Overview
Schönberg sits at 2,104 m above Malbun and rewards the climb with one of the broadest panoramas in the principality. The route is well-marked and varied: it passes the Saas Seeli, a small lake ringed with firs, crosses open meadows with lingering snowfields well into spring, and finishes at a simple summit cross with Liechtenstein’s mountains spread out in every direction.
This is a good family hike — relatively easy, well-marked, and manageable for most hikers. The elevation gain is steady throughout.
The Route
Malbun → first section: Start at the Malbun bus terminal (bus stop: Malbun). Head northeast on the signed trail out of the village. The trail follows a wide, well-maintained path with mountain pines on either side.
The first section above Malbun — a wide, well-marked path.
Saas Seeli: After around 30 minutes the trail passes the Saas Seeli. In early spring the shore is still edged with snow, the water a deep green. A good spot to stop for a snack or sit down before the climb proper.
The Saas Seeli. Snow holds on the shore well into May.
Looking ahead from the lake shore. The trail continues a little further before the terrain opens up.
Upper trail: Beyond the lake the path joins a wide gravel track. Follow this briefly, then turn left onto the trail that crosses the open meadow — this is a great picnic spot with the Schönberg massif coming into view ahead. Red and white waymarker posts keep the route clear where snow covers the path.
The waymarked trail across the open meadow. Follow the red-white posts where snow obscures the path.
The Schönberg massif from the upper approach. The summit is the rounded peak on the right.
From here the trail — still under snow in early May but visible in the picture — curves around to the left and makes its way up to the saddle. There are two options: a direct approach bearing left leads to the saddle junction shown below, or bearing right takes you on a slightly longer, less steep route that approaches the peak from the right side.
Saddle junction: A trail junction marks the saddle. Yellow signs point to Schönberg in one direction and back towards Malbun and Steg in the other. Take the Schönberg direction — the summit is a short push from here.
The saddle junction in early May. The sign is half-buried under snow but legible — Schönberg is straight ahead.
Schönberg summit (2,104 m): The summit opens without drama — one moment you are on the slope, the next you are standing at the cross. From here almost the entire ridge of Liechtenstein’s mountains is visible: Drei Schwestern, Langspitz, Galinakopf, Ochsenkopf, Augstenberg, the Falknis massif and more — as well as the Silvretta range on a clear day.
From the summit: Langspitz on the left, Galinakopf in the centre.
The summit cross at 2,104 m. The Rätikon peaks still under heavy snow in early May.
Return the same way to Malbun.
Conditions & Season
- Best months: June–October. The route is doable from May but expect snow from the picnic spot upwards — trekking poles useful for the descent.
- The waymarker posts make navigation straightforward even with snow cover
- In summer the lake section is particularly pleasant; wildflowers on the meadow from June
How to Get There
By bus: Liechtenstein Bus line 10 (Vaduz – Triesenberg – Malbun) to Malbun, last stop. Journey from Vaduz around 35 minutes. Check timetables at liemobil.li.
By car: Drive from Vaduz via Triesenberg to Malbun. Parking at the village car parks near the bus terminal. The trail starts from the eastern end of the village.
Return: Out and back to Malbun. Alternatively, descend via Steg and take the bus back.