Liechtenstein Trail: Stage 5 Ruggell-Schaanwald

In Ruggell we first reach a building known as the Küefer-Martis-Huus. The listed house from the 18th century is the cultural centre of the municipality. The route then continues over the dam to Ruggeller Riet, a 220-acre nature reserve in northern Liechtenstein bosting a fine array of fauna and flora. This flat wetland section is followed by a steep climb to Schellenberg, where we first pass the ruins of the Lower Castle. After making our way past the monastery we reach the village centre of Schellenberg.

 

In Schellenberg we pass the sports field and then continue to Hinterschellenberg near the Austrian border. On clear days walkers can see as far as Lake Constance. A hiking trail narrow in places leads us through the forest along the Gantenstein mountain to the Upper Castle in Schellenberg. This is a good place to rest. The route then heads along a former smuggling trail down into the village centre of Mauren as far as the post office. As walkers approach the village they will be able to see from afar the St. Peter & Paul Parish Church in the centre of Mauren.

 

From the village centre of Mauren, the trail leads us first slightly uphill to Fallsgass and then down to the Silk Tree Trail. The name derives from the fact that mulberry trees were formerly used in silk production. Afterwards we reach the Birka bird paradise, where we stop for a rest. We recommend you take the opportunity to look at the memorial plaque commemorating the flooding of the Rhine in 1927 and showing how high the water rose at that time. We then pass the wetlands of the Maurer Riet and the Funkenplatz Schaanwald, where traditional bonfire celebrations are held each winter, before reaching the customs office on the border between Liechtenstein and Austria.