Overview
Augstenberg (2,359 m) is Liechtenstein’s second-highest summit. The approach from Malbun is straightforward compared to the Drei Schwestern — the ridge is broad, the path well-maintained, and the views nearly as good. This makes it the best moderate day hike in the country.
Start and finish in Malbun village (1,600 m). The circular route climbs the western flank, crosses the Augstenberg summit, and descends via the Sareiserjoch.
The Route
Malbun → Sareiserjoch: Follow the ski-piste track north out of the village until the summer trail branches left. The trail climbs steadily through alpine meadows. At 2,000m the landscape opens up dramatically.
Sareiserjoch → Augstenberg summit: The col at Sareiserjoch (2,000m) is the junction point. Turn left (east) and follow the ridge to the summit. The final 200m is a steep zigzag but no scrambling required.
Summit: On clear days you can see Säntis to the northwest, the Austrian Alps to the east, and the Swiss Prättigau directly south. There’s a simple cross at the summit.
Descent via Pfälzerhütte: The Pfälzerhütte mountain hut at 2,108m is 20 minutes below the summit and serves hot food and drinks (open June–October). The descent to Malbun from the hut is a further 2–2.5 hours on a wide trail.
Conditions & Season
- Best months: July–September
- Snowfields possible until July near the summit
- Check the Pfälzerhütte opening dates before planning a lunch stop (pfaelzerhuette.li)
How to Get There
By bus: Liechtenstein Bus line 21 from Vaduz to Malbun (end of line). Takes 35 minutes. Runs hourly in summer.
By car: Drive from Vaduz toward Triesenberg and Malbun. Paid parking in the village (€5/day). 25 minutes from Vaduz.