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Russian Monument

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Historical site
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Russian Monument (Liechtenstein)

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The Russian Monument in Hinterschellenberg is a unique historical memorial commemorating a dramatic event at the end of World War II. On the night of May 3, 1945, approximately 500 soldiers of the 1st Russian National Army of the German Wehrmacht, under Major General Boris Holmston-Smyslowsky, crossed the Liechtenstein border to seek asylum. Liechtenstein, which had maintained its neutrality throughout the war, granted the soldiers protection and later refused to extradite them despite Soviet pressure. The monument was erected in 1980 to remember this gesture of humanity and the steadfastness of the small principality. It consists of a simple stone stele with an inscription in both German and Russian. The location near the border crossing underscores the historical significance of the site. The story of the Russian soldiers in Liechtenstein is a rare example of humanitarian aid during a time of global conflict. Today, the monument attracts visitors interested in contemporary history and the role of small neutral states in the 20th century. It stands as a symbol of sovereignty and the upholding of universal human rights during difficult times.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-6-5-1481314141060-4
Rain mm927091931471731691851211039193

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Russian Monument in Schellenberg is a freely accessible outdoor memorial. It commemorates the refuge of the First Russian National Army in 1945 and can be visited at any time.
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Typical hours
As an outdoor monument, there are no opening hours - it is accessible around the clock. The monument is not lit, so a visit during daylight is recommended.
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Photography
Photography is allowed at any time without restrictions. Particularly expressive shots can be taken with low sun that highlights the inscriptions and sculptures.
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Time needed
A visit to the monument usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. Those who want to read the background story and reflect should allow 15 to 20 minutes.
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Combine with
The monument is near Biedermann House and the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. Schellenberg Monastery and the castle ruins are also a walk away.
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Getting there
The monument is located at the edge of the forest above Schellenberg, reachable via a footpath from the church. Best to park at the church or Biedermann House.
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Insider tip
Take time to read the memorial plaques - they tell the moving story of the Russian soldiers. A visit in the late afternoon gives a quiet atmosphere and beautiful light.

Geography

Coordinates
47.23150, 9.55500

Facts

  • Commemorates the asylum request of 500 Russian soldiers in May 1945.
  • The soldiers were under the command of General Boris Holmston-Smyslowsky.
  • Liechtenstein refused to extradite the soldiers despite Soviet pressure.
  • The monument was officially inaugurated in Hinterschellenberg in 1980.
  • The inscription on the stele is written in both German and Russian.
  • A significant symbol of Liechtenstein's neutrality and humanitarian aid.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Mauren ForestMauren Forest<1 km · WExplore →
Schellenberg Organic Farm 9Schellenberg Organic Farm 92 km · NWExplore →
Parish Church of St. Peter and PaulParish Church of St. Peter and Paul2 km · SWExplore →
LochLoch2 km · WExplore →
LimseneggLimsenegg3 km · NWExplore →
Eschen ForestEschen Forest3 km · SWExplore →
FeldkirchFeldkirch3 km · EExplore →
RheinauRheinau3 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Russian Monument (10)

Ruine Neu-Schellenberg🏰 castle

Castle in Liechtenstein.

Biedermannhaus🏛 museum

Museum in Liechtenstein, displays regional history and culture.

Ruine Alt-Schellenberg🏰 castle

Castle ruin in the municipality of Schellenberg, Liechtenstein.

Kapelle Mariahilf

Building in Feldkirch, Austria.

Eschnerberg

Mountain ridge in Liechtenstein and Vorarlberg.

Sankt Michael

Parish church with cemetery in Tisis, Austria.

Naturschutzgebiet Wisanels

Nature reserve in Liechtenstein.

Naturschutzgebiet Birka

Nature reserve in Liechtenstein.

Vogelparadies Birka

Bird park at Birkahof in Mauren, Liechtenstein, at the edge of the Birka nature reserve.

Neue Pfarrkirche Hl. Cornelius und Cyprian

Parish church with cemetery in Feldkirch, Austria.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What does the Russian Monument in Schellenberg commemorate?
It commemorates the internment of 500 Russian soldiers at the end of WWII.
Where exactly is the monument located?
The monument is located in Hinterschellenberg, near the Austrian border.
Is the entrance free?
Yes, the monument is outdoors and freely accessible at any time.
How much time should I plan for the visit?
A short stay of 10 to 15 minutes is sufficient.
Are there information boards on site?
Yes, a plaque explains the historical background of the events from 1945.
Russian Monument: where is it located?
Russian Monument is located in Liechtenstein.
Russian Monument: what is there to see?
Highlights include Ruine Neu-Schellenberg, Biedermannhaus, Ruine Alt-Schellenberg.
Russian Monument: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Russian Monument: why is it worth visiting?
The Russian Monument in Hinterschellenberg is a unique historical memorial commemorating a dramatic event at the end of World War II.
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History & landmarks

Mauren Parish Center — Russian Monument (Liechtenstein)
Mauren Parish Center
A modern landmark in the heart of the Mauren municipality, near the church.
Lourdes Grotto Bendern — Russian Monument (Liechtenstein)
Lourdes Grotto Bendern
A recreated Lourdes grotto below the church hill as a place of reflection.
Dreischwesternhaus — Russian Monument (Liechtenstein)
Dreischwesternhaus
The Dreischwesternhaus in Planken is a prominent municipal building on the hillside.
Theater am Kirchplatz (TaK) — Russian Monument (Liechtenstein)
Theater am Kirchplatz (TaK)
The Theater am Kirchplatz is the most important cultural venue for performing arts in the country.
Schaan Town Hall — Russian Monument (Liechtenstein)
Schaan Town Hall
The town hall of Schaan is the administrative center of the most populous municipality.
Old Post Office Vaduz — Russian Monument (Liechtenstein)
Old Post Office Vaduz
The old post office building in Vaduz shows the traditional architecture of the Principality.

More places

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Schellenberg Monastery
The Schellenberg nunnery is home to the Sisters of the Precious Blood.
Immaculate Heart of Mary Church — Russian Monument (Liechtenstein)
Immaculate Heart of Mary Church
The parish church of Schellenberg, an important religious center of the municipality.
Biedermann House — Russian Monument (Liechtenstein)
Biedermann House
The Biedermann House is a historic farmhouse from the 16th century.
Roman Estate Maurerberg — Russian Monument (Liechtenstein)
Roman Estate Maurerberg
Archaeological site of a former Roman estate on the Maurerberg.
Parish Church of St. Peter and Paul — Russian Monument (Liechtenstein)
Parish Church of St. Peter and Paul
The classicist parish church in Mauren is dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul.
Rössle Cultural Center — Russian Monument (Liechtenstein)
Rössle Cultural Center
The old Rössle inn in Mauren is used today as a lively cultural center.
Küefer-Martis-Huus — Russian Monument (Liechtenstein)
Küefer-Martis-Huus
The Küefer-Martis-Huus is a museum and cultural center in an old farmhouse.
Parish Church of St. Fridolin — Russian Monument (Liechtenstein)
Parish Church of St. Fridolin
The church in Ruggell is dedicated to St.