Sports in Liechtenstein

The Principality of Liechtenstein covers both lowlands – including part of the fertile Rhine Valley and the steep western slope of the Three Sisters massif – and mountains.

The latter are in the eastern part of the country and are accessible through three high valleys, the best known being that of Malbun, Liechtenstein’s premier ski resort. The sports activities in Liechtenstein can be divided in two categories, the winter sports and the summer sports.

Like neighboring Austria and Switzerland, Liechtenstein has excellent winter sports facilities. The main ski resorts include Malbun and Steg. Malbun is popular on the international skiing circuit for its varied facilities, and is a particularly good resort for beginners. Steg is renowned for excellent cross-country skiing.

In summer, hikers and ramblers may wish to explore Liechtenstein’s vineyards, forests and nature reserves. The principality’s mountains attract climbers of all abilities. For the less energetic, there are several tourist sites of interest. In the summer, all the resorts are good starting points for walking tours. Cycling is possible in the valleys and lower-lying areas, and there are 96km (56 miles) of cycling trails on both sides of the River Rhine. Mountain bikers may also use the hiking trails. Bicycles can be hired at cycling shops. Paragliding is gaining in popularity.

Other Sports Swimming The outdoor swimming pool Mühleholz, of the communities Vaduz and Schaan, is open from May to September. Balzers, Eschen, Schaan and Triesen have indoor swimming pools. In addition to these, 9 hotels in Liechtenstein have their own indoor swimming pools.

Bowling

Bowling alleys can be found in various hotels and restaurants in the Principality of Liechtenstein at the following restaurants, namely, Samina at 9497 Triesenberg, Freiendorf at 9493 Mauren , & Eschnerberg at 9492 Eschen.

Tennis

There are tennis courts at Balzers (Rheinau), Triesen (im Forst), Triesenberg (Leitawis), Malbun (next to the Tourist Office), Vaduz (Bannholz), Schaan (Dux), Nendeln (next to the station), Eschen (sports center Eschen-Mauren) and Ruggell (near the soccer field). In addition there are modern indoor tennis courts at Vaduz (Schaanerstrasse), Triesen (Forst), in Schaan (near the LIHGA area) and Eschen (sports center Eschen-Mauren). The courts are normally not open to the public, although they are available to guests when not being used by club members.

Squash & Riding

One can enjoy a game of Squash at Squash House, Fürst-Franz-Josef-Str. 19, (Nähe Censor AG) 9490 Vaduz. Enjoy some horse-riding at Rhetaca Reitsport AG, Sportfeldstrasse 632, FL-9493 Mauren.

Boccia

This traditional game can be played at Boccia Club Schaan, Postfach 48, 9495 Triesen.

Billard

Billard can be relished at Billard-Center, Messinastrasse 9, 9495 Triesen and at Billard-Club, Bahnhofstrasse 4, 9494 Schaan.

Source: www.iexplore.com

Picture: www.scesaplana.s-hotels.com