7 places where you can stand in three countries at once

October 11, 2025 hubnig12 2 Views 0 Comments

Borders often divide nations, but in rare places, they unite them. Across the world, certain unique spots allow visitors to stand in three countries at once. Known as tripoints, these intersections reveal the shared layers of geography, history, and culture between neighbouring lands.

According to the International Journal of Tourism Space, Place and Environment, there are over 170 such points globally.

Far from being mere lines on a map, they serve as living symbols of connection, from river crossings to tranquil meadows, each telling a story of how borders can link, rather than separate, the world’s diverse nations.

Here are 7 places where you can stand in three countries at once, compiled by Condé Nast Traveller.

1. Dreiländereck (Switzerland • Germany • France)

In Basel, the Dreiländereck marks the point where Switzerland, France, and Germany meet. A monument stands along the Rhine promenade, while the actual tripoint lies slightly upstream in the river. Long a centre of trade and cultural exchange between Romance and Germanic Europe, the area invites visitors to walk along the riverside, stop at cafés, and cross easily into Weil-am-Rhein in Germany or Saint-Louis in France.

The three-country marker, river promenade, gardens, and boat rides along the Rhine make it a calm yet symbolic stop. The site is easily reached from central Basel by tram, car, or on foot, and both Weil-am-Rhein and Saint-Louis are only minutes away.

2. Drielandenpunt (Netherlands • Belgium • Germany)

Near the Dutch town of Vaals, Drielandenpunt marks where the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany meet on a wooded hilltop that was once part of the former Neutral Moresnet territory. The stone marker sits at the highest point in the Netherlands and attracts families, hikers, and cyclists.

Visitors climb the Wilhelmina Tower for wide views over the three nations, wander through a giant hedge maze, or follow forest trails that weave through the borderlands. From Vaals, it’s a short drive or uphill walk, and the site also makes an easy day trip from Aachen in Germany or Liège in Belgium.

3. Treriksrøysa (Norway • Finland • Sweden)

Far north of the Arctic Circle, Treriksrøysa stands where Norway, Finland, and Sweden meet near Lake Goldajávri. Built in 1926, the concrete cairn sits amid open tundra, lakes, and pine forests, a shared wilderness that reflects Nordic cooperation.

In summer, hikers visit under endless daylight, while autumn and winter bring the glow of the aurora. The easiest route starts from Kilpisjärvi in Finland, following a marked 11-kilometre trail, though paths also lead from the Swedish and Norwegian sides.

4. Golden Triangle (Thailand • Laos • Myanmar)

In northern Thailand’s Chiang Rai Province, the Ruak River meets the Mekong to form the Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar converge. Once known for the opium trade, the area has transformed into a centre for tourism and cross-border exchange.

At Ban Sop Ruak, visitors stand at the viewpoint overlooking all three nations, explore the Hall of Opium Museum, take long-tail boat rides on the Mekong, and shop in busy riverside markets. From Chiang Rai city, the trip takes about an hour by bus or taxi.

5. Picnic Table Tripoint (Slovakia • Austria • Hungary)

Just outside Bratislava, a forest clearing marks where Slovakia, Austria, and Hungary meet. A triangular picnic table painted with each nation’s flag symbolises the spot, a friendly reminder of unity since the end of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1920.

Many visitors sit with each person in a different country, then explore nearby forest paths or cycle through the Danube wetlands. The site lies about fifteen minutes from Bratislava by car, followed by a short walk, and can also be reached by bicycle from Rajka in Hungary or Kittsee in Austria.

6. Triple Frontier (Argentina • Brazil • Paraguay)

At the meeting of the Paraná and Iguazú rivers, Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay face each other across the water at the Triple Frontier. Each side of the border is marked by an obelisk painted in national colours, and the surrounding cities, Puerto Iguazú in Argentina, Foz do Iguaçu in Brazil, and Ciudad del Este in Paraguay, are linked by trade, bridges, and tourism.

Travellers often explore Iguazú Falls from the different sides, take river safaris, and move between the three cities with ease. The frontier is accessible by air from Puerto Iguazú or Foz do Iguaçu, or via bridge crossing from Ciudad del Este.

7. Trojmedzie (Poland • Slovakia • Czech Republic)

In the Beskid Mountains, Trojmedzie marks the border point shared by Poland, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic. Small bridges and stone markers define the exact meeting spot, surrounded by meadows and wooded hills. Once a site of contested borders in the last century, it now represents peaceful cooperation within the European Union.

Visitors hike through the mountain trails, enjoy picnics by the stream, and stop in nearby villages such as Čierne, Hrčava, and Jaworzynka, each with its own local charm. The area is around two and a half hours by car from Kraków in Poland and about an hour from Ostrava or Žilina.

Chisom Michael

Chisom Michael is a data analyst (audience engagement) and writer at BusinessDay, with diverse experience in the media industry. He holds a BSc in Industrial Physics from Imo State University and an MEng in Computer Science and Technology from Liaoning Univerisity of Technology China. He specialises in listicle writing, profiles and leveraging his skills in audience engagement analysis and data-driven insights to create compelling content that resonates with readers.

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