What is the highest point in the Netherlands?

If you think the Netherlands is totally flat, think again! This country actually has a surprising peak called the Vaalserberg. The Vaalserberg is 322.4 meters above sea level in the country’s southeast corner. That makes it the highest point in the Netherlands. At least if you only consider the European part of the country.

On my last trip to Aachen, I wanted to visit my favorite 3 country border in Europe again. I mentioned this cartographical point to my girlfriend many times, and I even have plans to go to other borders, but this is a topic for another blog post.

Either way, during a day trip to Aachen from Köln, we aimed to see where Germany, Netherlands, and Belgium meet. We left Aachen by bus, stopped close to the border, and started walking up a hill. It was a hot summer day in June 2023, and going up that hill wasn’t as great as I thought.

In the middle of this hike, we were talking, and I wondered if that hill could be considered a tall mountain in the Netherlands since most of the country is flat.

This led me to learn about the Vaalserberg and how I climbed the highest point in the Netherlands on my way elsewhere.

Booking.com

Vaalserberg is a Mountaintop with a Twist

The Vaalserberg is more than the highest point in the Netherlands. It is where the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany all meet for a handshake. This spot is called the “Drielandenpunt,” a “three-country point.”

Think about that – you can enter three different countries in seconds. I walked around the marking stone that sets the border, and it was weirdly cool to cross the borders like that. That’s the kind of unique experience you won’t find anywhere else.

Also, it’s interesting to check your phone occasionally and see the messages from your cellphone provider telling you about the different plans in all the countries you just crossed in the last 5 minutes.

Climbing High and Seeing Far

The hike to the top of the Vaalserberg is easy enough for most people and offers incredible views. It might be better if you don’t hike it like we did on a hot summer day, but this is up to you.

Once you reach the summit, climb the Boudewijntoren, also known as the Baldwin Tower, on the Belgian side. From there, you get a 360-degree panorama of the rolling hills and countryside in all three countries. It’s the best place to see the area from above and signs at the top point to each country.

The History and Quirky Facts about the Vaalserberg

While researching for this article, I realized that the Vaalserberg has a fascinating past. Did you know that until 2010, it used to be the highest point in the entire Kingdom of the Netherlands? That’s changed because there’s an even taller volcano on the Caribbean island of Saba called Mount Scenery!

In the 1800s, there was even a fourth mini-country right by the Vaalserberg called Neutral Moresnet. Why have I never heard about this before? Isn’t that wild?

Tips for Your Visit to the highest point in the Netherlands

Bring Some Euros: In the area, treat yourself to waffles in Belgium, beer in Germany, and some “frietjes” (fries) in the Netherlands. There are restaurants around the area and some playgrounds if you go there with children.
Check Out Aachen: The Vaalserberg is very close to the charming German city of Aachen.
Love Cycling?: The Vaalserberg is a famous climb in the Amstel Gold Race, a primary bike race in the Netherlands. You will see a few people getting to the top of the highest point in the Netherlands by bike.

So, if you’re ready for a bit of adventure with a side of incredible views and quirky history, make sure to add the Vaalserberg to your Netherlands travel itinerary! Only then can you tell your friends that you climbed the highest point in the Netherlands and even saw a 3 country border in the same place!