Schaan: The Heartbeat of Liechtenstein

• HelloHallo
  [HAH-loh]
• GoodbyeAdieu
  [ah-DYOO]
• YesJa
  [yah]
• NoNein
  [nine]
• Please/You're welcomeBitte
  [BIT-tuh]
• Thank youDanke
  [DAHN-kuh]
• Excuse me/SorryEntschuldigung
  [ENT-shool-dee-goong]
• How are you?Wie geht es dir?
  [vee gayt es deer]
• Fine. And you?Gut. Und du?
  [goot oont doo]
• Do you speak English?Sprichst du Englisch?
  [shprikhst doo ENG-lish]
• I don't understandIch verstehe nicht
  [ikh fer-SHTAY-uh nikht]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseIch möchte die Speisekarte sehen, bitte
  [ikh merkhte dee SHPYE-zuh-kahr-tuh zay-en, BIT-tuh]
• I don't eat meatIch esse kein Fleisch
  [ikh EHS-suh kine flysh]
• Cheers!Prost!
  [prohst]
• I would like to pay, pleaseIch möchte bitte bezahlen
  [ikh merkhte BIT-tuh bezah-len]

• Help!Hilfe!
  [HILL-fuh]
• Go away!Geh weg!
  [gay veg]
• Call the Police!Rufen Sie die Polizei!
  [ROOF-en zee dee poh-LEE-tsy]
• Call a doctor!Rufen Sie einen Arzt!
  [ROOF-en zee EYE-nen ahrts]
• I'm lostIch habe mich verirrt
  [ikh HAH-buh meesh fer-EERT]
• I'm illIch bin krank
  [ikh bin krahngk]

• I'd like to buy...Ich möchte kaufen...
  [ikh merkhte KOW-fen]
• I'm just lookingIch schaue nur
  [ikh SHOW-uh noor]
• How much is it?Wie viel kostet es?
  [vee feel KO-stet es]
• That's too expensiveDas ist zu teuer
  [dahs ist tsoh TOY-er]
• Can you lower the price?Können Sie den Preis senken?
  [KERN-en zee den prees ZEN-ken]

• What time is it?Wie spät ist es?
  [vee shpayt ist es]
• It's one o'clockEs ist ein Uhr
  [es ist eyen oor]
• Half past (10)Halb zehn
  [halb tsayn]
• MorningMorgen
  [MOHR-gen]
• AfternoonNachmittag
  [NAHCH-mit-tahg]
• EveningAbend
  [AH-bent]
• YesterdayGestern
  [GEHS-tern]
• TodayHeute
  [HOY-teh]
• TomorrowMorgen
  [MOHR-gen]
• 1Eins
  [eyns]
• 2Zwei
  [tsvay]
• 3Drei
  [dry]
• 4Vier
  [feer]
• 5Fünf
  [foonf]
• 6Sechs
  [zeks]
• 7Sieben
  [zee-ben]
• 8Acht
  [ahkt]
• 9Neun
  [noyn]
• 10Zehn
  [tsayn]

• Where's a/the...?Wo ist ein/der...?
  [voh ist eyen/dehr]
• What's the address?Was ist die Adresse?
  [vahs ist dee ah-DREHS-uh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Können Sie mir zeigen (auf der Karte)?
  [KERN-en zee meer ZY-gen (owf dehr KAR-teh)]
• When's the next (bus)?Wann kommt der nächste (Bus)?
  [vahn kohmt dehr NIKH-stuh (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Eine Fahrkarte (nach ....)
  [ey-nuh FAHR-kahr-teh (nahkh)]

Schaan’s history dates back to ancient times, with archaeological findings indicating settlement as early as the Bronze Age. The area was later influenced by Roman civilization, as evidenced by the remains of Roman villas and artifacts discovered in the region.

During the medieval period, Schaan was part of the Holy Roman Empire. The region was dominated by various noble families, and the establishment of vineyards and agriculture became prominent. The influence of the Church also grew, evidenced by the construction of the Church of St. Laurentius, which remains a key historical landmark.

In the early 18th century, the Principality of Liechtenstein was established when the Liechtenstein family purchased the Lordship of Schellenberg and the County of Vaduz. Schaan, as part of these territories, became integral to the formation of the new state. This period marked the beginning of Schaan's development as a central hub in the principality.

The 19th century brought industrialization to Schaan, transforming it from an agrarian society into an emerging industrial center. Factories and businesses began to sprout, leading to significant population growth and economic development. The introduction of the railway in 1872 further boosted Schaan's connectivity and industrial capacity.

Despite Liechtenstein's neutrality during both World Wars, Schaan was not immune to the economic impacts of the global conflicts. However, post-World War II, Schaan experienced a remarkable economic resurgence, driven by an influx of businesses and manufacturing industries. The establishment of companies like Hilti and Ivoclar Vivadent played a pivotal role in this economic boom.

Schaan has developed a vibrant cultural scene, with numerous cultural institutions and events. The TAK Theater Liechtenstein and the SAL (Säntis Arena Liechtenstein) host a variety of performances, from classical concerts to contemporary theater. The town’s annual Fasnacht (Carnival) is a colorful and lively tradition that attracts visitors from across the region.

Today, Schaan stands as the largest municipality in Liechtenstein, blending historical heritage with modern amenities. It serves as a key economic and cultural center, preserving its historical landmarks while embracing contemporary development. The town continues to grow, maintaining a balance between its rich past and progressive future.

Schaan is located in the northern part of Liechtenstein, near the Swiss border. The nearest major airport is Zurich Airport (ZRH) in Switzerland, approximately 115 kilometers away. From Zurich, you can take a train to Sargans or Buchs, and then a short bus or taxi ride to Schaan. Alternatively, you can drive from Zurich to Schaan, which takes around 1.5 hours by car.

Schaan has a well-developed public transportation system, including buses and trains that connect to other parts of Liechtenstein and neighboring countries. Local buses are operated by the Liechtenstein Bus Company (LBA) and are a convenient way to get around. Taxis are also available, and renting a car can be a good option if you plan to explore the region more extensively. Biking is popular, and there are well-maintained bike paths throughout the town.

The official currency in Liechtenstein is the Swiss Franc (CHF). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are plentiful, so you can easily withdraw cash if needed. It is advisable to carry some cash for small purchases, especially in more rural areas.

Schaan is generally very safe for tourists, with low crime rates. However, it is always wise to take standard precautions such as not leaving your belongings unattended and being aware of your surroundings. There are no specific areas in Schaan with high crime rates targeting tourists.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. This is the emergency number for police, fire, and medical services. There is a local police station and a medical center in Schaan. It is also recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are readily available for minor health issues.

Fashion: Do dress smart-casual, especially when dining out or visiting cultural sites. Avoid overly casual or revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting churches, dress modestly and keep noise to a minimum. Public Transport: Do be courteous and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake or a nod of the head. It is polite to say 'Grüezi' (hello) or 'Hoi' (hi). Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and be open to new foods. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Schaan like a local, visit the weekly farmers' market where you can buy fresh local produce and handmade goods. Spend time in the local cafes and engage in conversations with residents, who are generally friendly and welcoming. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the beautiful hiking trails around Schaan, such as the Eschnerberg Trail, which offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.