Liechtenstein is a tiny, tiny place; in fact, it is hard to believe there are actually five countries in the world smaller than it.

At just 25 kilometres long and 6 kilometres wide, you could traverse the entire country in an hour or so.

There is a certain trivial and humorous aspect to Liechtenstein – it’s the world’s biggest producer of dentures, for example – but the locals are very proud of their country and are firmly independent.

Those same locals are generally lovely people that welcome you to enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds them.

And Liechtenstein really is intensely beautiful; plunging cliffs run into lush green valleys before running into another ravine, where a castle or ruins may be precariously perched on the mountainside.

If you enjoy the outdoors, Liechtenstein should be high on your list of places to visit.

Hiking and cycling trails abound (well, as much as they can abound in a country of only 150 square kilometres) and you can sign up to them in social tour groups.

Getting around is pretty easy, with German and English spoken by many and Swiss francs the currency.

The principality’s capital is the crisp and orderly Vaduz, which sits on the Rhine and has about 5000 inhabitants.

Don’t miss out on a visit to the excellent cathedral here, which is actually the seat of the Roman Catholic Archbishop.

You will also need to set aside some time to explore the Vaduz Castle, home of the Liechtenstein princely family and an icon of the city.

Both the National Art Gallery and National Museum are worth a look; the art gallery in particular stands out for its futuristic and delightful design.

For a country with a population of about 35,000, Liechtenstein does a great job of catering to tourists.