Border Crossings That Are More Exciting Than the Destination

Most border crossings are uneventful—passport checks, customs lines, and a quick transition into another country. But some borders are an adventure in themselves, offering spectacular scenery, extreme environments, or even a touch of chaos. Whether it’s crossing a river on a raft, riding a cable car between countries, or trekking across an icy glacier, these border crossings turn a simple journey into an unforgettable experience.

The Suspended Cable Car Between Spain and Portugal

Instead of the usual land border, travelers between Spain and Portugal can cross via a 720-foot-long zipline that flies over the Guadiana River. As the world’s only cross-border zipline, this thrilling ride takes you from Sanlúcar de Guadiana (Spain) to Alcoutim (Portugal) in under a minute—while also transporting you one hour back in time due to the time zone difference.

The Chaotic Friendship Bridge – Brazil to Paraguay

For sheer madness, few crossings compare to the Friendship Bridge between Brazil and Paraguay. Linking Foz do Iguaçu with Ciudad del Este, this border is famous for its completely lawless energy, with thousands of people, cars, and motorcycles crossing daily—often carrying loads of tax-free electronics, food, and contraband. No border gates, no order—just a wild flow of people moving between two worlds.

The Remote Ice Road – Canada to the USA

For a few months each winter, an ice road forms across the frozen Saint Lawrence River, connecting the tiny town of Pohenegamook, Canada, to Estcourt Station, Maine. This seasonal crossing is surreal—driving over a solid sheet of ice with no physical land border in sight, just a lonely customs checkpoint waiting on the other side.

The Border Town That’s in Two Countries at Once

Few places blur international lines like Baarle-Hertog (Belgium) and Baarle-Nassau (Netherlands). This town is sliced into over 20 different border sections, meaning some houses have separate doors in different countries. A simple step can take you from one country to another, and some restaurants even let you sit in Belgium while eating from a Dutch menu.

The Floating Rafts Between Costa Rica and Nicaragua

For travelers crossing from Costa Rica to Nicaragua via the San Juan River, expect a border experience unlike any other. Forget highways—here, you travel by boat, slowly floating along lush jungle landscapes until you reach an immigration checkpoint in the middle of nowhere. With howler monkeys overhead and crocodiles in the river, this border crossing feels more like an adventure expedition than a bureaucratic process.

The Bridge Where You Switch Sides – China to Macau

Driving from mainland China to Macau involves one of the most unique traffic transitions in the world. At the Lotus Bridge, vehicles physically switch from right-hand to left-hand driving in a smooth, looping transition lane. It’s a rare sight to see a bridge designed solely to help drivers switch traffic rules mid-journey.

The High-Altitude Trek from Nepal to Tibet

One of the most breathtaking border crossings in the world, the Nepal-Tibet border at Kyirong Pass requires travelers to navigate through mountainous, high-altitude terrain. Snow-capped peaks, rugged valleys, and prayer flags fluttering in the wind make this crossing an unforgettable journey—assuming you can handle the thin air at over 4,500 meters (14,700 feet) above sea level.

The Pan-American Adventure – Colombia to Ecuador

Crossing from Colombia to Ecuador at the Rumichaca Bridge isn’t just a border crossing—it’s a journey through some of South America’s most breathtaking Andean landscapes. Mountains stretch endlessly on both sides, and street vendors line the crossing, offering food, souvenirs, and a lively atmosphere that makes the wait enjoyable rather than a hassle.

The World’s Most Isolated Border – Norway to Russia

Way up in the Arctic Circle, the Norway-Russia border is one of the most remote in the world. The crossing at Storskog is a lonely, windswept place where the extreme cold and vast emptiness make the crossing feel almost surreal. No bustling immigration lines—just icy silence and a feeling of stepping into another world.

Where the Journey Becomes the Destination

Most border crossings are just a necessary step in getting from one country to another. But at some, the journey itself becomes the highlight. Whether it’s floating between countries, trekking through the mountains, or ziplining across a river, these crossings prove that sometimes, the most exciting part of travel happens before you even arrive.