Vaduz Castle: The Historic Residence of Liechtenstein’s Princely Family

Visitor Information

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Country: Liechtenstein

Civilization: Medieval European

Site type: Military

Remains: Castle

History

Vaduz Castle stands on a rocky terrace about 120 meters above the town of Vaduz, the capital of Liechtenstein. Its origins are uncertain but generally traced back to the 12th century. The earliest part of the castle, the keep or bergfried, dates from this period, with a residential tower specifically dated to 1287 through tree-ring analysis. The castle first appears in written records in 1322, when it was pledged along with nearby lands to Vogt Ulrich von Matsch for 400 silver marks.

Ownership of the castle changed hands several times over the following centuries. From 1342, the Counts of Werdenberg held the castle. Later, the Barons of Brandis controlled it from 1416 until 1507. During their tenure, the castle was expanded and fortified. In 1499, amid the Swabian War, the Swiss Confederacy burned the castle. It was restored soon after by Ludwig von Brandis, the lord at that time.

From 1507 to 1613, the Counts of Sulz owned Vaduz Castle and further strengthened its defenses. The Counts of Hohenems took possession until 1712. That year, the Princes of Liechtenstein acquired the castle, which has remained in their family ever since. Between 1712 and 1732, the castle served as the administrative center for the regional vogtei, or bailiwick.

Over time, the castle fell into disrepair. A major restoration took place between 1905 and 1912 under Prince Johann II. This project followed detailed plans by Egon Rheinberger and was overseen by conservator Franz von Wieser and architect Alois Gstrein. In 1938, Prince Franz Josef II adapted the castle into a comfortable residence. Today, it remains the private home of the princely family and is not open to the public. The reigning prince hosts official guests there. The castle also plays a ceremonial role during Liechtenstein’s national holiday on August 15, when state events and celebrations occur on its grounds.

Remains

Vaduz Castle occupies a rock terrace approximately 570 meters above sea level and 120 meters above the town below. The site features steep Alpine slopes to the west and flat land on the other sides. The castle’s layout includes a central keep, curtain walls with battlements, two round bastions called rondelles, an outer ward known as a zwinger, a drawbridge, and a defensive ditch called a neck ditch.

The oldest surviving structures are mainly on the eastern side and date from the 12th century. The keep measures about 12 by 13 meters, with ground-floor walls up to four meters thick. Its original entrance was located on the courtyard side, elevated 11 meters above ground level. The rondelles have walls around five meters thick and served both as artillery bastions and living quarters.

Within the castle, the chapel dedicated to Saint Anne is situated on the ground floor of the south wing. It likely dates from the High Middle Ages and was remodeled by the Barons of Brandis. The chapel contains a late Gothic winged altar depicting saints and scenes of martyrdom. It remains in use as a private chapel for the princely family.

The castle complex also includes a courtyard, gardens, and a former orchard known as a baumgarten. The 20th-century restoration aimed to preserve original materials while incorporating medieval architectural styles. As a result, the castle appears authentically medieval but includes reconstructed elements based on historical research and conservation principles.

Interior rooms were restored in Gothic and Renaissance styles. The rondelles now house the princely art collection’s storage. Today, the castle is well preserved and stands as a prominent landmark visible from the surrounding area. Security is minimal, with only a few police officers patrolling, reflecting its role as a private residence rather than a fortress.