FAQ
What archival records are available in the National Archives?
The majority of the archive material originate from government records. These are supplemented by private archives and collections, which include, among others, personal estates, family archives, association archives, photographs, films, plans, and maps. Depending on the topic, it may be necessary to consult additional archives.
Documents of The Princely Collections of Liechtenstein are not located in the National Archives. They can be found in Vienna https://www.liechtensteincollections.at/
Who has access to the holdings of the Liechtenstein National Archives?
The National Archives are open to the public and to anyone with a legitimate interest. This includes academic and private research as well as genealogical research.
Are there any restrictions on the use of archival materials?
Depending on their age, archival records may still be subject to restriction periods. According to the Archive Law, official records have a restriction period of 30 years, and personal records have a restriction period of 80 years. However, it is possible to apply for a reduction of these restriction periods (please be aware that requests only have a chance to be approved if the inquirer can state scientific interest in the sealed documents): Request to Access Restricted Records
Furthermore, official secrecy, personal privacy protection as well as copyright may limit the use of archival materials. Conservation reasons like the protection of fragile documents may also restrict the use of archival materials. In such cases, the state archive provides reproductions in the form of microfilms or digital copies.
Can archive records also be viewed digitally?
Only a fraction of the archive material is available digitally. Primarily, this includes collected items such as audiovisual media, plans or maps. These collections are among the most frequently requested. For this reason and in the interest of preservation, they were digitized first. Digitized copies can be viewed in our reading room.
Is registration necessary?
No registration is required. You are welcome to visit us anytime during our opening hours:
Monday to Friday
08.00 - 12.00
13.30 - 17.00
For extensive record requests, we recommend registering in advance so that the archives can be prepared for your visit.
What should be considered when handling archival materials?
All archival materials are unique and therefore require careful handling. In the reading room, pencils, book supports, lead weights and other aids are available to handle archival materials with care. In the interest of preservation, microfilms may be provided instead of the original documents in some cases. When reviewing files, the original order of the documents should be maintained to preserve their context of creation. Treating our archival documents with care will ensure that they are preserved for as long as possible and can be viewed by many others.
Is it allowed to copy/photograph archival materials?
Photographs and copies are not allowed. Exceptionally, archival materials may be copied with the consent of our team.
Can archive material be borrowed?
The use of the archive material is limited to the reading room. Records can only be borrowed by public administration offices or for exhibition purposes.
Can books from the reference library be borrowed?
No. Media available for borrowing can be found, for example, at the Liechtenstein National Library.
How do I cite archival materials in publications?
Source Citation Requirements
Please adhere to the following guidelines when publishing archival materials from the National Archives:
1. Source Citations in General
Title (may be shortened), Date
Archival signature
Source: National Archives of Liechtenstein, Vaduz
Example:
Einbürgerung des Barons Carl von Vogelsang in Schellenberg, 1869-1870
V 004/1869/01
Source: National Archives of Liechtenstein, Vaduz
2. Citation of Audiovisual Material
Title (may be shortened), Date, Location (if available)
Archive Signature
Source: National Archives of Liechtenstein, Vaduz
Photographer: First Name Last Name, City
Example:
Töchterinstitut Gutenberg, ca. 1900, Balzers (postcard)
B 11Ba.3/001/001
Source: National Archives of Liechtenstein, Vaduz
Photographer: Walter Ospelt, Vaduz
Where can I find documents from the Liechtenstein municipalities?
Balzers
Alexander Vogt
Gemeindeverwaltung Balzers
Gemeindearchiv
Fürstenstrasse 50
FL-9496 Balzers
Tel. +423 388 05 40
E-mail alexander.vogt@balzers.li
Eschen
Ronnie Vogt
Gemeindeverwaltung Eschen
Gemeindearchiv
St. Martin's Ring 2
FL-9492 Eschen
Tel. +423 377 49 94
E-mail ronnie.vogt@eschen.li
Gamprin
Siegfried Elkuch
Gemeindeverwaltung Gamprin
Gemeindearchiv
Haldenstrasse 93
FL-9487 Gamprin
Tel. +423 375 91 16
E-mail siegfried.elkuch@gamprin.li
Mauren
Christoph Kieber
Gemeindeverwaltung Mauren
Gemeindearchiv
Peter- and Paul-Strasse 27
FL-9493 Mauren
Tel. +423 377 10 40
E-mail christoph.kieber@mauren.li
Planken
Marlies Engler
Gemeindeverwaltung Planken
Gemeindearchiv
Dorfstrasse 58
FL-9498 Planken
Tel. +423 375 81 00
E-mail marlies.engler@planken.li
Ruggell
Jürgen Schindler
Gemeindeverwaltung Ruggell
Gemeindearchiv
Poststrasse 1
FL-9491 Ruggell
Tel. +423 377 49 20
E-mail juergen.schindler@ruggell.li
Schaan
Gina Jehle
Gemeindeverwaltung Schaan
Archiv und Sammlungen
Landstrasse 19
FL-9494 Schaan
Tel. +423 237 72 70
E-mail gina.jehle@schaan.li
Schellenberg
Karin Hassler
Gemeindeverwaltung Schellenberg
Gemeindearchiv
Dorf 49
FL-9488 Schellenberg
Tel. +423 399 20 33
E-mail karin.hassler@schellenberg.li
Triesen
Christine Marogg
Gemeindeverwaltung Triesen
Gemeindearchiv
Dröschistrasse 4
FL-9495 Triesen
Tel. +423 399 36 38
E-mail christine.marogg@triesen.li
Triesenberg
Jürgen Glauser (Municipality Archive)
Jürgen Schindler (Historical Archive)
Gemeindeverwaltung Triesenberg
Gemeindearchiv
Landstrasse 4
FL-9497 Triesenberg
Tel. +423 265 50 12
E-mail: juergen.glauser@triesenberg.li
and juergen.schindler@triesenberg.li
Vaduz
Jürgen Schindler
Gemeindeverwaltung Vaduz
Gemeindearchiv
Städtle 6
FL-9490 Vaduz
Tel. +423 237 78 78
E-mail info@vaduz.li
Where can I find further documents on the reigning Princes of Liechtenstein?
The archives of the House of Liechtenstein are part of the Princely Collections Art Service GmbH & Co OG and are located in Vienna. The Princely Collections houses the records of the princely family.
The archive is one of the best-preserved archives of the nobility in the German-speaking world and, along with the National Archives, the most important archive for the history of Liechtenstein.
The holdings of the Princely Collections were divided between Vienna and Vaduz in 1945. Records relating to the central and local administration are primarily kept in Vienna. At the Vaduz Castle are archival records relating to family history, as well as the majority of the manuscripts.
In 2007, Prince Hans-Adam II arranged for the transfer of all records dating up to the end of 1954 from Vaduz Castle to Vienna. The more recent documents are kept at the Vaduz Castle.
Address
LIECHTENSTEIN - The Princely Collections
Princely Collections Art Service GmbH & Co OG
Fürstengasse 1
A-1090 Vienna
Austria
Archive and Library
Dr. Arthur Stögmann
Tel. +43 1319 139 18 08
E-mail a.stoegmann@liechtensteincollections.at
www.liechtensteincollections.at
www.palaisliechtenstein.com
Where can I find more documents on the history of women in Liechtenstein?
At the Women's Archives Liechtenstein you will find various sources on the history of women in Liechtenstein.
In which archives can I find further sources on the history of Liechtenstein?
Because of the historical development of the Principality of Liechtenstein, important historical sources are located abroad. These can be found among others in the following archives:
Where can I find explanations on archival terminology?
An extensive Terminology of Archival Science is offered by the Archivschule Marburg. The Multilingual Archival Terminology of the International Council on Archives is also helpful.
Are there any costs associated with visiting the National Archives?
Using the National Archives is free of charge. However, special services such as copies or reproductions are subject to fees.
Contact information
Peter Kaiser Platz 2
P.O. Box 684
9490 Vaduz
Principality of Liechtenstein
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday
08.00 - 12.00
13.30 - 17.00
Information on closures during public holidays can be found on the Homepage of the National Archives.