It’s a bit of a mouthful, but the EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg is a marvel as unique as its name: it’s the only airport with exits in two countries.
And technically, it’s the only place on Earth where you can land in three countries at once.
Located at the meeting point of the borders of France, Switzerland, and Germany, EuroAirport serves three cities – Basel (Switzerland), Mulhouse (France), and Freiburg (Germany) – and is considered the ‘gateway to the trinational region’.
Although the airport is located entirely on French soil, it is managed by both France and Switzerland, with a governing board that includes members from Germany. Confusing, we know.
The airport is comprised of two sections: Swiss and French, each with its own customs post. There is also a border crossing within the terminal, allowing passengers to access the two countries.
The layout means that passengers can move between both states without necessarily passing French border controls.
Passengers will encounter both Swiss and French police at the airport, with each responsible for their respective country’s security checks and customs.
However, French police officers have the authority to perform random checks in the Swiss section and are responsible for the overall security of the airport.
The airport is located in the Alsace commune of Saint-Louis, which is part of the Basel Trinational Eurodistrict, a cross-border platform made up of an association of cities and municipalities from France, Germany and Switzerland.
Passengers can easily travel to nearby cities from the airport, with the closest being Basel, Switzerland, at just 5 miles away.
Mulhouse in France is 15.5 miles south, while Freiburg in Germany lies 43 miles to the north.
There are several transportation options available to and from the airport, with frequent bus services connecting the airport to Basel, Mulhouse and nearby towns.
It’s easily accessible by car, and a 1.6-mile customs-free road links the Swiss side of the airport to Basel.
The surrounding area has plenty to explore, from the picturesque Black Forest in Germany to the charming towns of Alsace, a region known for its wine routes and half-timbered houses.
Colmar, for example, is 35 miles from the airport. Often called the ‘capital of Alsace wine’, the town is known for its medieval architecture, picturesque canals and colourful timber houses.
Founded in 1946, Euroairport, with its management split between two countries, is described on its website as ‘a symbol for the international cooperation which became absolutely vital after the Second World War’.
Today, the airport serves more than 25 airlines, including EasyJet and WizzAir, and flies to over 100 airports across 30 countries.
In the UK travellers can easily reach the airport, with direct flights from cities such as London, Manchester, Bristol and Dublin.
The mid-sized international airport covers approximately 1.4 million square feet and offers a range of restaurants, duty-free shopping and other services.
Passengers can spend either Euros or Swiss Francs depending on where they choose to shop in the airport.
Airports that cross international borders
Geneva Airport (GVA) – Located between Switzerland and France, it is one of the few airports situated at an international border, with the edge of its runway skimming the French border.
Cross Border Xpress (CBX) – This pedestrian bridge connects San Diego (USA) and Tijuana (Mexico), linking their respective airports and allowing passengers to cross the border quickly.
Gibraltar International Airport (GIB) Gibraltar’s airport was built right before World War II at the edge of the stretch of land connecting Gibraltar to Spain. It’s just meters from the Spanish border and on land that Spain claims was not included in the Treaty of Utrecht, which officially ceded the territory to Britain.
Do you have a story to share?
Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.