History of Eschen/Nendeln, Liechtenstein

Eschen wa established in the Rätic territory ruled from Chur in 842 A.D. in the form of 'Essane'. The name is thought to have celtic origins from 'esca' which means 'by the waterside'. There are also some pre-historic settlement signs in Malans and Schneller.

On the 'Historischer Hohenweg' or historic high path on the Eschnerberg offers walkers many opportunities to view the rich historic past of the hill. The oldest evidence of human settlement in Liechtenstein is found on the Malanser hill, Lutzengütle and Borscht. These have been dated to between 4700 and 4000 B.C. The remnants of these settlements have been documented as bone and stone tools, ceramic shards and building foundations.

Nendeln

The name 'Nendeln' appears in in written works from the 14th to the 18th Century sometimes in the dialect-form 'Nendla', but appears more often between the 15th and 16th Century in either the form of 'Endlen' or 'Änndlen'. The origins of name 'Nendeln' are not recorded, but language specialists link the name to the celtic 'Nantu', from the two words 'Nantiolon' (valley field) or 'Nantuialo' (Valley clearing). Another possibility, though unlikely, is the German family name 'Nandilo'.

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