The blooming wildflower meadows are splendid in June and July. Wildflower meadows (rough pastures) are not as productive as sweet meadows, but they are prettier and more diverse. The soil is low in humus, often dries up during the low-precipitation months of summer, and usually contains limestone. In a very small area, up to a hundred different plant species grow, including rare and protected species. In contrast, only 20 to 30 different species grow in sweet meadows. In Liechtenstein, 24 different orchid species thrive in wildflower meadows! Wildflower meadows are anthropogenic pasture lands, i.e., they were created by humans. A long time ago, artificial forest clearings attracted species in search of light. The invention of the scythe in the Middle Ages made it possible to develop large areas for extensive agricultural use. The farmer simultaneously become a landscape gardener. Since the Second World War, ever more intensive use of the previously contiguous wildflower meadows began. Today, about 90% of the previous wildflower meadows have made way to intensive agriculture. The remainder is subsidized by the State, in order to preserve this unique type of landscape.

The Ell valley near Balzers is the largest contiguous wildflower meadow area in the country, known for its fire lilies, which shine in all directions from the steep slopes exposed to the west. Not far from the Ell valley, the Rhine Dam begins, which extends from the southernmost municipality, Balzers, to the northern border near Ruggell. The river side of the Rhine Dam is a true treasure chest of colorful and rare plants. On about 22 kilometers of the dam embankment, over 500 plant species can be found, many of which are mountain plants that were washed into the valley. Hikers enjoy the many orchids, such as the pyramid orchid (orchis pyramidalis). In addition, there are neophytes, plants imported by humans, mainly from the New World. Farmland weeds and ruderal vegetation, growing as pioneers on land reshaped by humans, find their last refuge here. This is also true for xerothermic, warmth-loving species, which congregate here in a very small area. The Rhine Dam is under preservation. The State is responsible for species-specific preservation, also so that the often rare animal species living in these sensitive plant environments can thrive.

The Schwabbrünnen-Äscher nature preserve is known for its lax-flowered marsh orchids (orchis palustris), an orchid species that only grows on the rare limestone sinters. A hike through this small preserve is surprising, due to the variety of marsh plants such as the adder's tongue (ophioglossum vulgatum) and yellow iris (iris pseudacorus). The Ruggeller Riet, the richest nature area in Liechtenstein, is a lowland moor, created about 10,000 years ago when the feeder streams of the Rhine dried up. The characteristic plant is the Siberian iris (iris sibirica). Of European significance is the crested shield fern (dryopteris cristata). 450 vascular plant species, 72 species of moss and 216 species of mushrooms can be found in the Ruggeller Riet. 146 species of birds and 534 species of butterflies attest to the rich fauna. A trip to this open-air nature museum is a must for every nature-loving visitor of Liechtenstein.

With rich flora and fauna, the
valley area of Liechtenstein is
an inviting place to hike

The Ell Valley near Balzers is
known for its brilliant fire lilies