Link to more route details: https://www.komoot.de/collection/901422/-via-alpina-green-gruene-zelena-vert

The beginning of this stage follows Via Alpina Red Trail from Sücka to Silum and Gaflei. Above Gaflei, before reaching the Fürstensteig trail, the Green Trail branches off into the valley. It is signposted as a mountain path and marked in white-red-white. Gaflei (1,483m), situated on a wooded contour step on the western slope of the southern Three Sisters chain, offers a splendid far-reaching view over the eastern Swiss mountains and valleys. The plunging view from the nearby lookout tower over the silver ribbon of the Rhine, the pretty villages in the valley and the view back over the rugged rock faces and erosion crater are particularly spectacular. Descend along the well-made trail in hairpin bends in the shade of the Profatscheng wood, leaving the lush meadow grass of the former Valser settlement of Profatscheng to the left to reach the restored Wildschloss castle ruins (947m). A place is provided for campfires. From here, walk along the woodland path through the glorious beech wood towards Vaduz Castle, the princely residence. It is not possible to visit the castle. Take the footpath to the castle then head through the villa neighbourhood and the old part of Vaduz with the striking Red House to reach the centre of Vaduz, which offers a wide range of things to do.

The signposted starting point: Vaduz post office. Leave the pedestrian zone and climb up through the Mitteldorf (historical centre) past the “Red House” to the outskirts of the wood. Then head to the Wildschloss castle ruins on a well-built woodland trail marked in white-red-white, which soon becomes steeper. A series of hairpin bends take you to Gaflei and the connection to the Red Trail.
(Johann Oehry / Ewald Oehry, AWNL)

Gaflei: Reports dating back to 1875 tell of the “dairy and climatic health resort of Alp Gaflei” on this panoramic sunny terrace. In 1898, engineer Carl Schädler built the popular Gaflei high-altitude spa, which had to be rebuilt in 1961, at the same time as the Fürstensteig trail. Further into the valley, the alpine meadows give way to sparse woodland. The abandoned Valser hamlet of Profatscheng is situated on a moraine and the Profatscheng wood on mountain scree. Along the trail, you will see outcrops of lacustrine limestone. The ruins of Schalun castle, locally referred to as the “Wildschloss”, stand on a striking, panoramic mountain spur of siliceous limestone resembling pudding stone and marl schist of the Vaduz flysch deposits. The castle dates back to the Middle Ages, but the north tower collapsed as early as 1200, and further collapses caused by erosion are reported by the Embser Chronicle in 1616. Today, the secured ruin is a popular excursion destination. Head through Vaduz forest with its multifunctional significance as a preservation, recreational and timber forest to reach the castle wood of the prince. The castle wood is mainly left untouched as natural woodland. Vaduz Castle: The high castle overlooking the valley landscape stands on a steeply sloping rocky terrace. The oldest parts of the castle date back to the early 14th century. These represent the fortified keep, called “Heidenturm” (pagan’s tower), an upper and lower castle courtyard, palace, chapel and western ringwall. In the Swabian War of 1499, the castle was destroyed by fire. In the following years, the mighty defence towers were built under the Counts of Sulz. The royal family has been living in the castle, which was restored in 1905, since 1938. The footpath to the castle is marked with panels providing information on history, the countryside and the people. Vaduz, the main town of the Principality of Liechtenstein, which is not really a town but rather a municipal village, is surrounded by vineyards, woodland, fields and the River Rhine, inviting you to stay for a while in this natural environment and enjoy the area reserved for walkers. History enthusiasts can pay a visit to the local history museum, while art lovers will appreciate the Prince’s collections and the changing exhibitions in the art museum. The stamp museum and ski museum are also worth seeing. The neo-Gothic cathedral was erected in 1873 under master builder Schmidt, and the representative neo-baroque governmental building by architect Gustav von Neumann. The town hall, banks and attractive shops round the image off.

(Johann Oehry / Ewald Oehry, AWNL)