By: Miriam Bribiesca
If you’re the kind of traveler who hears “two for one” and immediately perks up, then we have something that you won’t be able to resist… and that is border hopping in Europe! We know how that sounds, but hear us out, because it’s actually a travel hack not many know of that can allow you to see different countries without breaking the bank.
Border towns are seriously underrated gems perfect for those who are looking to explore as much as possible while staying budget conscious. You could literally be munching on pastéis de nata in Portugal, and the next you’re strolling across a bridge into Spain for tapas. No, it’s not fake news, it’s just the magic of border towns! These spots are a travel jackpot because you get multiple countries in one go, often for the price of a bus ticket and a solid snack stash.
And because we try our best to help you avoid overrated locations, this guide is all about the border towns that are charming, ridiculously photogenic and often free of large tourist crowds. You’re welcome!
Valenca, Portugal & Tui, Spain
We are starting off super strong with Valenca, Portugal and Tui, Spain. Two towns separated by the Minho River and connected by a short walkable bridge. No passport stamping drama, no border guards glaring at you suspiciously, just a casual stroll from one historic old town to another. Yep, it’s that easy!
In Valenca, you can explore the fortified walls of the old town and browse open air markets full of handmade goods and €1 espresso. Then, you can take that iconic bridge over to Tui and prepare to be wowed by Gothic architecture and some crazy good restaurants. We suggest trying the empanadas and saying yes to their signature octopus dish (trust us, you won’t regret it).
To save even more during this trip, staying at a guesthouse in Valenca is probably your best bet since Portugal tends to be slightly cheaper, and because getting from one place to the other is super easy, you can plan your trip accordingly and make day trips into Spain. Oh and don’t forget that Spain is an hour ahead so in order to have the best of both worlds you should master your timekeeper skills before then!
Haparanda, Sweden & Tornio, Finland
This border town duo is for those who love snow, saunas, and the occasional wildlife sighting. Haparanda and Tornio are twin towns that cradle the Sweden/Finland border and (crazy enough), are also in two different time zones. So yes, you can ring in the New Year twice within the same hour. Now THAT is definitely going on our once in a lifetime travel bucket list!
In Haparanda, you can wander through adorable boutiques selling locally made handicrafts like socks, candles, jewelry, and artisan chocolates that taste like a warm hug. And because we know you are there to channel your inner Arctic explorer, we recommend going ice fishing on the frozen Tornio River or booking a husky sled ride!
Tornio, on the other hand, offers more of a classic Finnish experience, think sauna sessions by the river, quirky museums like the Aine Art Museum, and a supermarket where you can buy a moose head if that’s your thing. Cool!
As a reminder, Finland uses the Euro and Sweden uses the Krona, so be mindful of currency conversions. And finally, when traveling there, you can save cash by shopping in Tornio and sleeping in Haparanda, a true match made in heaven.
Switzerland, France & Germany
We saved the best for last! And if you’ve ever wanted to visit three countries in one trip, we are here to tell you that it IS possible! In this dreamy corner of Europe, the cities of Basel (Switzerland), Mulhouse (France), and Weil am Rhein (Germany) form a trifecta of peak europe living.
Basel is known for art (hello, Art Basel), river swims in the Rhine, and public transport so efficient it could make you cry especially coming from the states. Hop over to Mulhouse for some très chic French vibes and the “Cité de l’Automobile” known as the largest car museum in the world! Then make your way to Weil am Rhein for Vitra Campus, where architecture students and design nerds will absolutely lose their minds.
While there we suggest skipping the Swiss lodging because anything associated with Switzerland is E for expensive, and stay in France or Germany. Transportation across borders is a breeze with regional train passes or even just bikes. Oh and don’t forget to pack your student ID as some museums offer discounts or even free entry. Score!
Border Crossing 101
While most of these towns allow for people to easily move between countries passport free, please ALWAYS carry your ID (don’t be that person). Even then, double check entry requirements if you’re coming from outside the EU and look into whether your passport needs to be valid for 3 or 6 months beyond entry. Better safe than sorry!
When it comes to safety, all these towns are pretty lowkey and peaceful, BUT standard solo travel tips still apply: don’t flash wads of cash, be reckless in locations you don’t know and avoid any street that feels like the opening scene of a horror movie.
After all this, we hope we have convinced you that sometimes the coolest places are the ones in between, just like these border towns. You’ll get to experience multiple cultures and have stories that make your study abroad classmates jealous. And if you’re wondering how to make this trip actually happen without draining your entire savings, that’s literally why we exist. ScholarTrip was made to help students like you score flight deals that don’t make your bank account cry. So whether it’s Portugal to Spain or a triple country flex you know you will find the best tips and deals right here!
