① The Fascinating European Border Town
In one European village, the territories of two countries coexist. This place is Baarle, a town bordered by the Netherlands and Belgium.
In the Netherlands, this place is called “Baarle-Nassau,” in Belgium, it is known as “Baarle-Hertog.”
The two countries’ combined territory is called “Baarle-Nassau-Hertog.” Baarle covers a total area of about 32.31 square miles, and its population is around 9,200.
This place has separate local administrators in both the Netherlands and Belgium. Both sides have city councils, and the public sector has separate public councils.
Baarle is also known as the world’s most complicated border area. Belgian territories exist on Dutch land, and the regions of the Netherlands and Belgium are mixed at the building level. The lack of proper organization may be confusing for some tourists.
Baarle has a border line because of territory exchange issues between nobles during the medieval period.
Baarle was a place with non-stop disputes on land ownership, and due to various complex issues, it remains in its current state.
The national border lines formally agreed upon by the Netherlands and Belgium are marked on the roads.
The “+” line divides the Netherlands and Belgium. Borderlines exist all over the town. One house even has a borderline inside the home.
In Baarle, the Netherlands and Belgium city halls are located, and there are two of everything, including schools and churches. It’s a unique travel destination where you can see a different landscape than a typical town. Many tourists choose this European destination to see the unique landscape of the border town.
② Some Even Possess Dual Nationality
Baarle is a strange place where two countries exist in one territory. Both countries have agreed to the Schengen Agreement, so their borders can be crossed freely. The residents of Baarle have been living as if they were in one village for a long time.
They have different nationalities, but they live the same lifestyle. This is one reason why they don’t put much significance on the borderline. The Netherlands and Belgium use Dutch, so there are also no issues with communication. If you are born in Baarle, you can choose one of the nationalities between the Netherlands and Belgium. In this town, it’s quite natural to acquire both nationalities.
In Baarle, a considerable number of houses and restaurants span both countries. In this case, nationality is determined by the nationality of the front door. If the front door crosses the border, both countries’ addresses are given. If you are born here, you are granted Dutch and Belgian nationality.
Meanwhile, during the COVID-19 pandemic, unimaginable things happened in Baarle. The residents had no choice but to experience great confusion. The quarantine policies of the Netherlands and Belgium varied, so the operating policies of the adjacent stores also significantly differed.
The Netherlands implemented a more flexible social distancing policy compared to Belgium. Belgian stores were all closed, but the Dutch stores beside them stayed open. One clothing store on the borderline closed on the Dutch side while operating on the Belgian side.
There were instances when Belgian residents couldn’t visit the store, although it was operating right before them.
③ Crossing the Border Multiple Times a Day
To tourists, Baarle comes across as a unique European destination. However, this place does not have flashy tourist spots. The most unique thing about traveling in Baarle is crossing the border multiple times daily.
Walking the streets of Baarle town, it’s pretty standard to see the borderline. It’s also fun to tour stores divided in half by the border. In Baarle, it’s remarkable to look for the borderline in various parts of the town instead of looking for memorable landmarks.
To get to Baarle, you can depart from Brussels in Belgium or Amsterdam. It’s quicker to visit Brussels than Amsterdam. First, you must take a train from Brussels Midi Station to Turnhout Station and then transfer. You must get off at Antwerpen-Berchem Station and take a train to Turnhout Station. After getting off the train, you must take a bus and get off at Singel Station.
To visit from Belgium, you can take a bus from Turnhout Station and get off at Baarle-Nassau Singel.
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