Liechtenstein National Day 2027

Liechtenstein's national day, held on the reigning Prince's official birthday rather than an independence date, centres on a garden party at Vaduz Castle hosted by the princely family, followed by fireworks over the capital - one of the more informal national-day traditions in Europe, reflecting the country's small population of under 40,000.

The residence of the princely family — visitors can walk up to the castle gates though the interior is private.

Liechtenstein celebrates its National Day on 15 August — the Feast of the Assumption — combining a Catholic religious holiday with the national celebration. The date was chosen in the 1940s to coincide with an existing public holiday, making it a day when the entire country could celebrate together.

Liechtenstein is the sixth smallest country in the world and the only German-speaking country fully enclosed within other German-speaking countries. It is also one of only two doubly landlocked countries. The principality has maintained its independence since 1719 and has been ruled by the Liechtenstein family — one of the wealthiest royal families in the world — for over 300 years.

The National Day celebration in Vaduz is remarkably accessible — the reigning Prince traditionally invites all citizens to the grounds of Vaduz Castle for a reception, and fireworks are launched from the castle hill above the tiny capital. The intimate scale of the country makes the celebration unusually personal.

• 1719Principality of Liechtenstein established as a sovereign state
• 1866Liechtenstein achieves full sovereignty — standing army disbanded
• 1990Liechtenstein joins the United Nations

• Celebratednationwide
• CapitalVaduz
• Time zoneCET (UTC+1)

• Currency: Swiss franc
• Language: German
• Driving: on the right
• Capital: Vaduz
• Phone: +423
• Emergency: 112
• Electricity: 230 V, 50 Hz, plugs C/J