Gamprin-Bendern: Nature, Trails and History
Accommodation in Gamprin-Bendern
Nature and biodiversity, trails through the terrain, and the history of Bendern church hill give Gamprin-Bendern a range of distinct points of interest. When looking for accommodation, you can first consider which of these topics interests you most during your stay.
File:Internationale Akademie für Philosophie in Gamprin-Bendern, Fürstentum Liechtenstein.jpg
Photo: Asurnipal via Source, CC-BY-SA-3.0
Grossabünt: Nature and Themed Trails
The Grossabünt recreation area in Gamprin covers 4.5 hectares. A separate measurement applies to the Grossabünt natural swimming lake: its swimming area is more than 3,500 m². The figures refer to different areas—the recreation area's total area and the lake's swimming area. At Grossabünt, the natural environment is the focus, with species-rich habitats that are carefully maintained and designed to be close to nature. Information boards explain the region's biodiversity.
The trails also have different focuses. The stone trail at Grossabünt explores part of the Earth's history. The wood trail leads to 50 different native woody plants, including maple and European beech. Along the main access path to the Grossabünt recreation area, plaques on the SDG Trail present all 17 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Nature, Earth's history, woody plants and sustainability goals thus offer clearly distinct topics.
Trails with Different Points of Interest
Circular Trail 2 passes the first prehistoric settlements and offers views of the surrounding mountains and the Rhine Valley. Its points of interest therefore include both early traces of settlement and the landscape. The Liechtenstein Historical High Trail has a 16-kilometre main route: it runs from Bendern to Hinterschellenberg on the Austrian border and returns via Gamprin. When comparing the trails, different questions come to the fore: Are you especially interested in traces of settlement and scenic views, or is the exact route of the 16-kilometre trail important for your plans?
Mountain Bike Course and Helmet Requirement
The Bike-Fun-Kratzera is a bike course with obstacles made from natural materials. Mountain bikers can test and develop their skills there; the course has various levels of difficulty. Its focus therefore differs from that of Circular Trail 2 and the Liechtenstein Historical High Trail: here, the aim is to test and improve your riding skills. Helmets are mandatory on the Bike-Fun-Kratzera. Check the safety requirements in place at the site before using the course.
History and Religious Connections at the Church Hill
The church, rectory and former parish stable form an ensemble on Bendern church hill that dates back to the 15th or 16th century. The rectory was built in 1532 and served as a monastery for the Premonstratensians for centuries. The group of buildings and its former use as a monastery give the church hill an architectural and historical connection.
A precisely dated event took place there on 16 March 1699: the subjects of the County of Schellenberg swore allegiance to the Prince of Liechtenstein for the first time on the historic church hill. The site is therefore also connected with a specific chapter in Liechtenstein's history.
The Lourdes Grotto of Our Lady was created between 1896 and 1898 in a rock hollow on the church hill. During the liturgical year, it is a destination or stop on several processions. Alongside the historic group of buildings, the church hill is therefore also associated with the 1699 oath of allegiance and a religious site connected with recurring processions during the liturgical year.
For the general travel overview: Gamprin.
