The Time Switzerland Accidentally Invaded Liechtenstein: A Neutral Blunder with No Casualties but Plenty of Apologies

Some countries have wars. Some have border skirmishes. And then there’s Switzerland and Liechtenstein—two nations that managed to turn military mishaps into polite misunderstandings and gentle diplomacy, occasionally accompanied by beer.

Yes, Switzerland once accidentally invaded Liechtenstein. Actually, it happened more than once. But the 2007 incident stands out as the most gloriously Swiss of military errors: no shots fired, no angry speeches, just a polite retreat and a national shrug.

If you’ve ever wondered what happens when the world’s most famously neutral country accidentally sends soldiers into a microstate known more for banking than battle, this story is for you.

Where Is Liechtenstein, and Why Is It So Easy to Invade?

Liechtenstein is a landlocked principality tucked between Switzerland and Austria. It spans just 160 square kilometres—about the size of a moderately ambitious golf course—and is home to around 39,000 people.

The terrain is mountainous, the roads are well-maintained, and the border with Switzerland is almost entirely unmarked. There are no fences, no checkpoints, and very little to indicate you’ve crossed from one country into another.

It’s easy to accidentally end up in Liechtenstein. That is, if you’re hiking, driving… or marching in formation with a Swiss assault rifle and a headlamp.

What Happened in 2007?

On 1 March 2007, a group of 171 Swiss soldiers from the infantry unit of the Swiss army set off on a routine training exercise. It was night, the weather wasn’t great, and the soldiers were meant to navigate through the Alpine terrain along the Swiss side of the border.

Instead, thanks to poor visibility, faulty maps or perhaps a moment of collective inattention, the unit walked 1.5 kilometres into Liechtenstein without realising it.

They wandered through the forest, technically in a foreign country, armed and completely unaware they had entered another sovereign state.

At some point, someone looked at a GPS or a sign and had the chilling (or mildly awkward) realisation: “I think we’ve accidentally invaded Liechtenstein.”

Did Liechtenstein Notice?

No. Not immediately.

Liechtenstein, lacking its own army and possessing a particularly relaxed attitude towards border security, hadn’t noticed the incursion. There were no reports from locals. No politicians summoned emergency meetings. No cows reported missing.

By the time Swiss commanders realised the mistake, the troops had already turned back. The entire invasion lasted a few hours and involved more walking than warfare.

When Swiss officials contacted Liechtenstein to apologise, the principality reportedly responded with something along the lines of: “It’s okay. These things happen.”

Was This the First Time?

No. It wasn’t even the second.

1985: The Shell Incident

In 1985, during an artillery exercise, the Swiss army accidentally fired shells into Liechtenstein and set part of a forest on fire. This was not, strictly speaking, part of the training plan.

Switzerland apologised. Liechtenstein said thank you. Switzerland paid for the trees.

1992: The Weather Balloon Affair

In 1992, Swiss soldiers pursued a weather balloon across the border into Liechtenstein. Fully armed, they crossed into a neutral nation to chase what was essentially a glorified helium bag.

Liechtenstein accepted their apologies. Again.

2007: The Marching Mishap

The 2007 incident is the most famous, probably because it involved 171 soldiers and zero attempts at subtlety. When people say “invasion,” they usually mean tanks and airstrikes. Not hiking boots and light flurries.

Why Does Switzerland Have an Army Anyway?

Switzerland is famously neutral, but not pacifist. The country maintains a well-trained, well-equipped military, mostly based on conscription. Every Swiss man serves, and many keep their rifles at home for emergencies. The military’s focus is on national defence and—ironically—border protection.

That said, the borders are often defined by natural features, and GPS isn’t perfect in the Alps. Which means a night march can quickly become an international incident. Or at least an awkward phone call.

Liechtenstein’s Military Policy: Why Bother?

Liechtenstein abolished its army in 1868. The government decided that maintaining a military was too expensive and largely unnecessary. Since then, it’s relied on diplomacy, neutrality and the fact that very few people can find Liechtenstein on a map.

Its defence strategy amounts to this: be friendly, be rich, and hope the neighbours behave. So far, it’s worked.

In fact, during the 2007 incident, Liechtenstein’s response suggested more amusement than outrage. According to reports, the country joked that they “trust Switzerland not to continue the invasion.”

Did Anyone Get in Trouble?

No one was court-martialled. There were no firings. The incident was treated as a harmless, if embarrassing, mistake. Swiss officials sent apologies. Liechtenstein responded with polite indifference.

The media, naturally, loved it. Headlines read like punchlines: Swiss Invade Liechtenstein (by Accident). No Resistance Reported. Armed Hikers Cross Border, Apologise Profusely.

What Did the Public Think?

Swiss citizens largely found the incident funny. So did Liechtensteiners. Memes circulated. Jokes were made. Some suggested the soldiers be offered Liechtenstein citizenship for their hiking efforts. Others proposed the two countries settle it over a beer.

When asked if they wanted compensation, Liechtenstein said no. There was nothing to compensate. No property damaged. No locals offended. No goats stolen.

As one Liechtenstein official put it: “It’s not like they stormed the capital.”

Can You Visit the Border Today?

Yes—and it’s just as unguarded as ever. Travellers can walk between the two countries without passport checks. In some places, the only sign that you’ve crossed the border is, well, a sign.

The scenic Alpine region near the 2007 incursion is popular with hikers. One can, theoretically, retrace the steps of the accidental invasion. No need for rifles. Just sturdy boots and an appreciation for awkward diplomacy.

What Makes This Incident So Popular?

It’s rare to find a military story where nothing exploded, no one died, and both countries came out smiling. In an era of geopolitical tension, the Swiss-Liechtenstein misunderstanding feels almost utopian.

It shows what happens when two neighbours choose kindness over drama. It also proves that not all invasions need to end in disaster. Some end in apologies, laughter and an embarrassing footnote in the regimental diary.

Borders are often treated with paranoia and firepower. But here’s a pair of countries who handled a military mishap with humour, humanity and humility.

There’s also a lesson in logistics: always check your GPS. Especially if you’re carrying assault rifles and walking in formation.

And if you do accidentally invade someone, bring snacks, not tanks.