Have you ever had the thought that you could walk across an island and end up in a different country without a plane or boat? Doesn’t it sound odd? There are, however, several interesting islands around the world that are split between two countries. On these islands, culture, history and geography mix together in ways that are impossible to predict. These unique sites, which are sometimes termed “dual-sovereignty islands” or “divided islands” are more than just strange things at the boundary. They are real-life illustrations of how individuals from different countries can work together, unusual maps and travel anecdotes that will stay with you forever.
More and more people are looking for places to visit that aren’t on the main route and these islands that defy the rules are growing popular on social media. There are stories of division and unity on every island, from Europe’s convoluted borders to the freezing Arctic and the lush tropics of Southeast Asia. Some countries change their borders every six months, while others are separated by invisible lines. A few even made it to the news for their friendly border battles.
If you want to embark on a unique bucket-list vacation that mixes exploring different cultures with seeing beautiful nature, these are the islands you should visit . Get your passport (or two) ready, take your camera and let’s head visit the most interesting islands in the world that are shared by more than one country.
1. Märket Island (Finland and Sweden)
Get a glimpse of one of the strangest ways to fix a border issue in history. Märket Island is a rocky island in the Baltic Sea between Sweden and Finland. It has one of the most unusual borders between countries in the world. When you first see Märket, it looks like nothing more than jagged rocks that the waves are slamming. But if you look more closely, you’ll discover that the border line goes in a way that is unusual.
You can reach there by taking a small boat cruise from Grisslehamn in Sweden or the Åland Islands in Finland. The island is relatively open so journeys depend on good weather. This makes it a really exciting spot to visit.
What is it about Märket that makes it so special?
- The Finns built a lighthouse in 1885, however they put it on the wrong side of the island, which is Sweden’s side. Instead of moving the lighthouse, both countries agreed to redesign the border in a squiggly S-shape. The island currently has one of the strangest borders in the world because of this arrangement.
- The historic Märket lighthouse is now a famous place for adventure seeking photographers
- The island is empty, so you can enjoy your solitude. It’s an interesting way to travel across the border that not many people know about.
2. Baarle-Hertog and Baarle-Nassau (Belgium and the Netherlands)
People sometimes call Baarle the “island town on land,” even though it isn’t really an island. This border town has enclaves and exclaves. For example Baarle-Hertog is a small section of Belgium that is totally surrounded by Dutch land (Baarle-Nassau).
Imagine being in a café where the border runs right through the dining room. Your table could be in the Netherlands, while the chair you’re sitting on could be in Belgium. This is the daily life of people in Baarle.
What makes Baarle so special:
- Enclave Maze, there are more than 20 Belgian enclaves, even some of them have Dutch enclaves inside them. This is the toughest border in the world.
- Photo Ops: The white crosses on the streets show exactly where the border is, which is perfect for those shots of people standing on both sides of the border.
- Cultural Mix: The town offers a small area where residents from both countries can celebrate their holidays, food and traditions.
- Travel Tip: Go to the tourist office and get a map of the border then, roam around with your camera ready. People who love history can learn about how medieval land negotiations led to the bizarre situation we have today on guided excursions.
3. Pheasant Island (in Spain and France)
Isla de los Faisanes or Pheasant Island, is one of the best-kept secrets in Europe. The Bidasoa River runs through it and it is a tranquil island between France and Spain. This island is about 200 meters long but it’s the only spot in the world where sovereignty changes hands every six months.
France has been in charge of the island from August to January since the Treaty of the Pyrenees in 1659. Spain has been in charge from February to July. Pheasant Island is a living monument to diplomacy since the peaceful agreement to share authority has lasted for more than 360 years.
- Essential advice: You can’t just visit the island whenever you want. You have to sign up for a rare guided tour that the local government sets up. That makes it much more special to go.
- This is the place where Louis XIV of France and Philip IV of Spain met to make peace.
- From both sides of the river you can see the magnificent Basque countryside.
- Visit the only island where power changes hands.4.
4. Hans Island (Canada and Denmark/Greenland)
The battle for Hans Island was one of the friendliest border wars ever. The chilly Nares Strait separates Canada and Greenland (Denmark) and is home to Hans Island. For decades both countries claimed it. They didn’t fight; instead, they had the “Whiskey War.”
Danish troops would come, put up their flag, and leave a bottle of schnapps. Canadians would come and pull it down, leaving their own flag and a bottle of Canadian whisky in its place. Finally, in 2022, the two countries agreed to split Hans Island in half. This made it the most recent island in the world to be split.
Why You Should Go:
- Not many individuals can say they’ve been to the Arctic Circle, especially where Greenland and Canada meet.
- Expect massive icebergs, Arctic creatures and practically unending summer daylight when you go to arctic settings.
- The end of the Whisky War is an excellent illustration of how countries can work together.
- How to Get There: You can only get there by going on Arctic expeditions or research cruises. It’s far away, wild and not a suitable destination for casual tourists, so it’s a great place for daring travelers to add to their bucket list.
5. Sebatik Island Malaysia and Indonesia
Sebatik Island sits off the coast of Borneo and is a good place to go if you appreciate hot weather more than chilly weather. There is a boundary that goes straight across the island dividing it almost evenly between Indonesia and Malaysia.
Sebatik is a bit different from other separated islands because it has numerous people living on it. Every day, people who live close to the border cross it without any complications. They live in a place where people from many cultures live and work in another country.
What Makes Sebatik Fun:
- Everyday Crossings: The border has schools, markets and homes right next to it. You may be eating at an Indonesian café while watching Malaysian TV series.
- You may anticipate Malaysian curries and Indonesian street food to blend naturally, along with languages, cultures, and festivals.
- Not many Western tourists go to Sebatik, therefore it’s an excellent spot for anyone who wishes to see true culture away from tourist traps.
- To get there, fly from Malaysia to Tawau and then board a boat. You can go to Nunukan in North Kalimantan from Indonesia.
Things to Know Before You Go to Divided Islands
- Some islands, like Märket, are in the Schengen zone but others, like Sebatik or Hans Island, may need two different visas. Before you enter the border, make sure you know the rules.
- Plan the Season: You can only visit Arctic islands like Hans during the summer. Tropical ones like Sebatik are best during the dry season.
- Respect Local Customs: People who live along the border are used to mixing cultures, so be careful when you violate informal lines or snap pictures.
- Pack smart: In the Arctic, you should bring warm garments. In the tropics, you should bring clothes that breathe and bug spray.
- Take a picture: Separated islands are some of the best instagram-worthy places, hence perfect for pictures of “standing in two countries at once.”
- The islands that divide the earth are more than just weird locales. They show us how history, culture, and diplomacy work. These places all have something special to offer. For instance, Märket has a zig-zag border, Pheasant Island has a six-month sovereignty swap, Hans Island has the ridiculous Whisky War, and Sebatik has a hectic daily existence.
These islands are great for anyone who wishes to have true adventures that aren’t on the beaten route. You can explore two nations in one trip, locate cultural blends that aren’t generally recognized, and share stories that not many people can. Don’t forget to add these fantastic sites to your travel bucket list if you want it to stand out.
So, are you ready to cross a boundary that divides countries yet brings people from different cultures together? Pack your luggage, acquire your passport, and step into a world where boundaries are not obstacles but roads to fantastic things.