Liechtenstein - Culture 

The arc of Liechtenstein culture spans the period from early times to the present day.

The history of Liechtenstein has already been well researched and just as well documented. Various peoples have left their traces in Liechtenstein.

In the National Museum of Liechtenstein (currently closed on account of structural damage), there are exhibits from the Stone Age, Bronze Age, Iron Age, the times of the Romans and the Middle Ages.

Some outstanding ceramic finds have even given certain civilizations their scientific names. Also still present in the countryside are, for example, the foundations of a large Roman villa at Nendeln, the remnants of the walls of a Roman fort at Schaan, the foundations and remainders of various early churches at or below churches - at Eschen and Bendern, overgrown early Christian burial mounds (Balzers) and so on.

In the Liechtenstein National Archives, there are also documents from medieval times when witch-hunting was widespread and claimed numerous victims

Liechtenstein is full of life! There are plenty of attractions for all tastes:

Museums, banks, boutiques, family entertainment, ski resorts, historical sites, sport facilities, vineyards etc.

Winter sports in Liechtenstein are concentrated in two areas, Malbun (1600 above sea-level) and Steg (1300 above sea-level). In Malbun, there are two chair lifts, four ski lifts, one toboggan run and a well- maintained network of footpaths.

A Loipe, 10.5 km long, has been laid out for cross-country skiing enthusiasts and includes an oval area, 1.7 km long, which is illuminated for use at night. A toboggan run of 1 km in length from the Suecka restaurant in Steg is likewise equipped with lighting

The museums of Liechtenstein will warm the hearts of stamp collectors, lovers of ancient and modern art and those interested in life in Liechtenstein in the past.

A separate chapter (in the Art Market) is devoted to the world-famous Princely Art Collections while the ancient and modern treasures of the Liechtenstein State Art Collection on show in Vaduz include works by Picasso, Moore, Chillida, Beuys, Bill and others and numerous graphic works and sculptures

In Schaan, there is the "Theater am Kirchplatz" which is managed on a co-operative basis and is also popular with theatre enthusiasts from Austria and Switzerland.

Its programme covers almost the entire range of dramatic art, featuring mainly productions by foreign companies but also containing some Liechtenstein shows.

Apart from the big cultural institutions, there are quite a number of private galleries offering a wide range of works, including items of high quality, which always find buyers.

Their private viewings are an important part of the modest social life of Liechtenstein. To some extent, there are also multifunctional undertakings in this area, such as the Theatre Gallery or the "Tangente" society with exhibitions, public readings and concerts, especially jazz.

Every year and alternating between the capital Vaduz and Balzers in each case, a comprehensive operetta season is organized by the local operetta societies.

In addition to historical culture, there is the heritage of local and national customs, also visually present in recent decades in the form of national dress. It is not possible in the space available here to review all the different customs but mention may be made of a few.

There is 'Funkensonntag' ('Spark Sunday'), just before Easter, when straw witches are burnt on gigantic bonfires - recalling heathen ceremonies to drive away winter and also the burning of witches. This is both a public festival and a competition between the various villages. There are also many religious or religiously motivated customs, some of which are associated with the mainly Christian public holidays since Liechtenstein is almost 90 percent Roman Catholic and has formed part of the Swiss diocese of Chur from time immemorial.