Liechtenstein’s one true mountain road, the climb to Malbun rises from the capital Vaduz to the country’s only winter sports resort, tucked away at 1,600 m in the heart of the Rätikon massif.
The climb
From Vaduz, at around 460 m elevation, the road climbs for 14.6 km to Malbun at 1,600 m, gaining 1,290 m at an average of 8.8%, with sections reaching 17.7% in the switchbacks above Triesenberg. The road first crosses the village of Triesenberg before rising through a series of tight bends, first through forest and then across alpine pastures.
How to approach the ride
The gradient, sustained for almost the entire route, leaves little room to recover: a very compact gear ratio is strongly recommended. The road stays narrow but well maintained, with traffic generally light outside summer weekends.
When to go
May to October, as the mountain road stays closed or risky in snow the rest of the year. Summer and early autumn offer the best conditions, with lush alpine meadows toward the top of the climb.
Good to know
Vaduz, Liechtenstein’s capital, overlooked by its princely castle, has all the services you’d need before setting off. In Malbun, the country’s only ski resort, a few mountain cafés offer a chance to recover before the long descent back to the Rhine valley.
