The Border Tripoint | Sights in Bratislava
Today, it can be difficult to imagine how hard it once was to cross borders in Europe. For many of us, it feels completely normal to travel freely between countries thanks to the Schengen Agreement. It can seem unreal that there were once guards, fences, and strict border controls. One of the most infamous of these borders was the Iron Curtain. It curtailed the lives of many, making it almost impossible to cross between Western and Eastern Europe. This line cut through many countries, including Austria, Hungary, and what was then Czechoslovakia. There is one specific spot where the borders of all three of these countries meet. Such a point is called a tripoint, and it is a fascinating geographical curiosity.
A Pillar in a Field: The Austria-Hungary-Slovakia Tripoint
The Austria-Hungary-Slovakia Tripoint is marked by a simple gray stone pillar. The monument is triangular, with each of its three sides bearing the coat of arms and name of the respective country it faces. At this location, you will also find several sculptures and memorials. These pieces commemorate the time of the Iron Curtain, with sections of the original barbed wire and old border signs still in place as a powerful reminder of the past. One notable sculpture is a ”Table for Three” with benches, where each seat is in a different country, symbolizing modern European unity and friendship.
From Iron Curtain to Open Borders
The border between these three countries has witnessed a lot of history. At one time, all three nations were part of the vast Austro-Hungarian Empire. The more recent history, however, has been more dramatic. After World War II, this spot became a tense junction on the Iron Curtain, separating communist Czechoslovakia and Hungary from neutral Austria. The fall of the Iron Curtain in 1989 was the first major change, making it possible for normal people to cross these borders for the first time in decades. The second big change was the entry of Hungary and Slovakia into the European Union in 2004. Since then, all three countries have been members of the Schengen Area, meaning you can walk freely across these borders without any agents asking to see your passport.
How to Get to the Border Tripoint?
The tripoint is located in a field near the Slovak village of Čunovo, the Hungarian village of Rajka, and the Austrian village of Deutsch Jahrndorf. Situated around 20 kilometers south of the center of Bratislava, the tripoint is most easily accessed with a bicycle or a car. It has become a popular destination for a short day trip from the Slovak capital.
The best way to reach the spot is on two wheels. A scenic cycling path runs from Bratislava along the Danube River and through the countryside, leading directly to the tripoint. This is a popular and enjoyable excursion. For those using public transport, another good option is to take a regional bus from Bratislava to the nearby Hungarian village of Rajka. From Rajka, the tripoint is just a short and pleasant walk away through the fields.
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This post was first published 2017-10-17 and was updated 2025-07-26
Oh wow, this would be very cool to visit! I honestly hadn’t heard of this tripoint in Bratislava until now.
It’s a very interesting place indeed, and it’s great for a visit especially during a sunny day (for all the walking). We recommend it!Thanks for dropping by!
This is cool! I’d never really thought about tripoints before until we went to Basel recently and walked from Switzerland to Germany to France! It’s not one singular tri-border though as it’s separated by the river, but it’s still only a short walk between the three. It would be interesting to visit some more!