In the middle of the triangular border of Germany, Austria and Switzerland lies a treasure of the European Alps, the Principality of Liechtenstein. Hardly anywhere else in Central Europe has experienced such a rapid transformation from a dreamy agrarian state into one of the wealthiest countries in the world.

Bendern, part of the village of Gamprin, is one of eleven municipalities and lies to the south-west side of the Eschner Mountain. The view glides across the foothills of the romantic Rhine Valley and up to the massive Swiss Schwäg-Alp.

The Schaedler ceramics workshop in Nendeln is one of the oldest commercial enterprises in Liechtenstein and features handmade works of art. Since 1836, they have specialised in earthenware, exclusive ceramic art and tilted stoves.

Schaan forms the border to the Oberland, a charming municipality with an attractive town centre. A parish hall and provision of good restaurants reflect the success of the global companies that are located there.

Liechtenstein Castle looms majestically above Vaduz, the capital. Saint Florin is located on the edge of the old town it was built in 1868 in Neo-Gothic style and in 1997 officially dedicated as a cathedral.

From the Sareiser Joch there are several trails along the ridge such as the Princess Gina Route that traverses various mountains of the border triangle. More than four hundred well marked hiking trails are offered throughout Liechtenstein, plus a hundred and sixty kilometres in the Alps.

The Principality is a treasure trove of both landscape and culture with mountains, pastures, castles, fortresses and museums. But Liechtenstein has also become a small, modern state with a vital and indelible focus on finance and industry, a tiny paradise that is also an important economic power.