Shopping in Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein is not an energetic shopping place. However it is known for its postage-stamps, wines, hand-painted pottery and handcraft made from `Balzner`marble. Shopping is limited to central Vaduz, the capital city.  Here you may also come across outlet selling gift items from Liechtenstein,

Austria, Italy, and Switzerland, including lamps, dolls, hand-painted silks, stoneware, pewter, and other handmade objects.

Liechtenstein has been famous since the turn of the 20th century for its rustic and durable pottery, produced in natural-looking colors such as blue, beige, and yellow, in factories that lie within a 10-minute drive of Vaduz. The larger of the principality's two factories for stoneware is Schaedler Keramik A.G., which straddles Hauptstrasse (tel. 00423/373-14-14), the main street of the hamlet of Nendeln, and 8 km (5 miles) north of Vaduz. Its only real competitor, at least within the principality, is the somewhat smaller outfit Haas Kunst Keramik A.G., Zollstrasse 70, in the nearby hamlet of Schaan (tel. 00423/232-18-83). Both firms maintain sales outlets on their premises and present pottery-making demonstrations to anyone who's interested.

The principality's premier outlet for wines produced by vineyards belonging to the prince is the Hofkellerei des Fürsten Liechtenstein, Feldstrasse, Vaduz (tel. 00423/232-10-18). Set in a solid, not particularly imaginative-looking building that's owned by the prince, it stockpiles the fruits of his family's vineyards, most of which are either in the principality or in Lower Austria (Niederösterreich) just across the border. Look for both whites and reds and a somewhat heavy-handed emphasis on the organization's royal connections.

Also don’t forget to check Liechtenstein postal service, which produces more stamps than are ever used to actually mail letters. One of the busiest emporiums in the principality is the bureaucratic-looking kiosk in the main post office. Avid stamp collectors can buy stamps that commemorate Liechtenstein's history, botany, zoology, and achievements. Prices and the range of goods are the same as in Switzerland.

Shopping hours

Generally Mon-Fri 0800-1200 and 1330-1830, Sat 0800-1600. From April to October, souvenir stores in Vaduz are open Sunday and holidays.