Border-Hopping & Bucket Lists
There’s Something Magical About Being Able to Visit Three Countries in a Single Day
Border-Hopping & Bucket Lists
There’s Something Magical About Being Able to Visit Three Countries in a Single Day
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There’s Something Magical About Being Able to Visit Three Countries in a Single Day
Brian Schwan
7/14/2025
There’s something magical about being able to visit three countries in a single day—without an airport, security line, or even much planning. This was that kind of day. A “check the box” kind of day. A “let’s squeeze one more memory into this trip” kind of day.
We started the morning with a quick visit to Feldkirch, Austria, then drove a little farther to Liechtenstein, because, well... when else are we going to be this close? But the real highlight wasn’t a border crossing—it was heading back into Switzerland for an afternoon at Kronberg, where we rode a gondola, zipped down a mountain coaster, and felt like little kids again.
And just when we thought we were winding down? The kids joined another pick-up soccer game in Appenzell—because apparently that’s the best way to end a day, no matter where you are.
This was one of those days where we didn’t feel rushed, but we still did a lot. We started early, driving east from Appenzell to the Austrian border town of Feldkirch, then into Liechtenstein, where we stopped in Vaduz for a quick stroll, easy lunch, and views of the castle perched above the capital.
From there, we made our way back into Switzerland to Kronberg, a mountain not far from Appenzell, known for its gondola, hiking trails, and—most importantly—a summer toboggan run (aka mountain coaster).
It was simple fun. Pure fun. The kind of fun that doesn’t need a brochure or itinerary.
Feldkirch: A Quick Taste of Austria
Feldkirch: A Quick Taste of Austria
We didn’t linger long in Feldkirch, but just crossing the border into Austria was a novelty in itself—especially for the kids, who were loving the idea of “country collecting.” The town was quiet, walkable, and charming, with cobblestone streets and a sleepy morning market vibe.
We grabbed coffee and pastries (naturally) and wandered through the old town before hopping back in the car.
Vaduz, Liechtenstein: A Capital-Sized Stop
Vaduz, Liechtenstein: A Capital-Sized Stop
Next up was Vaduz, Liechtenstein’s tiny but surprisingly modern capital. While we didn’t spend a ton of time there, it was just enough to take in the unique energy of this little country wedged between giants.
We explored the pedestrian zone, snapped some photos of the hilltop castle, and grabbed a quick bite to eat.
It was a quick stop, but checking Liechtenstein off the list felt like a small win in our European adventure bingo card.
Kronberg Mountain & Coaster: Childhood, Revisited
Kronberg Mountain & Coaster: Childhood, Revisited
If you’ve never flown down a Swiss mountainside on a little sled with a hand brake, you’re missing out.
We rode the gondola up Kronberg, enjoyed the crisp alpine air and views, and then took turns on the mountain coaster, which winds down through the fields and trees like a summer rollercoaster.
It wasn’t just for the kids. We all loved it—laughing, racing, maybe braking a little too early on the first round. It was good, clean mountain fun, and a great way to celebrate the final stretch of our trip.
Evening Soccer and the Feeling of Belonging
Evening Soccer and the Feeling of Belonging
Back in Appenzell, the boys found their friends again—local kids they’d played with the night before—and jumped right back into a game of soccer. No instructions needed. No translations. Just ball, goal, play.
Watching them run and laugh and communicate through the rhythm of the game felt like the most genuine cultural exchange of the entire trip. Meanwhile, we talked with neighbors, sipped wine, and quietly agreed: this place had carved a spot in our hearts.
Practical Tips
Practical Tips
Feldkirch and Vaduz can be done in a half-day. Don’t over-plan—these are great for short visits.
Kronberg is family-friendly and accessible. No need for a full hiking setup—just come ready to ride.
Mountain coasters = instant kid joy. Safe, easy, and worth every Swiss franc.
Let kids find their rhythm. Pick-up games are great ways for them to connect without needing to speak the language.
This day wasn’t flashy. It wasn’t about chasing top-10 attractions or checking off some big bucket-list dream.
It was about finding joy in small surprises, discovering that crossing borders doesn’t have to feel like crossing lines, and realizing that the most fun you have might just be riding a coaster down a Swiss hillside.
We left the day with two new countries on our list, sore legs, and a deeper appreciation for the simple joys that make travel unforgettable.
Want to keep following the journey?
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