History
The Liechtenstein legation was opened in 1944. 25 years later, it was converted into an embassy. Liechtenstein had previously maintained a legation in Berne from 1919 to 1933, which however had to be closed for internal (financial) reasons. The heads of the legation/embassy since 1944 have been: H.S.H. Ambassador Prince Heinrich of Liechtenstein (1944-1989); H.S.H. Ambassador Prince Nikolaus of Liechtenstein (1989-1996); H.S.H. Ambassador Prince Wolfgang of Liechtenstein (1996-2001); H.S.H. Ambassador Prince Stefan of Liechtenstein (2001-2007); Herr Dr. Hubert Büchel (2007-present).

Building
The first embassy was located on the Gerechtigkeitsgasse. In 1972, the State acquired property on the Willadingweg, where the office and residence now stand. Pursuant to preparatory work and a decision in 2000, the residence was renovated extensively between May 2001 and May 2002 and partially expanded. It is a modern, spacious building, standing out from the other embassies in Berne, which are usually more traditional structures.

Relations with Switzerland

In March 2000, the Swiss Federal Council appointed Ambassador Kurt Höchner as the first Swiss ambassador to Liechtenstein. He held this position until September 2003. His successor as ambassador to Liechtenstein is Ambassador Paul Seger, who has been Director of the Directorate of International Law of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) since June 2003. Ambassador Seger presented his credentials in Liechtenstein on 3 November 2003. The Directorate of International Law is the most important contact point for all DFA affairs pertaining to Liechtenstein.

International contacts through Bern
The Embassy acts as a communications hub for countries with direct diplomatic relations with Liechtenstein. The primary goal of contact with other embassies is to provide information on current developments in Liechtenstein and to convey an overall accurate picture of Liechtenstein.

Consular activities
The Embassy administers consular activities such as services for Liechtenstein citizens living in Switzerland as well as – via the DFA – of Liechtenstein citizens living abroad.

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