Explore the fascinating town of Baarle Nassau and Baarle Hertog, where two countries share the same space. Discover how the town is divided by a line that splits everything in half, from streets to buildings, and even taxes. Learn how the locals live in peace despite the different borders, cultures, laws, and taxes. Read more to find out about the unique experiences that await here.
Baarle Nassau and Baarle Hertog, two neighboring municipalities located in the Netherlands and Belgium respectively, share a unique and fascinating history. This small town is split in half, with a line that runs through the streets, shops, and even the buildings. The border divides the town in such a way that it is split between two countries.
Baarle Nassau is the Dutch part of the town, while Baarle Hertog is the Belgian part. It is said that there are two churches, two bus lines, two mailboxes, and even two different beers in this small town. The border divides everything, from shops and buildings to City Hall. In fact, even the name of the town is split in half.
The border line is marked by a series of poles and plaques that run through the town, and it is even marked on the pavement. The border runs through the town in such a way that some buildings are split in half, with one part in the Netherlands and the other in Belgium. These are called line houses, and the border runs right through the front door of these homes.
Despite being divided into two parts, Baarle Nassau and Baarle Hertog are incredibly peaceful and harmonious. The people who live here have adapted to this unique situation and have found a way to coexist in harmony. They still have to pay taxes to both countries if they have a home that straddles the border, but they have found a way to make it work.
Interestingly, the cost of living varies depending on which side of the border you live on. According to locals, shopping in the Netherlands is cheaper, while living in Belgium is cheaper. This means that residents can choose which country they want to pay taxes to based on their personal preferences.
The reason why Baarle Nassau and Baarle Hertog are split in this way is due to a fascinating historical event that took place over 800 years ago. Two feudal lords were in a dispute over a piece of land, and they ended up dividing it into small parcels of land. Centuries later, these parcels of land became country borders, which is why this small town is now split between two countries.
Despite the unusual circumstances, they have found a way to coexist peacefully. The people of this town have shown that borders don’t have to be walls or barriers. Instead, they can be simple lines on the sidewalk. This small town is a shining example of how people can find ways to come together and live in harmony, despite their differences.
In conclusion, Baarle Nassau and Baarle Hertog are two parts of a fascinating and unique town that is split in half by a border. Despite the unusual circumstances, the people who live here have found a way to coexist in peace and harmony. This small town serves as an example of how people can come together and live in harmony, regardless of their differences.
Reference – Nas Daily Youtube
Frequently Asked Questions
Baarle Nassau is a town in the Netherlands, while Baarle Hertog is a town in Belgium. They are unique because the border between the two countries runs through the town, resulting in a complex border arrangement.
The town is divided into two parts, with the border between Belgium and the Netherlands running through the middle. This means that some buildings and even houses are split between the two countries.
Residents of the town have to follow the border, which means that if their front door is in the Netherlands, they live in the Netherlands, and if it’s in Belgium, they live in Belgium. They also have to pay taxes to both countries for their properties.
The border between the two countries was created around 800 years ago by two landowners who wanted to separate their land. Over time, the border became more defined and eventually turned into the national border we see today.
The unique border arrangement in Baarle Nassau and Baarle Hertog shows us that it’s possible to live in peace with different borders, cultures, laws, and taxes. Instead of big walls and fences, borders can be as simple as lines on the sidewalk.
