Triesen combines a distinctive geological setting with a historic village centre. The municipality lies on the debris fans of a post-glacial landslide, between the Rhine and Liechtenstein’s mountainous landscape. The historic centre, with its old houses, is flanked by vineyards and two elegant chapels; together, these features tell the story of the village over the centuries. This offers two perspectives for your discovery: the landscape in which Triesen lies and the traces that reveal its local history.
Chapels and industrial history
The chapels represent different historical periods. During a recent renovation, Baroque frescoes were uncovered on the walls of the Marienkapelle. St. Mamerta Chapel is older than the Marienkapelle and is believed to date from the 9th century. The discovery of Baroque wall paintings thus meets a place of worship thought to date from a very early period.
Triesen’s industrial history is also on display: the listed complex of the former Jenny, Spörry & Cie. cotton mill was built in 1863. The Gasometer cultural centre is located on its grounds. Its programme includes art exhibitions by regional and international artists, themed exhibitions and projects on village and national history. Music, theatre, dance and literature complement the exhibitions. The venue thus connects the history of the former mill with a cultural programme spanning a range of artistic forms.
Paths through the village and cultural landscape
Numerous walking trails explore the village’s surrounding natural and cultural landscapes. The “Cultural and Nature Trails” series includes walking and hiking guides that explore Triesen village and its cultural landscape. One specific example is the “Explore the historic settlement centre” walk: it leads from the municipal centre to St. Mamerta Chapel, following the village street and the course of the village stream, which is no longer visible today. The route description thus links a destination in the village with the course of a historic waterway that can no longer be seen.
For hikes, the brochure “Explore the Cultural Landscape on Foot” presents six routes of varying lengths and difficulty levels. Length and difficulty are two clearly stated criteria to guide your choice. Rather than treating all the routes as equivalent recommendations, you can weigh up the combination of distance and challenge that suits you best.
The history of electricity and practical information
Another way to explore Triesen’s cultural history is at the Lawena Museum. Its exhibits showcase the history of electricity, dating back to 1900. A special exhibition traces Liechtenstein’s electrification: from life without electricity through the electrification of the first factories and industries and the construction of the first power station, to electricity procurement today and renewable energy. While the Gasometer, among other things, explores the history of the former mill site, this exhibition focuses on the country’s energy supply.
Group tours at the Lawena Museum are available year-round, Monday to Saturday, by prior arrangement. Check the arrangements with the museum before your visit, as they may change. Guests can also use the tennis courts at the Forst facility for a court fee; check the current fee in advance.
Discover more destinations: Triesen, Ruggell, Gamprin, Eschen, Triesenberg, Vaduz
Return to the main travel overview: Liechtenstein.
