And the last country in Europe to give women the vote was…

Liechtenstein.

Women could not vote in Liechtenstein until 1984.

Yep, you heard me right. Not 1884 but 1984.

This tiny Alpine principality in Western Europe was one of the last places on Earth (at least outside the Middle East) where women weren’t considered as politically equal to men until the mid-1980s. Margaret Thatcher had already been Prime Minister on the UK for 5 years and women in New Zealand had been able to vote for over 90 years.

Where is Liechtenstein?

Mountainous Liechtenstein is a 25km-long slither of a country sandwiched between Switzerland and Austria. It is German-speaking with a population of less than 40,000. Although as a financial hub, every day around 20,000 people commute to work here.

Liechtenstein is a constitutional monarchy headed by Prince Hans-Adam II who lives in Vaduz Castle high in the mountains overshadowing the capital. Liechtenstein is also one of the wealthiest countries in the world and the residents enjoy a very high- standard of living.

Why was Liechtenstein so far behind giving women the vote?

Surprisingly, Liechtenstein wasn’t actually that far behind neighbouring Switzerland. Women were not allowed to vote at a federal level until 1971. The Swiss canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden didn’t give women the right to vote on local issues until 1991!

Pop over to our Switzerland family travel post to learn more about women’s rights in Switzerland and how to explore this amazing country with toddlers in tow.

In 1971 and 1973 there were referendums about women’s suffrage in Liechtenstein when all the voters in the country got to decide if women could have the vote. Bearing in mind that all the voters were men, it’s not that much of a shock that both referendums were against giving women the vote.

It took over a decade more and the fierce determination of many women, like Melitta Marxer (read her story below) before a final referendum was held in 1984. Again only men could vote but finally, women obtained the right to vote. It’s really important to note that even this referendum was only won by an incredibly small margin (2,370 for; 2,251 against).

Why you should teach your kids about women’s rights in Liechtenstein?

As you wander the quaint cobbled streets on the tiny capital Vaduz, you would never expect that this wealthy and prosperous country could oppress women and their right to a democratic voice for so many years. You’re not in rural Africa or in a deeply Islamic Middle Eastern town. No, you’re in a picturesque European town.

I think that visiting here with teenagers learning about democracy at school would be a very eye-opening and educational experience. Remember to mention to them what a small margin women’s suffrage was won with in the end. I’d love to hear their opinions on this tiny nation and its politics.

These posters were still on display in Vaduz celebrating the 30 year anniversary of women getting the vote in Liechtenstein back in 2014.

An Inspirational and Irrepressible Lady from Liechtenstein

Melitta Marxer was a key figure behind women’s suffrage in Liechtenstein. Born in 1923, she married in 1948 and had three daughters. Having four daughters made her increasingly aware of the plight of women in Liechtenstein.

In her own words  “We were four women and one man in my family. Whenever there was an election, it was always only my husband who could go and vote – and we women had to stay at home.” (source)

Melitta became part of a women’s activist group called the Dornröschen (which translates as ‘thorny roses’). Melitta and the other female activists tried to argue their case to the government in Vaduz. But they were speaking to deaf ears. Therefore the Dornröschen activists set off around Europe to highlight their cause. They made sure that they stopped at the Council of Europe in Strasbourg. The actions of Dornröschen group were pivotal to the change in Liechtenstein’s voting laws.

How to organise a day trip to Liechtenstein

Organising a family trip to Liechtenstein is very easy given that this tiny principality borders on Switzerland and Austria. It only takes 1 hour by train to get from Zurich to Vaduz.

Alternatively, if you’re like us and prefer travelling by car with toddlers then bringing your own vehicle is no problem. It will also give you the freedom to explore more of the country – then just Vaduz in one day.

It would also be really easy to add a day trip to Liechtenstein into a European road trip itinerary. there is no real border – in fact, you might not even realise that you’ve crossed the Swiss-Liechtenstein border!

The local currency is Swiss Francs and the language German (but many people speak English).

What to do in Vaduz with kids?

The Liechtenstein Tourist Office

This welcoming tourist office will probably be your first port of call in the capital, Vaduz. Purchase a postcard, get a passport stamp and grab a photo opportunity!

The National Museum

The Liechtensteinisches Landesmuseum is based in a historical building dating back to the 15th century. It is right next to the tourist office so you won’t miss it.

It’s a small museum featuring artefacts and exhibits telling the history of Liechtenstein but also has exhibitions on the wider world and natural history. H and Z really learning about the Alpine animals and the temporary exhibition on Egyptian pyramids that was on when we visited.

We loved these reindeer heads lining the main staircase!

Exploring Old Town Vaduz

After a coffee and cake, we meandered around Old Town Vaduz. The main street in town is pedestrianised (great for the kids) and chock-a-block full of souvenir shops and cafes.

We walked a little further out of town to explore the quaint back streets of Vaduz with their beautiful flower gardens. There is a Citytrain that you can catch as well if the kids don’t feel like walking.

Exploring rural Liechtenstein

It’s an easy 30 minutes hike from Vaduz to Vaduz Castle through wooded hiking trails. We decided this was too long for our toddler and drove up instead. As the castle isn’t open to the public, we just had a quick look at the outside and drove on.

The local countryside is a paradise for outdoorsy families, offering spectacular hiking trails and activities as well as great picnic spots. In wintertime, Liechtenstein is also a great place to take your kids to ski school.

Get more top tips from the big guys with this article by Lonely Planet that described why your kids will love ‘small but perfectly formed’ Liechtenstein.

Photo Credit for feature image and pin image: Niklas Schoenburger via unsplash.com 

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Welcome to the World for a Girl community. Please share your own ideas and thoughts about family travel in Liechtenstein. Are you a woman living, studying or working there? Could you share your personal perspective on feminism and gender equality in Liechtenstein? Which great female explorers or travellers from Liechtenstein haven’t I discovered yet? What activities or stories from Liechtenstein do you share to empower your daughters?