Hiking the Naafkopf Tripoint from Malbun, Liechtenstein

After crossing the border at Feldkirch–Binza, we enjoyed a well-deserved dinner at Gasthaus Rössele in Schaan (Liechtenstein)before continuing our journey to Malbun, where we stayed overnight at a hotel near Falknerei Galina. That evening was all about preparation, because the next day we would tackle the highlight of our trip: the hike to the Naafkopf tripoint.

Starting the Naafkopf Hike in Malbun

Malbun is beautifully located at an altitude of 1,602 metersand is a perfect base for mountain hiking in Liechtenstein. To gain some elevation early, we took the Sareisjoch ski lift, which brought us up to 2,000 meters.

If you think mountain hiking is simply a steady climb up and an easy walk down, the Naafkopf hike will quickly prove you wrong.

From Sareisjoch to Augstenberg

From the Sareisjoch mountain station (2,000 m), we hiked toward the Augstenberg (2,359 m). After reaching this point, we descended again to 2,108 meters, where the Pfälzerhütteis located. This part of the hike took us about 2.5 hours.

At the Pfälzerhütte, we took a short break, refueled, and prepared ourselves mentally and physically for the final ascent.

Final Ascent to the Naafkopf Tripoint

Our ultimate destination was the Naafkopf summit at 2,570 meters, one of the rare three-country tripointswhere Austria, Germany, and Switzerlandmeet. From the Pfälzerhütte (2,108 m), this meant a final elevation gain of 462 meters.

Some hikers completed this section in about one hour, while others needed up to 1.5 hours. Step by step, we made our way up—and finally reached the top.

A Personal Milestone

For Wilma and me, this was an especially meaningful moment. The Naafkopf tripointmarked the last of the nine Austrian tripointswe could realistically reach. We consider the tripoint in the Bodensee (Lake Constance)unattainable, mainly because there is still no clear agreement on its exact location.

And yes—we made it!

The Long Way Back to Malbun

After celebrating at the summit, we hiked back down to the Pfälzerhütte. Unfortunately, we couldn’t make it back to the ski lift in time, so we continued all the way on foot from the hut back to Malbun.

While you might expect a simple descent from 2,570 m (Naafkopf)to 2,108 m (Pfälzerhütte)and then down to 1,602 m (Malbun), the trail had other plans. After the hut, the path dropped—and then climbed again.

At around 6:00 PM, after starting our hike at 8:30 AM, the word “climb”was definitely not one we wanted to hear. But there we were, pushing through.

Worth Every Step

Despite the exhaustion, we were filled with pure euphoria. Reaching the Naafkopf tripoint, completing our journey of Austrian tripoints, and experiencing the stunning alpine landscape of Liechtenstein made every step worthwhile.

Yeahhhhh!🏔️✨

International Border Research Group (IBRG)

The International Border Research Group (IBRG) is an organization of border enthusiasts and border experts dedicated to the study and exploration of international borders, tripoints, and border-related features worldwide. The group organizes and supports research expeditions focused on borders of all types, from land and river boundaries to complex geopolitical border zones.

Each year, IBRG arranges international border visits and expeditions, during which members document and analyze significant border locations. In addition, members regularly share the results of their individual or small-group expeditions, making IBRG a valuable resource pool for border research and fieldwork. To date, IBRG members have visited borders and tripoints on most continents, reflecting the group’s truly global reach. IBRG includes members from around the world.

Organization and Communication

IBRG is structured with a President, a Vice President, and both Associate Members and Full Members. Several members maintain their own independent border-research websites, contributing further to the global knowledge base on borders.

Open-source communication and discussion primarily take place via the Facebook group “Borders.” While not an official IBRG group, it serves as a broader international community for border researchers, enthusiasts, and explorers worldwide.

IBRG Expedition Badges

From its most recent expeditions, IBRG has issued official expedition badges. These badges are rare, difficult to obtain, and have become sought-after collector’s items.

Order here

The badges are woven in multiple colors and feature a hook-side Velcro backing, with a diameter of 9 cm. Each badge is supplied including the sew-on loop side of the Velcro, allowing for easy and secure attachment.

The badges can be ordered here for €10.00 per piece, excluding shipping costs and any applicable import duties or VAT in your country.

Worldwide shipping is available.

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