Border Cities in Belgium: A Comprehensive Guide

Bordered by Germany, France, and the Netherlands, Belgium is home to several cities that either directly or closely share international borders. These cities serve as key points of interaction between neighboring countries, facilitating trade, tourism, and cultural exchange.

Bordering Germany

Berlin to Brussels might be a journey of just a few hours, but Belgium has several cities that border Germany. Here are the notable ones:

Eupen - Located in the German-speaking community of Belgium, it shares a direct border with Germany. Malmedy - This town is situated in the German-speaking region, close to the German border. St. Vith - Another German-speaking community town, it also shares a border with Germany.

Bordering France

Belgium's relationship with France is characterized by numerous bordering cities, which are integral parts of the region's vibrant culture and economy.

Mons - The capital of the Hainaut province, it is situated near the French border. Tournai - Located in the Walloon region, it is close to the French frontier. Lille Belgium - A small town near the border with France.

Bordering the Netherlands

Belgium's northern border with the Netherlands is shared by several cities, creating a dynamic border region replete with cultural richness and economic exchange.

Knokke-Heist - Located in West Flanders, it is situated near the Dutch border. Beveren - In East Flanders, it borders the Netherlands. Maaseik - A town in Limburg that shares its border with the Netherlands.

Key Belgian Border Municipalities

In addition to the cities mentioned, there are many municipalities that border neighboring countries. Here is a list of bordering municipalities with city status grouped by the neighboring country:

Bordering France:

Veurne Poperinge Comines-Warneton Wervik Menen Mouscron Tournai Virton

Bordering Luxembourg:

Arlon Bastogne Houffalize

Bordering Germany:

Sankt Vith Eupen

Bordering the Netherlands:

Visé Dilsen-Stokkem Maaseik Bree - City limit meets border at a point Hamont-Achel Lommel Turnhout Hoogstraten Antwerpen Damme

Illustrating the Notion of Border Crossing

Cities in Belgium do not officially have borders, but municipalities do. Despite this, some cities are situated in proximity to the border, contributing to the fluid nature of movement and interaction between neighboring countries. One notable example is the peculiar case of Baarle-Nassau:

Straddling the German-Dutch border, Baarle-Nassau offers a unique scenario of two countries within a town. Parts of Belgium are completely surrounded by the Netherlands, and vice versa. This town exemplifies the intricate nature of border sharing in Belgium.

Note that while major cities like Liege, Hasselt, Antwerp, and Brugge are relatively close to the Dutch/German border, there are towns that have established direct border crossings. Notable among these is Baarle-Hertog/Baarle-Nassau, a town marked by its unusual border situation.

For more information on Belgium borders, Belgian cities, and border cities in Belgium, you can visit the official Belgium Government Border Crossings page.