Three Sisters Hiking Trail | Malbun

The Three Sisters Hiking Trail is a challenging alpine route traversing the peaks of the Drei Schwestern massif in the Rätikon range. It is located above the village of Malbun in Liechtenstein.

Visual Characteristics

The trail navigates a rugged alpine landscape characterized by steep, rocky ascents and descents. The dominant features are the three limestone peaks of the Drei Schwestern (Great Sister, Middle Sister, Small Sister), which exhibit grey and white rock faces. Vegetation consists primarily of sparse alpine grasses, mosses, and low-lying shrubs, with occasional patches of coniferous forest at lower elevations. Panoramic views extend across the Rhine Valley, the Swiss Alps, and the Austrian Vorarlberg region.

Location & Access Logistics

The trail is accessible from Malbun, approximately 15 kilometers east of Vaduz. The primary starting point is near the Sareis chairlift valley station in Malbun, or from the Gaflei area. From Malbun, follow signs for the Fürstin-Gina-Weg or the Three Sisters. Parking is available in designated lots within Malbun village. Public transport to Malbun is via Bus Line 21, which connects Malbun with Vaduz and further to Buchs SG (Switzerland) or Feldkirch (Austria).

Historical & Ecological Origin

The Drei Schwestern massif is part of the Rätikon mountain range, a sub-range of the Eastern Alps. Its geological formation is predominantly limestone, dating back to the Mesozoic era, shaped by tectonic uplift and glacial erosion. The trail itself is a developed path through this natural alpine environment, maintained for recreational access. The ecosystem supports typical alpine flora and fauna adapted to high altitudes and harsh conditions.

Key Highlights & Activities

Hiking the full Three Sisters Trail involves traversing exposed ridges and requires sure-footedness and a head for heights. Specific actions include ascending to the summits of the Drei Schwestern peaks, reaching the Kühgrat viewpoint, and navigating sections with fixed ropes and chains for assistance. The trail offers multiple variations, including the longer Fürstin-Gina-Weg or shorter loops from Gaflei. Photography of the panoramic vistas is a primary activity.

Infrastructure & Amenities

There are no permanent restrooms directly on the trail; facilities are available in Malbun village or at the Sareis mountain restaurant (accessible via chairlift). Shade is minimal along the exposed ridge sections. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available but can be intermittent in certain valleys or deep sections. Food and beverages are available at restaurants in Malbun and at the Sareis mountain restaurant.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit is from late June to early October, when the trail is typically free of snow. Early mornings are recommended for clearer views and to avoid potential afternoon thunderstorms. Photography is optimal during the morning hours for favorable lighting across the Rhine Valley. The trail is not accessible in winter due to snow and ice conditions.

Facts & Legends

Local legend attributes the name Drei Schwestern (Three Sisters) to three sisters who were turned to stone for picking berries on a Sunday. A verified historical oddity is that the trail traverses the border between Liechtenstein and Austria in several sections. A specific tip for visitors is to check weather conditions meticulously, as the exposed nature of the trail makes it vulnerable to sudden changes.

Nearby Landmarks

• Sareis Chairlift: 0.5km West
• Malbun Village Center: 1.0km South
• Fürstin-Gina-Weg (part of the Three Sisters network): 0.1km East (trailhead)
• Augstenberg Peak: 3.5km South-East
• Gaflei (alternative trailhead): 4.0km West