This is a day of cross-country marathon, we were excited to drive through 5 different countries within one day. We started by leaving our residence at Babanhausen and had straight to Vaduz – Liechtenstein’s capital city.
Before our arrival, we have to purchase a “vignette” – given that we have to travel through a transit country (either Switzerland or Austria to use their motarways) in getting to Vaduz. Given that our route passes through Austria, therefore we have to purchase a Vignette at a gas station anywhere in the Austria on the way to Vaduz, I chose the Shell station before reaching the Liechtenstein border. There is an option of buying a 1-day or a 10-day Vignette, I purchased the 1-day option at EU9.6.
Travel to Vaduz
From the gas station, it only took us around 20 minutes travel to Vaduz. Liechtenstein is a beautiful country, and we were really lucky to visit this country at the best weather possible.
It was quite obvious our first destination in Vaduz is the Vaduz Castle, it is one of the most famous landmark in this country. The road up the hill was quite narrow, we were concerned that there wouldn’t be enough parking. Thankfully the parking lot was only half full when we got there. I remembered there was around 15 parking space available, so it would be advisable to get there early.
From the castle, we continue to walk downhill to visit some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. We walked right down to the bottom and had some photos in the residential area. We then realised we got too far from the car and spend the next 30 minutes walk back up the hill again. It was tiring, but all was worthwhile with once a lifetime experience to visit such as unique country.
We visited another famous landmark – St Florin Catherdral, which is only around 5 minutes drive from Vaduz Castle.
Lake Zurich and Chocolate Factory
As we were only a quarter of our way, we had to leave Vaduz and get to Zurich before 3pm according to my schedule. It took us one hour to get to Lindt Home of Chocolate, just south of Zurich city. There is an underground parking at Lindt and there were plenty of parking spaces, with a parking fee. There are many visitors and of course we also took the opportunity and purchased a few snacks and souvenirs.
We were able to spare some time to walk to a pier at Lake Zurich, another gorgeous place to visit. It only took us less than 10 minutes to get there. Unfortunately we do not have enough time to visit the city, as we need to arrive to France before sunset (I don’t like driving in the dark, with many roads in Europe does not have street lights). Hopefully next time we get another chance to visit.
I found the the drivers in Switzerland does not usually exceed their speed limit, unlike drivers in Germany and France. I suspect that speeding enforcement is more strict in Switzerland, this is something that drivers need to be aware of.
Arrival at St Louis
It took us another hour and a half to reach St Louis. It is located at the border of Germany, France, and Switzerland. We rent an apartment for one night, so that we can get to Strasbourg the day after.
Strasbourg
Before our arrival to our hostel near Europa Park, we want to visit one more place in France – Strasbourg. We parked at the underground parking as per google map above, this is based on the positive reviews and ratings, given that I will park there for at least half a day with all the luggages inside, so I had to make sure to find a place with better security.
We decided on a route (as per above) so there would be no overlaps of the places we visit, that worked out well.
We firstly arrived to the Ponts Couverts de Strasbourg, the bridge was longer than I first thought. It gave up an opportunity to get first glimpse of the River III and it’s surrounding buildings.
We tried to talk along the river, passing by the Barrage Vauban and Quartier de La Petite France, headed towards the Catherdral. On the way, you will be able to see several souvenir shops for some shopping experience.
Of course, our main focus would be the Cathedrale Notre Dame de Strasbourg at the Place du Chateau arcade area, and took a lot of photos while walking towards this historical building.
If there is enough time, there is an option of shopping at the Galeries Lafayette.
Roppenheim Shopping Outlet Travel
On the topic of shopping, it’s nothing better to find an Outlet in France. We were very fortunate to find out that there is actually an outlet situated close enough to Strasbourg – Roppenheim Shopping Outlet. It’s around 30 minutes drive from Strasbourg City Centre.
