Nederland/
Netherlands
Official name:
Where:
Member EU:
Member NATO:
Member Schengen:
Population:
Size:
Compared to NL:
Capital:
Currency:
Kingdom of the Netherlands
West Europe
Yes
Yes
Yes
19 mln
41.850 km²
0
Amsterdam
€
BENL
The Belgium–Netherlands Border
from Vaals to Cadzand
The border between the Kingdom of Belgium and the Kingdom of the Nether-lands stretches from Vaals in the southeast to Cadzand on the North Sea coast.
This Belgium–Netherlands border was officially established in Maastricht in 1843 through a bilateral agreement.
As of 2025, the border features 400 officially recorded border markers and 443 additional border stones placed in between them.
These markers define one of Europe’s most historically significant and precisely documented frontiers.
Netherlands |
Tripoints∆ Vaals (BEDENL) ∆ Groningen/Drenthe/Niedersachsen ∆ Gelderland/Overijssel/DE (BM 832) ∆ Overijssel/Drenthe/DE (BM 133) ∆ Bentheim/Münster/Nederland (BM 862) ∆ Bentheim/Salland/Twente (BM 99) ∆ Limburg/Noord-Brabant/België (BM 169) ∆ Noord-Brabant/Zeeland/België (BM 268) Quadripoint ∆ Baarle (H1, H2 and the Netherlands) |
Mostpoints ∆ Southernmost point (BM 12) ∆ Easternmost point (BM 196) ∆ Westernmost point (BM 360) ∆ Northernmost point (mainland) ∆ Highest point (BM 1) ∆ Highestpoint of Noord-Brabant (BM 191) ∆ Southernmost point of Noord-Brabant ∆ Lowest point (-6.74 mtr NAP) ∆ Easternmost point Gelderland (BM784d) Enclaves Baarle∆ Most smallest enclave in contour (H22) ∆ Most smallest enclave in m2 (H7) |
DENL
The Germany–Netherlands Border
from Vaals to the Dollard
The border between the Federal Republic of Germany and the Kingdom of the Netherlands runs on the Dutch side from Vaals to the Dollard estuaryin the province of Groningen.
This German–Dutch border was formally established in Vienna in 1815, following the decisions made at the Congress of Vienna after the Napoleonic Wars.
In many locations, the border follows much older regional agreements, previously made with territories such as the Bishopric of Münster, the County of Bentheim, the Kingdom of Prussia, and the Kingdom of Hanover. Today, this border remains one of Europe’s most stable and historically rich frontiers.
Official Borders of the Netherlands
The Netherlands has two officially marked land borders:
∆ BENL – The border between Belgium
and the Netherlands
∆ DENL – The border between Germany
and the Netherlands
In addition, the country has a coastal border with the North Sea.
However, apart from the beach posts that indicate coastal reference points, there are no officially defined national border markers along the sea.
In 1824 a new agreement was signed by the Kingdom of Hannover and the kingdom of the Netherlands. This agreement still is actual and in charge!
Nowadays BM 168 is situated on the border of the Dutch Provinces Groningen and Drenthe and the German state Niedersachsen.
Actually it's not a tripoint of three countries.
Tripoint Groningen–Drenthe–Niedersachsen
168 - 168I
Over time, border stones like BM 168 have been replaced or restored, but their historical function remains the same: marking the exact point where territories meet. Today’s BM 168 continues this legacy, symbolizing centuries of diplomatic cooperation and regional identity.
Historical significance of the tripoint
The tripoint is more than a geographical curiosity. It represents:
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The historic boundary between Dutch and German territories
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The former division between the Republic of the United Netherlands and the Prince-Bishopric of Münster
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A tangible reminder of 18th-century border agreements
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Ongoing cooperation between Groningen, Drenthe, and Niedersachsen
Such border markers were carefully positioned using the surveying techniques available in the 18th century. They were often inscribed and precisely documented to prevent future disputes.
A Symbol of Cross-Border Heritage
Today, the tripoint Groningen–Drenthe–Niedersachsen serves as a historical landmark and a symbol of peaceful European borders. Visitors to the site can reflect on how former contested frontiers have evolved into open and cooperative regional boundaries within modern Europe.
BM 168 stands as a testament to the long-standing relationship between the Netherlands and Germany and highlights the importance of historical border agreements in shaping today’s political landscape.
Tripoint Groningen–Drenthe–Niedersachsen
The Historic Border Marker BM 168
The Tripoint Groningen–Drenthe–Niedersachsen marks the historic border intersection between the Dutch provinces of Groningen, Drenthe, and the German state of Lower Saxony (Niedersachsen). At this significant triborder location stands border- marker 168, a monument that represents centuries of cross-border agreements and territorial history.
A Border Landmark Since 1764
Since 1764, a bordermarker stood at this location. The original marker was installed following a formal agreement between the Prince-Bishopric of Münster (Bisdom Münster) and the Republic of the United Netherlands. This agreement helped define and stabilize territorial boundaries in a period when clear border demarcation was crucial for governance, taxation, and regional security.
Threepoint Bentheim/Münster/Netherlands
This tripoint actually has been a country tripoint for years
First the mentioned 3 countries, later the countries Hannover/Pruisen/Netherlands. Because of this agreement we see many bordermarkers with the letter H(annover) or P(ruisen) opposite to the letter N(etherlands).
More info you find here
Bentheim/Salland/Twente
Another tripoint can be pointed on the crossline of the Dutch 'regions' Salland and Twente with Graftshaft Bentheim. The point is supposed to be at Bm 99.
It ain't a country-border Tri-point, it's similar to the Tri-point of the Dutch 'Provincies' Groningen and Drenthe and country Germany.
Tripoint
Limburg / Noord-Brabant / België
&
Southernmost point Noord-Brabant
Another tripoint can be pointed on the crossline of the Dutch 'provincies' Limburg and Noord-Brabant and country Belgium.
However it ain't a country-border tri-point, it's similar to the tripoint of the Dutch 'Provincies' Groningen and Drenthe and country Germany.
.jpeg?etag=%225c64-6603ecda%22&sourceContentType=image%2Fjpeg&quality=85 "Bordermarker on the tripoint of Limburg, Noord-Brabant and België")
©Rien de Schipper©
.jpeg?etag=%22122c6-6603efb1%22&sourceContentType=image%2Fjpeg&quality=85 "Bordermarker on the tripoint of Limburg, Noord-Brabant and België")
©Harry ten Veen ✝︎©
Steen der 7 heerlijkheden
(Stone of 7 lordships)
A former tripoint bordermarker, still can be found at the 'Stone of 7 lordships'. This border marker is called so in 1648, but was already mentioned in 1331 as
'Paal van Schoongors'.
It signed the border tripoint of the countries:
∆ Republic der Verenigde Nederlanden
∆ Spanish Netherlands
∆ Bishopric Luik
We start our trip today from 'De Blauwe kei' a spot in Belgium at the canal 'van Bocholt naar Herentals'. Here you find one of the locks in the canal.
From here we will walk to 'De steen der 7 heerlijkheden' and after we will walk to the border BENL to bm 196, 195 and 194.
Later it was a bordermarker
on the point where 7 lordships met:
∆ Glorie Bergeijk
∆ Glorie Lommel
∆ Glorie Mol
∆ Glorie Postel
∆ Glorie Dessel
∆ Glorie Balen
∆ Glorie Luyksgestel
Nowadays the stone is the BM of the
governorate Antwerp and Limburg
in Belgium.
At the start 2 signs shows the possibilities of walking and biking.
The start of the walk is on the other side of the canal, we've to pass two small bridges.
The sign now says:
Exactly on this guardianship boundary stone, 7 lordships Mol, Balen, Dessel, Postel, Lommel, Luyksgestel and Bergeijk bordered each other. In earlier times, this place formed the division between Antwerp, Limburg and North Brabant.
↓
There should have been a sign that says:
'THE STONE OF THE SEVEN LORDSHIPS'
From 1185 until the French Revolution, this domain was owned by the Postel Abbey. In 1840 the de Broqueville family became owners.
In 1940 the domain became partly owned by the family Van Doorselaer from Lokeren, and partly from the Vanlommel family Mol. They founded "The Watering of the Seven Glories" there.This area used to separate Antwerp, Limburg and North-Brabant.
This special point borders the Postels canal,a watercourse that was constructed from De Blauwe Kei in the last centuryto irrigate Postel.The borders of seven villages shone together here as if in a star:Mol, Balen, Dessel, Lommel, Luyksgestel, Bergeyk and Postel.
Source: Aafko Tuin.
The text on the plaque:
'Here 'El Cid' fell with a great horseman.
'Not mentioned is El Cid Campeador aka Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar (1040 - 1099) a Spanish knight.
Mentioned is the horse of Jan van Limbergen from Lommel (B), who's horse was called 'El Cid'.
On this place the horse fell and was dead at once. Jan van Limbergen was unharmed.
Friends from Jan placed the plaquette, may be as 'joke'. Ppl believe it was placed in 1986.
El Cid Campeador (1040 - 1099)
Since 1773 there's a borderstone on this spot. The stone was rather damaged, that the local historyclubs of Alphen and Goirle,
took the initiative to replace the stone.
The disclosure took place on the 20th of april 2024 by both mayors of Alphen and Goirle.
I was priviliged to be part of the ceremony.
Click here to see the complete compilation of pictures.
The old borderstone Foto ©Aafko Tuin©
.jpeg?etag=%224205e2-66241d31%22&sourceContentType=image%2Fjpeg&ignoreAspectRatio&resize=2500,1711&quality=85 "Grenssteen Alphen-Goirle")
The new borderstone
The exclosure
Northernmost point
Netherlands (mainland)
The Northernmost point of the Netherlands (in Europa) is not located at a bordermarker.
It is situated near the 'Eemshaven' in the top of the province Groningen.
I visited it on the Novembre 14th 2024.
Noordkaap Groningen: De Hemelpoort bij het noordelijkste punt van het vasteland
Om deze bijzondere locatie extra betekenis te geven en – naar analogie van het bekende Drielandenpunt– meer toeristen naar de regio te trekken, liet de toenmalige gemeente Eemsmondin 2002 het kunstwerk ‘De Hemelpoort’, ook wel ‘Poort Kaap Noord’genoemd, plaatsen. Het kunstwerk werd in 2001 ontworpen en gerealiseerd door de Groningse kunstenaar René de Boer.
Met de plaatsing van dit markante kunstwerk kreeg de locatie niet alleen een fysieke markering, maar ook een symbolische betekenis als toeristische trekpleister in het noorden van Nederland.
Ontstaan van de naam ‘Noordkaap’
De naam ‘Noordkaap’werd bedacht tegelijk met de plaatsing van het kunstwerk. Hiermee kreeg het gebied een herkenbare en aansprekende identiteit, vergelijkbaar met andere geografische uiterste punten in Europa. Hoewel de naam doet vermoeden dat het om een duidelijk zichtbaar uiterste punt gaat, is dat in werkelijkheid minder evident.
De plek zelf is namelijk niet direct herkenbaar als het absolute noordelijkste punt van het vasteland van Nederland. Dit komt doordat de zeedijkop deze locatie een licht gebogen tracé heeft, waardoor het geografische uiterste punt niet scherp afgetekend in het landschap zichtbaar is.
De Hemelpoort als toeristische trekpleister
De plaatsing van De Hemelpoortheeft bijgedragen aan:
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De promotie van Noord-Groningen als toeristische bestemming
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Het versterken van de regionale identiteit
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Het creëren van een herkenbaar landmark in het open Waddenlandschap
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Het aantrekken van bezoekers die op zoek zijn naar bijzondere geografische plekken
Tegenwoordig is de Noordkaap bij Uithuizermeedeneen populaire plek voor wandelaars, fietsers en toeristen die het noordelijkste punt van het Nederlandse vasteland willen bezoeken en vastleggen.
Symboliek in het Groningse landschap
Het kunstwerk vormt een markant contrast met het weidse, open landschap van de Waddenkust. De minimalistische vorm van de poort benadrukt de horizon, de lucht en de uitgestrektheid van het gebied. Daarmee sluit het werk aan bij het karakter van het noorden: ruim, stil en ongerept.
De combinatie van kunst, landschap en geografische symboliek maakt de Noordkaap in Groningentot een unieke bestemming binnen Nederland.
Noordkaap Groningen: The Hemelpoort at the Northernmost Point of the Dutch Mainland
To highlight this special location and — inspired by the famous Three-Country Point (Drielandenpunt) — attract more tourists to the region, the former municipality of Eemsmond commissioned the installation of the artwork “De Hemelpoort” (The Gate of Heaven), also known as “Poort Kaap Noord” (Cape North Gate), in 2002. The artwork was created in 2001 by Dutch artist René de Boer.
With the placement of this striking structure, the site gained not only a physical marker but also symbolic value as a tourist destination in the northern Netherlands.
The Origin of the Name “Noordkaap”
The name “Noordkaap” (North Cape) was introduced at the same time the artwork was installed. The name was intended to give the area a recognizable and appealing identity, comparable to other well-known geographical extreme points in Europe.
However, the location itself is not visually recognizable as the absolute northernmost point of the Dutch mainland. This is because the sea dike at this site follows a slightly curved alignment, meaning the geographic extreme is not sharply defined in the landscape.
De Hemelpoort as a Tourist Attraction
The installation of De Hemelpoort has contributed to:
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Promoting North Groningen as a tourist destination
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Strengthening regional identity
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Creating a recognizable landmark in the open Wadden Sea landscape
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Attracting visitors seeking unique geographical locations
Today, the Noordkaap near Uithuizermeeden is a popular destination for hikers, cyclists, and travelers who want to visit and photograph the northernmost point of the Dutch mainland.
Symbolism in the Groningen Landscape
The artwork forms a striking contrast with the vast and open landscape of the Wadden coast. Its minimalist design emphasizes the horizon, the sky, and the sense of space that characterizes the region.
The combination of art, landscape, and geographic symbolism makes Noordkaap Groningen a unique destination in the Netherlands.
Om deze bijzondere locatie te markeren en meer bezoekers aan te trekken — vergelijkbaar met het bekende Drielandenpunt in Vaals — liet de voormalige gemeente Eemsmond in 2002 het kunstwerk ‘De Hemelpoort’, ook wel ‘Poort Kaap Noord’ genoemd, plaatsen. Het kunstwerk, in 2001 gemaakt door kunstenaar René de Boer, fungeert als een symbolisch herkenningspunt bij wat wordt beschouwd als het noordelijkste punt van het Nederlandse vasteland. Tegelijk met de plaatsing van het kunstwerk werd de naam ‘Noordkaap’ bedacht, waarmee de locatie een duidelijke identiteit kreeg en aantrekkelijker werd als toeristische bestemming in Groningen.
Ondanks de status als geografisch uiterste punt is de plek zelf niet direct herkenbaar als de absolute noordpunt. Dit komt doordat de zeedijk ter plaatse een licht gebogen tracé volgt, waardoor het exacte noordelijkste punt niet scherp zichtbaar is in het landschap. Toch is Noordkaap Groningen uitgegroeid tot een populaire bestemming voor bezoekers die geïnteresseerd zijn in bijzondere locaties, kustgeschiedenis en het weidse landschap van het Waddengebied.
To mark this unique location and attract more visitors — similar to the famous Drielandenpunt in Vaals— the former municipality of Eemsmondcommissioned the installation of the artwork “De Hemelpoort”(also known as “Poort Kaap Noord”) in 2002. The artwork, created in 2001 by Dutch artist René de Boer, serves as a symbolic landmark at what is considered the northernmost point of the Dutch mainland. With the introduction of the sculpture, the name “Noordkaap” (North Cape)was also conceived, giving the site a recognizable identity and strengthening its appeal as a tourist attraction in Groningen.
Despite its status as an extreme geographical point, the location itself is not visually identifiable as the absolute northernmost tip. This is because the sea wall (dike)at this stretch follows a slightly curved route, making the precise northern point less distinct in the landscape. Nevertheless, Noordkaap Groningenhas become a popular destination for visitors interested in unique landmarks, coastal heritage, and the open scenery of the Wadden Sea region.
Southernmost point
The Southernmost point of the Netherlands (in Europa) is on the border with Belgium, located at bordermarker nr. 12. It is situated near a small place called Klein Kuttingen.
With Wilma I visited it on the 19th of March 2023.
Easternmost point
The easternmost point of the Netherlands (European mainland)is located in the province of Groningen, along the border with Germany, near the junction of the Dutch A7 motorwayand the German Autobahn A280. This geographical extreme lies just north of Bad Nieuweschans (Netherlands)and south of Bunde (Germany), marking the easternmost boundary of the Dutch territory in Europe. The site forms part of the international border between the Netherlands and Lower Saxony and is situated within a landscape characterized by open fields and cross-border infrastructure.
This unique location attracts visitors interested in geographical extreme points and border landmarks. The easternmost point of the Netherlands was visited on 6 October 2023together with Aafko, and again on 14 July 2024with Steen. As one of the country’s geographical highlights, the site represents the far eastern edge of the Netherlands in Europe and is of interest to travelers exploring the outermost points of the Dutch mainland.
With Steen @ BM 196
Westernmost point
The westernmost point of the Netherlands (in Europe)is located in the province of Zeeland, on the border with Belgium, near the historic village of Sint Anna ter Muidenand close to Sluis.
At this geographical extreme stands border marker 360, which marks the boundary between the Netherlands and Belgium. This site represents the westernmost point of the Dutch mainland in Europe and forms part of the historic border landscape of Zeeuws-Vlaanderen.
Due to its unique geographical significance, the westernmost point of the Netherlands attracts visitors interested in border history and national extreme points. The location was visited on 29 January 2022together with Wilma, marking a personal visit to this special landmark in Zeeland.
Highest point
Highest point
The highest point of the Netherlands (in Europa) is situated
± 50 mtr. from the tripoint at Vaals were Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands touch each other.
This place is also called the touristic tripoint.
It is 322.4 mtr above NAP.
Highest point of
Noord- Brabant
On the page Zuidgrens 176 - 200a
you find information about this point as wel.
Highest point
The highest point of the province Noord-Brabant we find at bordermarker 191, situated 44 mtr. above NAP.
The information on the sign is not quite correct. Not 288 iron bordermarkers are placed, but 385 and since 2004, there are exactly 400 protocollised bordermarkers.
There even is 1 more bordermarker, nr. 214/215. You find that one in Baarle.
The lowestpoint
The lowest point in the Netherlands is located in the Zuidplaspolder, northeast of Nieuwerkerk aan den IJssel, and is 6.74 meters below the Normal Amsterdam Ordnance Datum (NAP). This point is located in a meadow, approximately 400 meters west of the monument that marks the lowest point in the Netherlands, along the A20 motorway.
In fact, 6.74 under water, below sea level and yet it is dry.
A residential area for 8,000 homes, two industrial estates and landscapes are planned in this Zuidplaspolder. A challenging project due to its location at almost 7 meters below sea level.
© Op alle foto's rust het auteursrecht.
Vraag s.v.p. vooraf om toestemming als je foto's gebruiken wilt.©
