The Old Rectory hosts changing local exhibitions, offering a different focus from the historic buildings.
Nature, from plant diversity to waterways
The nature-related themes offer different perspectives. The Gutenberg Castle Hill is home to 280 plant species—almost one fifth of all plant species in Liechtenstein. A natural stretch of the Rhine bank can be found at Ellhorn. The Balzers Giessen are the last near-natural watercourses in Liechtenstein’s valley plain. This puts biodiversity, a natural riverbank and near-natural streams in the spotlight as distinct landscape themes.
One hiking route in Balzers is «Around Ellhorn». Check the route details before setting out. As access information can change, it is worth checking the latest guidance before planning your visit.
Cycling and climbing
The Bike Skill Park includes an approximately 600-metre-long singletrack with various skill features. It runs through the terrain in the floodplain forest near the existing Vita Parcours. Mountain bikers and e-bikers can practise their riding skills on features of varying difficulty. Access information can change, so check the latest guidance before visiting.
The concrete pump track in Balzers is rideable year-round. Another activity is offered by the Ellhorn climbing garden, with various climbing routes graded from 5 to 8. Those considering a stay in Balzers can choose between cultural history, nature-related themes and different ways to get active, and tailor their destination choice to their own travel interests.
Discover more destinations: Schaan, Schellenberg
For the main travel overview: Liechtenstein.
