Have you ever wondered about the origins of a place name? Eschen’s name whispers of ancient times. It’s believed to derive from the Celtic word ‘esca’ meaning ‘by the waterside’. This perfectly describes Eschen’s location nestled near the Esche river. This small river was once much larger. It originated in the Egelsee a lake in Feldkirch Austria. The Esche flowed south of Bendern into the Rhine. In the 1840s the river was straightened. This increased the agricultural productivity of the surrounding areas. However the Rhine’s higher water levels caused backwater. So the Esche’s mouth was moved further downstream towards Gamprin. The construction of the Liechtensteiner Binnenkanal redirected the Esche’s flow. Today Eschen’s relationship with the Esche River is a testament to the town’s adaptive history. Its current state is the result of centuries of human intervention and nature’s persistent influence.
Eschen is the largest municipality in Liechtenstein’s Unterland. It boasts a population exceeding 4000 inhabitants. It includes the village of Nendeln a location with its own post office and train station on the Feldkirch-Buchs line. This is a vital part of Eschen’s infrastructure. It connects Eschen to the broader regional network.
The history of Eschen stretches back to 842 AD. Documents mention ‘Essane’ at that time. The area has even older traces of human settlement. Discoveries on the Eschnerberg date back to 4700-4000 BC. These include bone and stone tools ceramic shards and building foundations. These remarkable artifacts offer glimpses into the lives of early inhabitants. You can even explore the ‘Historischer Hohenweg’ or historical high path on the Eschnerberg. This trail unveils even more fascinating evidence of Eschen’s rich past. The trail offers scenic views and historical insights into the evolution of this area.
Eschen’s administrative structure is noteworthy. A mayor and a ten-person municipal council manage the town. These officials are elected every four years. Tino Quaderer has been the mayor since 2019. He’s part of a long line of mayors. The list goes back to 1864. This consistent leadership shows a stable community.
Today Eschen is not only a historical site. It’s also a center for industry. Novodent and ThyssenKrupp Presta have their headquarters here. This reflects a modern thriving town. Sports also play a significant role. USV Eschen/Mauren is the local football club. Their impressive stadium hosted several national team games. The town is also home to many notable individuals. Prime Ministers like Josef Hoop and Gerard Batliner called Eschen their hometown.
Eschen’s past is deeply intertwined with the monastery of Pfäfers. This is reflected in the municipality’s coat of arms. The coat of arms depicts a silver dove. The dove has a bloody wooden splinter in its beak. It’s taken from the Pfäfers monastery’s coat of arms. This symbolizes Eschen’s historical connection to the monastery. The Esche river also features prominently in the design. The Esche’s silver ribbon represents the river that flows through the heart of Eschen.
As we stand here today remember Eschen. It’s a town where history blends seamlessly with modern life. It’s a place where ancient Celtic roots and modern industry coexist. It’s a community proud of its past but constantly moving forward. Eschen is an example of Liechtenstein’s unique charm.