Liechtenstein National Day
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- 1719Principality of Liechtenstein established as a sovereign state
- 1866Liechtenstein achieves full sovereignty — standing army disbanded
- 1990Liechtenstein joins the United Nations
Why Liechtenstein celebrates 15 August
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.
- 202615 August 2026 · Saturday
- 202715 August 2027 · Sunday
- 202815 August 2028 · Tuesday
The Liechtenstein flag has two equal horizontal bands of blue and red with a golden crown in the upper left corner of the blue band. The crown was added in 1937 after Liechtenstein discovered that its flag was identical to Haiti's at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. The crown represents the princely house.
Liechtenstein's food is Austrian and Swiss in character — cheese, rösti, meat dumplings and hearty mountain food define the kitchen of the Rhine Valley principality.
What to eat
KäsknöpfleSpaetzle pasta tossed with Alpine cheese and topped with crispy fried onions — the national dish.
RibelCornmeal porridge pan-fried until crispy — a Rhine Valley specialty eaten with compote or yogurt.
RöstiCrispy grated potato cake — shared with Switzerland as the definitive German-Swiss mountain dish.
WurstsalatCold sausage salad with onion and vinegar — served at outdoor events and village fairs.
ZwetschgenknödelPlum dumplings in a potato dough crust, rolled in buttered breadcrumbs — an autumn dessert.
FunkelkäseLocal Alpine cheese from Liechtenstein's dairy farms — semi-hard and nutty.What to drink
Liechtensteiner wineVaduz wines from the Prince's own vineyards — Pinot Noir produced on steep Rhine Valley slopes.
HefeweizenGerman-style wheat beer from the nearby Bavarian and Austrian breweries — widely served at outdoor events.
Apple juiceFresh-pressed apple juice from the Rhine Valley orchards — a non-alcoholic local staple.Liechtenstein culture
Liechtenstein's small size belies a rich cultural life. The Liechtenstein Museum in Vienna holds one of the world's great private art collections. The principality is also known for its philately — stamp collecting — and its sophisticated financial sector.
Vaduz CastleThe residence of the princely family — visitors can walk up to the castle gates though the interior is private.
National Day receptionThe Prince opens Vaduz Castle grounds to all citizens for a traditional National Day garden party.
Liechtenstein Museum ViennaThe Princely Collections — Old Masters and Baroque art — held in Vienna by the ruling family.
Rhine Valley hikingLiechtenstein's mountain trails offer views across Austria, Switzerland and the Rhine to Germany.