Introduction:

Baarle-Nassau is a unique and charming town located in the Netherlands. Known for its intricate border arrangements with Belgium, Baarle-Nassau is made up of a complex network of enclaves and exclaves that make it a one-of-a-kind destination. Visitors can explore the town’s rich history and culture, including the beautiful medieval townhall and the charming town square. Baarle-Nassau is also home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes that offer a wide range of local and international products and cuisine. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or just looking for a unique and picturesque place to visit, Baarle-Nassau has something to offer. So come and discover the unique charm of Baarle-Nassau, a town where the Netherlands and Belgium meet in a one-of-a-kind way.

Baarle-Nassau enclaves:

The enclave system of the town of Baarle covers the Dutch part Baarle Nassau and the Belgian part Baarle Hertog. It is a collection of enclaves and exclaves that are interspersed throughout the town. An enclave is a territory that is entirely surrounded by another territory, while an exclave is a territory that is separated from the main territory by another territory.

In the case of Baarle Nassau, the town is made up of a number of Belgian and Dutch enclaves and exclaves. The Belgian enclaves are situated within the Dutch territory, while the Dutch enclaves are situated within the Belgian territory. This means that there are areas within the town where Belgian laws apply, and other areas where Dutch laws apply.

The enclave system in Baarle Nassau is a result of a complex history involving disputes over territory and borders between the Netherlands and Belgium. The town was originally a single entity, but over time it was divided and reorganized as a result of various treaties and agreements.

This enclave system creates some unique challenges for residents and businesses in Baarle Nassau. For example, it can be difficult to navigate the different laws and regulations that apply in different areas of the town. Additionally, there are sometimes confusion when it comes to things like postal addresses and emergency services.

Despite these challenges, the enclave system of Baarle Nassau is also a source of local pride and a unique feature of the town that attracts tourists. Visitors can find a number of border markers throughout the town that indicate the different enclaves and exclaves.

Places to visit in Baarle-Nassau:

There are a number of places to visit in Baarle Nassau that showcase the town’s unique enclave system and its history. Some of the most notable places to visit include:

1. The Border Markers: Throughout the town, you can find border markers that indicate the different enclaves and exclaves. These markers are a great way to explore the town and understand the enclave system.
2. The “Dodendraad” was a 332 kilometer long wire barrier that was built during the First World War by the German occupiers of Belgium along the border between occupied Belgium and the neutral Netherlands. Remains of the “Dodendraad”. In Zondereigen, near the Belgian-Dutch border, the peace monument “De Dodendraad” was erected in 2008. It is a faithful reconstruction on the original site of a piece of 2,000 volt electrical wire barrier from the First World War, which the Germans placed to separate occupied Belgium from the neutral Netherlands.
3. The Town Hall: The Town Hall is located in the main square of the Dutch part of Baarle Nassau and is an interesting place to visit to learn about the history of the town.
4. The former railway connection between Turnhout and Tilburg, popularly called ‘Bels Lijntje’, runs right through Baarle. Today, this connection is a busy cycle path. Along the cycle path you will find some old signalman’s houses. The former station of Baarle has also been preserved.

These are just a few of the many places to visit in Baarle Nassau, a unique and interesting town that offers something for everyone.