Living on Egde - Europe’s Most Mesmerising Border Towns

Lille, France and Border – Belgium

Living on Egde, Some of Europe’s Most MesmerisingBorder Towns

travelopod.com /blog/europes-mesmerising-border-towns/

June 04, 2014

by Travelopod Admin

Are you one of those who chooseto travel to the unexplored,pristine places on earth wheretime stands still and beauty is atits epitome? Seek no further aswe bring to you a list offascinating European ‘bordertowns’ where varied cultures clashand blend giving a distinct‘character’ to the place.

For time immemorial border townshave suffered the agony of beingcaught between warring nationsor ethnic groups. But our listcomprises of such border townwhich will only bring a smile onyour face and memories of whichwill be etched forever on yourmind.

Lille, France Border,Belgium

Once known for its grimy decliningeconomy, Lille has transformeditself to an attractive self confidenttourist-friendly hub. This city isalso one of the most under-ratedFrance’s major city as theconflicting tastes in fooddisappear to make way for anarray of mouth watering dishes.

Local restaurants combine theintricacies of Gallic dining culture— making extensive use of the region’s tasty maroilles cheese — with the bold beer selections favouredfurther to the north. Two of the most sumptuous dishes – beef in beer and roast chicken in cheese arefinger licking good at Estaminet Chez La Vieille.

Bratislava, Slovakia & Borders – Austria and Hungary

Tourists can wander along an attractive old town with a strong Flemish accent, three renowned artmuseums, some excellent dining options and a cutting-edge, student-driven nightlife scene. The city alsoblends Flemish with classical Parisian architecture and also has the best collection of classic art outsidethe capital.

Bratislava, Slovakia Borders, Austria and Hungary

This capital of Slovakia has undergone an identity crisis for several centuries and has finally emerged fromthe shadows of its previous ruler i.e Hungary. Earlier known by its various names like Istropolis, Bresburg,Pressburg and Wilson City, Bratislava shares close ties with Vienna.

The older part of this town whisksvisitors back a few centuries asthey wander through cobbledstreets, admire the Baroquearchitecture, enjoy summer andChristmas concerts at Old TownHall and while away time at cafésand restaurants. Visitors can viewa piece of history at its 15thcentury castle and savour ahealthy assortment of cuisinesthat bring forth the best of Austriaand Hungary.

Malmo, Sweden Border,Denmark

Malmo, Sweden and Border – Denmark

This city is not just a border townwith history but also a meltingpoint of various nationalities asone third of Malmo’s populationbelongs to various other nations.In-spite of being a truecosmopolitan, this city is culturallyclose to Denmark.

The two countries are connectedby the majestic eight kilometrelong Oresund Bridge. One canwitness Danish influences onMalmo’s architecture thoughmodern architecture has its fairshare of stunning buildings.

San Sebastian, SpainBorders, France

Sharing its borders and inspiringthe local cuisine and living style,France influences this stunningcity of San Sebastian. One cannothelp but fall in love with the city –cool, svelte and flirtatious by nightand equally charming and wellmannered by the day.

For its beauty and attitude, Playade la Concha is at par with anyother beautiful beaches inEurope. San Sebastian has threemain attractions – the lively ParteVieja, shopping district Centro Romantico and a pleasant enclave Gros.

The city also has its fair share of internationally rated restaurants.

Trieste, Italy Borders, Slovenia

They say, ‘if you want to know the secret of happy fulfilling life, head to Trieste’. It’s not merely anexaggeration once you appreciate life and fascinating history of this city which serves the finest coffee inthe country.

Prague, Vienna and Budapest have each shared its best with Trieste. From Italy we have operatta, pizzasand gelato from Vienna we get the literary kinds and from Hungary the city gets its small eateries servinglocal delicacies like pig, beer or pickled cabbage.

Kirkenes, Norway Borders, Russia and Norway

San Sebastian, Spain and Borders – France

Tucked in the far, northern most stretch of Norway is this non-descript town of Kirkenes with its fair shareof tourists. For its cold weather there are plenty of activities that one can embark upon like riding a sledunder the splendour of Northern Lights, or visiting a wild life sanctuary or going on an ice-fishingexpedition. And what more can one ask for, with the amazingly beautiful head turner Snow Hotel atKirkenes is altogether a new definition for Snow. Situated on the outskirts of the Artic town of Kirkenes, theSnow Hotel boasts of icebar, royale and bravura suites where you will witness art made from snow and ice.Giving you the perfect Nordic experience, is the traditional Sami ‘lavvu’ tent, the Gabba Reindeer Park andthe huskies used in sled dog racing.

Moreover, the Kirkenes town has its share of Russian influences, as visitors can choose their crockerymade of fine porcelain, famous Russian knitted toe warmers or socks or buy matryoshka nesting dolls allsold at the monthly Russian market. You can wrap up the day, dining on a succulent king crab and knockdown a few shots of ice-cold vodka.

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Trieste, Italy and Borders – Slovenia

Kirkenes, Norway and Borders – Russia and Norway