Mals

Mäls is a charming historic village situated in the southernmost commune of Balzers, Liechtenstein. Historically distinct from the neighboring settlement of Balzers proper, the two communities merged in 1910 to form the modern municipality of Balzers. Despite this administrative union, Mäls has preserved much of its traditional agricultural character and quiet residential charm, marked by neat farmhouses, open fields, and vineyards stretching toward the base of the Fläscherberg mountain.

Nestled along the east bank of the Rhine River and bordering Switzerland to the south, Mäls occupies a scenic position on the valley floor. Archaeological evidence suggests the area has been settled since prehistoric times. Unlike Balzers proper, which is dominated by the rocky outcrop of Gutenberg Castle, Mäls is characterized by its flatter topography and its proximity to the natural forest slopes of the Fläscherberg, making it a peaceful, rural enclave.

The climate in Mäls is temperate alpine, with warm, dry summers and cold, crisp winters. The warm Föhn wind regularly blows through the Rhine Valley, tempering the winter cold and making the region one of the mildest in Liechtenstein. The best season to visit is between May and October when the weather is warm enough for hiking and cycling.

By Plane

The nearest major international gateway is Zürich Airport (ZRH) in Switzerland, located roughly 125 km to the northwest. Travelers can take an SBB train from Zürich Airport to Sargans railway station, and then transfer to the LIEmobil Bus Route 11, which goes directly through Balzers and stops in Mäls (approx. 2 hours total transit time).

By Train

There are no railway stations in Mäls. The closest train stations with national and international connections are Sargans (8 km to the south) and Buchs SG (20 km to the north) in Switzerland. From either station, the LIEmobil Bus Route 11 runs regularly to Balzers/Mäls.

By Car / Road

Mäls can be reached via the Swiss A13 motorway running along the Rhine. Take Exit 11 (Trübbach/Balzers), cross the bridge into Liechtenstein, and follow the Landstrasse south. From Vaduz, follow the Landstrasse (Route 28) south for about 10-15 minutes (approx. 10 km).

LIEmobil Bus Route 11 is the primary bus service connecting Mäls to Sargans, Vaduz, and Schaan, operating every 20 to 30 minutes.

Mäls is very small and is best explored on foot. A walk from one side of the village to the other takes less than 10 minutes. Flat, paved cycling paths connect Mäls to Balzers proper and to the regional Rhine path, making bicycles an excellent alternative. For public transport to other municipalities, the local LIEmobil bus stops (such as Balzers, Mäls) are easily accessible, with tickets costing CHF 3.00 for a single zone.

• St. Peter's Chapel (St. Peter-Kapelle), St. Peter-Gasse. A historic treasure, this is one of the oldest chapels in Liechtenstein. Built in the late Gothic style, with elements dating back to the Romanesque period, it features a small wooden belfry and simple, peaceful interior. Free entry.

• Mariahilf Chapel (Kapelle Mariahilf), Mariahilfgasse. A historic chapel built in the late 17th century, featuring a classic baroque altar and beautiful religious paintings. It serves as a quiet place of contemplation. Free entry.

• Fläscherberg Vineyards, Along the slopes of the Fläscherberg. Picturesque terraced vineyards that mark the southern boundary of the village, showcasing the local wine-making heritage.

• Hike the Fläscherberg. Follow the walking trails winding up the Fläscherberg mountain. The trails range from gentle forest walks to steeper paths leading towards the Swiss canton of Graubünden, offering wonderful views of the Rhine Valley.

• Bicycle the Rhine Trail (Rheintal-Radweg). Ride along the paved path on the Rhine River dike. It is a flat, scenic route popular with cyclists and inline skaters, running right next to Mäls and extending across the country.

• Walk the Historic Lanes. Stroll through the agricultural lanes of Mäls to admire the traditional barn structures, kitchen gardens, and historic architecture that showcase the village's rural past.

As Mäls is contiguous with Balzers proper, dining options are shared across the two settlements.

• Bäckerei-Konditorei Praline, Landstrasse 32 (Balzers). A short walk from Mäls, this popular local bakery offers excellent sandwiches, fresh bread, and Swiss-style cakes. Budget.
• Restaurant Alter Zoll, Landstrasse 4 (Balzers). Located nearby, this traditional restaurant serves classic Swiss and Liechtenstein cuisine, including schnitzels and hearty seasonal dishes. Mid-range.
• Restaurant Hofbalzers, Hinterschloss 2 (Balzers). A refined dining room offering international and regional specialties in a elegant setting. Mid-range to upscale.

• Café Castle, Landstrasse 9 (Balzers). A friendly café offering coffee, soft drinks, and beer, located a short walk away.
• Water safety: Tap water in Mäls is pure alpine spring water and is exceptionally clean and completely safe to drink. Public fountains also feature drinkable water unless marked with a sign indicating otherwise.

• Budget: There are no hotels or hostels in Mäls. Visitors looking for budget lodging can find local private room rentals (AirBnB) in the Balzers area, typically starting around CHF 75-90 per night.
• Mid-range: Hotel Hofbalzers (Hinterschloss 2, Balzers). Located about 1 km from Mäls, this comfortable hotel offers clean rooms, a fitness center, and a complimentary breakfast. Rates start at approximately CHF 130 to CHF 160 per night.
• Upscale / heritage: The nearest luxury hotel is the Park Hotel Sonnenhof (Mareestrasse 29, Vaduz), about 10 km north, featuring a private park, swimming pool, and gourmet dining. Rates start at CHF 350 per night.

Mäls does not have any commercial shopping centers or souvenir shops. A Coop supermarket is located in neighboring Balzers proper (Landstrasse 15) for groceries and daily necessities.

• Local Wine: You can purchase Pinot Noir and other locally produced wines directly from vintners in the Balzers/Mäls area, who often sell their bottles from small cellar doors.

• Balzers: The contiguous northern half of the municipality, home to the iconic Gutenberg Castle and local shops.
• Vaduz: The capital of Liechtenstein, situated 10 km north, featuring museums, art galleries, and the Prince's Castle.
• Fläsch: A beautiful Swiss wine-making village located 3 km south across the border in the Bündner Herrschaft region.
• Feldkirch: A picturesque medieval town in Austria, about 22 km to the north, offering historic streets and shopping.