Waldhotelpark – A Timeless Natural Retreat in Vaduz
The Waldhotelpark transforms a historically significant site into a vibrant, ecologically rich, and socially engaging landscape. This park is not just a green space; it is a living testament to Vaduz’s cultural and environmental heritage, carefully designed to enhance biodiversity, provide recreational opportunities, and reconnect people with nature.
Originally opened in 1932, the Waldhotel was an iconic landmark known for its forest baths, lush gardens, and idyllic setting. Although demolished in 1974, the hotel’s significance has endured in the memory of Vaduz’s residents. The park honors this legacy by integrating elements reminiscent of the original site, such as thoughtful planting concepts and a renewed emphasis on the therapeutic relationship between people and nature.
The design and construction of the park prioritized ecological restoration. The former hotel garden once hosted a wide variety of plant species, some of which have become rare or even disappeared. This project seeks to reverse that loss by reintroducing native plants, including endangered species such as the dingel orchid (Limodorum abortivum). The park also functions as a sanctuary for wildlife, creating vital habitats for wild bees, butterflies, other pollinators and small animals descending from the forest. The mature trees that define the landscape have been preserved, ensuring natural shade and habitat continuity.
Beyond its ecological benefits, the park provides an inclusive and engaging environment for visitors of all ages. Designed as a place of relaxation, play and gathering. It features:
• Shaded seating areas and barbecue spots that encourage social interactions and community bonding.
• Open meadows and lawns for informal recreation and leisure.
• Restored historical elements, including the Waldhotel cellar, reimagined as a gathering space with a welcoming forecourt.
• A network of pathways, offering accessible routes for walking, jogging, and quiet contemplation.
These carefully designed elements ensure that the park is a multifunctional space, balancing active and passive uses while maintaining a harmonious relationship with nature.
The project embraces sustainability as a core principle. In response to the urban heat island effect, green infrastructure solutions have been implemented, including:
• Dense tree canopies and plantings that provide natural cooling and improve air quality.
• Permeable surfaces that enhance water infiltration and minimize runoff.
• Integration of local materials and low-maintenance vegetation, reducing the park’s environmental footprint while ensuring long-term resilience.
By applying these strategies, the park serves as a model for climate-adaptive urban green spaces, offering a sustainable response to contemporary environmental challenges.
The Waldhotelpark stands out as a compelling example of how historical narratives, ecological restoration, and innovative design can come together to create a space of immense value. It redefines what a public park can be—both a sanctuary for biodiversity and a vibrant meeting place for people.
The Waldhotelpark bridges successfully past and future, nature and community, preservation and innovation. Vaduz has gained not only a new park but a renewed sense of place—one that enriches the lives of residents and visitors alike, ensuring that the legacy of the Waldhotel continues for generations to come.
• All architecture offices involved in the design:
Becker Architektur AG
