Undated picture of Liechtenstein's Prince Castle in Vaduz that is undergoing complete renovation. Ruling Prince Alois von und zu Liechtensteine can see almost his entire realm from the castle, from mountain ridge to mountain ridge, encompassing a fast flowing river and eagle eye views of the capital far below. It sounds like make believe, but it's no fairy tale kingdom that Prince Alois rules. (AP Photo/Tomasz Surdel)
Hitler didn't bother to invade because the territory was completely unstrategic, and the entire populace would easily have fled over the Swiss border in a few hours.
Inspired The Dutchey of Grand Fenwick.
I was in Vaduz in 2004 when Prince Alois formally took (most) of his father's power, on their national holiday. It was a wild time. Other than the palace on the hill and the alps around, Vaduz isn't much of a place ...ugly modern architecture mostly. Chur, Switzerland, about 20 minutes away is a gorgeous little medieval town, where most of the streets wind around and are about 10 feet wide, and you could picture William Tell appearing at any time. I have friends who live there.
The celebration in Vaduz was crazy though (I witnessed a drunken fight)...and its fireworks were the best I've ever seen (and I'm a native of Washington DC, and have seen the 4th there many times...) shot off from right behind the palace immediately over the crowd.
The Swiss, one of the richest nations on earth, consider the Lichtensteiners filthy rich....and yes, all the cabs are either Mercedes or BMW there.
One of the most eerie things I saw there though, was a sign at the finale of the fireworks, lit up in fireworks at the base of the palace, saying "Fur Gott, ein Furst und der Vaterland!" this with a bunch of drunken German speakers singing their national anthem (to the tune of "My Country tis of Thee") was quite an experience.