Originally, I had classified cities from Liechtenstein under Switzerland since I had only been to its capital – Vaduz. The Swiss say that Liechtenstein might as well just be the 27th canton because it uses Swiss phone numbers, Swiss postal codes, Swiss customs, exists on the guarantee of the Swiss military, travels with Zürich Kloten Airport, and is represented by the Swiss in foreign affairs. Its borders are only nominal.
There have been multiple instances in recent history where the Swiss have either accidentally “invaded” Liechtenstein by marching across through in training excesses or shooting the wrong way in target practices. In all instances, the situation was resold amicably with a handshake and monetary compensation or a laugh by local Liechtensteiners on how the Swiss have conscription and they don’t, but still get protection.
I decided to make a new category for Liechtenstein since I also visited their other major city – Balzers. There’s a lot of history to be learned about quirky European history and how micro nations, enclaves and exclaves, and Schengen came to be through nice and not-so-nice relationships between the countries. Historic maps of Liechtenstein and their castles in Austria can be found in their museums in Vaduz.
