During economically lean post-war years, the people of the Selfkant region benefited significantly from their temporary status under Dutch administration. While Germany struggled with shortages, the Netherlands—now considered their country of origin—offered greater access to everyday goods such as coffee and cigarettes, as well as employment opportunities. At the same time, Selfkanters were still entitled to interest-free home loans from Germany, creating a rare economic advantage for the border population.

After 14 years under Dutch rule, many residents would likely have chosen to remain part of the Netherlands. However, following six years of diplomatic negotiations, and after Germany paid 280 million Deutsche Marks, the Selfkant officially returned to Germany in 1963.

The Night the Border Disappeared – 1 August 1963

On the night of 1 August 1963, an unprecedented event took place at the German–Dutch border. Houses, barns, and trucks were packed with smuggled goods, including vast quantities of coffee and cigarettes. Both Dutch and German entrepreneurswere involved in what would become one of the most remarkable moments in the region’s history.

When the border officially “fell” at midnight, tons of goods crossed from one country to the other without moving an inch—and entirely tax-free. The ordinary citizens of the Selfkant, however, felt overshadowed by the large-scale profiteers. In response, and with characteristic self-mocking humor, the residents sent a donkey as the first official passer-byacross the former border, turning the moment into a symbolic and memorable gesture.

Lasting Cross-Border Ties Between Selfkant and Maasland

Despite decades of border changes and political complications, the close relationship between the Selfkant and the Maasland regionhas endured. A shared dialectcontinues to unite the population, and many residents still have family members across the border, work in the neighboring country, celebrate shared festivals, and maintain long-standing friendships.

Since 1989, border controls and toll booths have disappeared, allowing free movement once again. For the people of the Selfkant, however, this change made little difference—the border had never truly separated them.