INTO LEICHTENSTEIN
VIA ALPINA DAY 37 – WEDNESDAY 29 JULY 2026
FELDKIRCH –> VARDUZ
DISTANCE HIKED: 30.85 km
ELEVATION GAIN: 1,333 m
TOTAL DISTANCE HIKED: 944.80 km
TOTAL ELEVATION GAIN: 46,641m
It is amazing how one day of rest makes getting back on trail feel that much harder.
On the way out of town we stopped at a bakery and had coffee and a pastry. Both were delicious. It would have been nice to linger and have a second coffee but the trail was calling.
I spent some time yesterday mapping a route through Liechtenstein to avoid a thrillseeking section of trail called Fuerstensteig. This section of trail is a 6km ridgeline path carved into the rock face and secured in places with wire ropes and ladders and suspended platforms. I’m sure the views would have been spectacular on a beautiful day like today. But I’m not sure I would have seen much while holding on for dear life. Hammer was keen to do the route but he knows my limits with heights. It is not the type of trail I would want to do especially carrying a full pack. It makes the Notch on the Appallachian Trail look tame by comparison.
Our route took us from Feldkirch to Sücka via the Samuna River following it upstream, rising 1,335 m gradually over 20 km. Just as we were leaving the outskirts of Feldkirch we met up with Mike and Kristy again by chance. Quick catch up and we went our separate ways.
It was quite pleasant hiking along the river with plenty of shade and a cool breeze. We were on a well made dirt road. Austria was kind to the end.
We crossed into Leichtenstein above a waterfall. Lou-Seal hogged a photo on the border marker. From here the dirt road ended and single file trail up and down the rocky river bank commenced. We were surprised by the number of great looking campsites, some with fire rings, we spotted along the way considering that camping is illegal. We stayed on the banks of the Stägervack River all the way to Sücka.
The trail went up and over along the bank, crossing many dry, side creek channels. Once the sun hit the river gully it was really hot and sweaty work. The temperature was rising and there was not much air movement in the narrow river gully.
It was a relief to arrive at Sücka Hut (which was closed) but had a water fountain and an honesty store with snacks and cold drinks. The water fountain was very welcomed as we had run out of water. The water was so nice and cold. We stopped here to have lunch. It always surprises me how quickly the first half of the day goes by.
Our plan for today was to hike to Sevelen down in the Rhine River valley. But as we started to descend we realised that Vaduz the capital of Leichtenstein, was a more realistic destination. Our progress was slow as it was so hot, a heat we haven’t felt since Slovenia.
Temperature was predicted to get to 32°C but it felt much warmer then that once we reached the outskirts of Vaduz. We descended through sections of cool magical forest, open farm meadows and dirt road towards the end all the while getting glimpses of the Rhine River carving a path through the middle of the valley below.
The descent into Vaduz was through residential streets with some very expensive looking housing. We saw some extraordinary architecture especially using copper on house exteriors. And then there was the Vaduz Castle looming over the city. Vaduz Castle is the palace and official residence of the Prince of Liechtenstein.
We booked into a hotel right in the middle of town. I said to Hammer ‘I hope the hotel has air-conditioning’. We checked in, it was a great room but it seems that this region of Leichenstein doesn’t allow air-conditioning. The hotel had some kind of underfloor cooling system. While not as good as air conditioning, the room was quite comfortable.
It was great to have a cold shower and put our battered feet up. Tomorrow we do it again, but we’ll be in Switzerland.
