Liestal, Switzerland

Capital City

With a population of just 16,034, Liestal is an industrial town that feels more like a sleepy village. The cobblestone streets of the Old Town offer a quaint, picturesque setting, but locals will tell you the bureaucracy can be a persistent headache. Crime rates are slightly above the national average, and the Swiss German dialect takes some getting used to. However, Liestal's strategic location between Basel and the Jura Mountains makes it an appealing option for those seeking a slower pace of life outside the big city.