Balzers is a village and community located in southern Liechtenstein. As of the 2005 census, the community has a total population of 4,420. The main part of the village is situated along the east bank of the Rhine.
[edit] History and Culture
Historically, the present-day form of the village consists of two different villages, the actual Balzers in the east and Mäls in the west. Not visible to the unaware, the division still persists in the local village culture, where it manifests in half-serious local competition. Some customs, such as the "Funken" a springtime ritual with pre-Christian origins involving a huge bonfire, are still being practised by each separately. The two parts were first mentioned in 842 as Palazole.
[edit] Heliport
There is no airport in Liechtenstein, but Balzers has a small heliport available for charter flights. There are three government helicopters located here, one for Liechtenstein's police, one for Liechtenstein's fire and rescue department and one for official government use (mainly use by the Royal Family).47°04′05″N 9°28′52″E / 47.06812°N 9.48118°E / 47.06812; 9.48118 (Balzers heliport)
[edit] Rhein Helikopter AG
Rhein Helikopter is the only company located out of Balzers Heliport. Rhein Helikopter is owned by Heliswiss, its fleet consists of three Ecureuil AS 350 B3 (used for transporting people) and one Kaman K-Max 1200(used for transporting cargo). One Guimbal Cabri G2 was purchased for a new pilot training program (started June 2011). Rhein Helikopter currently employs 10 people all located at Balzers.
[edit] Oerlikon balzers
The headquarters of the major thin film coating, soler and vacuum technology company Oerlikon Balzers is located in Balzers.[2]
[edit] References
[edit] External links
Media related to Balzers at Wikimedia Commons
Liechtenstein
Media related to Balzers at Wikimedia Commons
