For those seeking a travel experience beyond the ordinary, an exceptional opportunity awaits near Kiruna, Sweden’s northernmost gem. The small village of Kilpisjärvi is the starting point for a unique journey to Treriksröset, the convergence point of Sweden, Finland, and Norway.
So, if you manage to visit that tri-point, you visit three European countries in three seconds! Here’s where to go.
A Unique Place
At Treriksröset, a significant piece of history stands tall. Originating in 1897, this marker was jointly placed by Russians and Norwegians to delineate the border during a time when the Finnish section was under Russian rule. In 1926, it saw a replacement, and today, it serves as a symbolic intersection of three European nations.
The small wooden walkway leading to the cairn offers a brief but thrilling stroll where you can boast of standing in multiple countries at once.
Charting Your Own Course
The journey to Treriksröset isn’t a leisurely walk in the park. Adventurers can choose an 11-kilometer hike, immersing themselves in the natural beauty of Malla, Finland’s oldest national park. highly recommended for nature lovers.
For those favoring a more relaxed pace, the M/S Malla, a 45-minute tourist boat available from midsummer to September’s end, presents a scenic alternative. From Koltaluokta, a manageable 3-kilometer hike is a nice option.
A Global Phenomenon Beyond Borders
While Treriksröset holds its unique charm, it’s not the only “tri-point” in the world. The United Nations registry showcases approximately 176 tri-points worldwide, each with its own story.
Whether it’s the intersection of Germany, France, and Switzerland or the intriguing ‘quadripoint’ where Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe meet, these spots are perfect for a geography lover’s bucket list. The question is, can you tick them all off?!
National Park Service Asks Tourists to Stop Leaving Love Locks at the Grand Canyon
Visitors to the Grand Canyon have taken to leaving love locks at the spot, but the National Park Service is not happy about it. According to a post on Facebook, the locks pose a health hazard to birds and animals that live around the area. The park rangers have been cutting these locks from their fences every two years, but the dangers of this tradition are widespread for the majestic park and its wildlife. Here are the details.
The Locks and the Hazards
Love locks are a tourist activity most notably associated with Paris, but now they have made their way to the Grand Canyon. In this, travelers place their lock on the fencing at the viewpoint and often end up throwing their keys into the canyon. The National Park Service recently spoke against this new trend, urging people to stop doing this.
Apparently, the locks pose a danger to bird species like the Condor in the area that are attracted to the small and shiny padlocks. And like a child, they often try to put them in their mouths, which sometimes results in poisoning or even surgery due to choking. Park rangers are now calling the leaving of love locks a form of littering and graffiti, and strongly urge visiting tourists to stop.
The Condors
The California Condors are some of the rarest birds in the world. Many of these birds, which are the largest ones in North America, call the Grand Canyon their home. In 1982, the species was nearly extinct as only 22 of these remained.
Thankfully, the number has since gone up to 500, and the birds have now been classified as endangered. But, there will be more if we reduce the number of love locks. Heed their warning!