Liechtenstein once sent 80 soldiers to war and returned with 81 men

Cultures · Published 10 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: For centuries, this tiny principality maintained a small military force, eventually disbanding it in 1868 to declare permanent neutrality. Yet, the nation’s martial history is defined by oddities, including a legendary 1866 campaign where the contingent supposedly gained a mysterious extra member on their journey home from the front lines.

Before becoming a sovereign state, the territories of Vaduz and Schellenberg relied on regional militias and mercenary service to survive. By the 18th century, these forces were consolidated under the House of Liechtenstein. The military remained modest in scale; in 1714, the force consisted of only 19 men. Over the next century, the principality faced various conflicts, including French occupation during the Napoleonic era, before eventually joining the German Confederation. By the mid-19th century, the force had expanded to 82 men under the command of Peter Rheinberger, the only Liechtensteiner to lead the unit.

The 1866 Austro-Prussian War marked a turning point. Prince Johann II deployed his troops to the Stilfser Joch to guard the Austrian border, strictly refusing to engage in combat against other Germans. When the conflict concluded, the soldiers returned to a hero's welcome in Vaduz. Popular folklore insists that while 80 soldiers departed, 81 arrived back home. Theories regarding the extra person range from an Austrian liaison officer to an Italian farmer, though the true identity remains a subject of historical debate.

Following the dissolution of the German Confederation, the costs and public unpopularity of maintaining a standing army led Liechtenstein to abolish its military on February 12, 1868. Although the government briefly considered a civil defence force after the collapse of Austria-Hungary in 1918, the plan was never implemented. Today, the nation relies on the National Police for internal order. However, the constitution retains a provision requiring citizens to defend the country if an external threat arises, ensuring the legal framework for a military remains available should the principality ever deem its reformation necessary.

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