Have you ever stepped in one place and somehow felt confused? Have you ever defined which border is a border of what country? While you were walking, did ever you ask yourself which country am I in at this current moment? What kind of culture is being presented to me? What language is being spoken?

As an islander, these are few questions I had in my mind while I was visiting a place called Kerkrade. From Amsterdam Centraal, this is the last stop of the train stations in the Netherlands. This place is a small town but has three diverse cultural influences. This place is also know as the “Three-country point" as it marks the location where the borders of the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany meet in one place.

Historically, Kerkrade represents the western half of a city that was once united with the German town of Herzogenrath. The towns were divided in 1815 when the Congress of Vienna established the current Dutch-German border, separating them. As a result, the eastern edge of Kerkrade marked the international boundary. This border even runs through the middle of Nieuwstraat/Neustraße, a street that connects both towns.

Herzogenrath, situated in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, is directly adjacent to the Dutch border and strongly associated with Kerkrade. The name "Herzogenrath" translates to "Duke's Clearing," reflecting its origins under ducal control. Together, Herzogenrath and Kerkrade form a cross-border community known as Eurode, highlighting their close cooperation. This collaboration is evident in economic development, public services, and cultural exchanges.

The Eurode Business Centre, a building straddling the border, exemplifies this partnership, housing businesses and government services from both countries. Herzogenrath, like many towns in the Rhineland, has a vibrant cultural life, sharing many festivals and traditions with Kerkrade. The town is known for its welcoming community and the easy interaction between its German and Dutch residents.

During World War I and II, the Germans heavily fortified this border. However, after World War II, due to unrestricted travel within the European Union, the border was only marked by a low wall, about 30 cm high, that ran along the street. While vehicles had to pass through official border crossings, pedestrians could easily step over the wall, despite signs indicating the border. In 1995, the wall was removed as part of the Schengen Area agreement.

oday, Nieuwstraat/Neustraße is a unified two-way road, with the former wall space now occupied by trees and bicycle lanes. The border is unmarked and can be crossed even when navigating a roundabout or overtaking a vehicle. When you are in the streets of Kerkrade, you are also mindful that you may be stepping into monuments for the Jews and Germans who are victims of the wars during the Nazi time.

Visiting Kerkrade for the first time made me question what life is like for people living at the border of three countries. It can be confusing, but it's also fascinating to learn how they navigate cross-cultural experiences and coexist with other nationalities.

I am lucky enough to know one of the residents of this town who has lived here for more than 10 years. His name is Hennessy, and he speaks fluent English. He mentioned that Kerkrade is interesting because, as Dutch people, there’s often the assumption that you’re solely from the Netherlands. However, just crossing the street can bring you face-to-face with German neighbours.

They speak Dutch but also learn German, and many residents use their own dialect called Limburgish. He mentioned that adjusting to this environment is not difficult, especially after living here for a long time. The residents share cultural ties with Germans and other nationalities, and the idea of living solely in the Netherlands fades away in the context of the open border system.

His interest in music is also influenced by Kerkrade's impact on his development. He mentioned that every four years, Kerkrade hosts a music festival that attracts a variety of musicians eager to showcase their talents. This festival, known as the World Music Contest (WMC), is an international competition for wind and brass bands, bringing together artists from different nationalities to perform in Kerkrade.

The World Music Contest, a prestigious competition for professional, amateur, and military bands, is often referred to as the Olympic Games of brass band music. This event brings together participants from various parts of the world to celebrate a shared love for music. Learning about this made me reflect on the importance of music as a unifying element that connects people across the globe. Music transcends borders—it is a common thread that we all share as one humanity.

Another fascinating aspect you will discover in this place is that the locals speak a unique dialect known as Limburgish, distinct from both Dutch and German. In this town, the Limburgian culture is alive, with people speaking the Limburgish dialect and preserving their traditions, which are prominently reflected in Kerkrade. Limburgish is spoken by approximately 1.6 million people across Dutch Limburg, Belgian Limburg, and parts of Germany.

The language is characterised by a wide variety of dialects, with every town and village having its own version. The region is marked by numerous isoglosses, making it difficult for any single dialect to represent the full diversity of Limburgish. Limburgian culture is rich in folk art, including pottery, textiles, and woodcrafts, all of which often reflect the region's history and natural surroundings.

This culture embodies the distinct identity and traditions of the Limburg region, spanning parts of both the Netherlands and Belgium. Limburg is renowned for its unique language, customs, festivals, and culinary traditions, all of which set it apart from other regions in these countries. The unique monuments found in Kerkrade reflect a vibrant culture that is still alive and visible today.

Hennessy was generous enough to serve as my tour guide for a day in the forest, and it was one of the most serene experiences of my life. I heard the sound of the creek water and stepped into the freezing, ice-cold stream. The water flows from the large lake in Kerkrade. The Kerkrade forest is a reservoir and nature preserve in the Netherlands, perfect for activities like hiking, cycling, and connecting with nature.

While there, I also saw people from various nationalities, including Ukrainians setting up camps in the city after the war. Dutch and German children played in the water, unconcerned with their differences. Reflecting on this experience, I realised that nature does not discriminate—it invites all humans to enjoy the forest, regardless of race or colour. The birds, water, and sky belong to all of us.

Whether I am in the Netherlands, Germany, or Belgium, I have learned that it does not matter, because my experience here clearly speaks to a town that exemplifies how all kinds of people can live harmoniously together in a borderless society. In a world where global politics often focus on border restrictions and closures—leading to war and invasion, as seen in the current situation between Israel and Gaza—we are prompted to question our own humanity.

I hope that people will recognise that it is possible for us to share common space and time, living in peace and harmony without compromising our own territories. If we are willing to acknowledge the common elements that connect us and focus on these instead of what divides us, we can foster a more inclusive world. Returning to my own country, Kerkrade reminded me of the lyrics from John Lennon’s song: “Imagine there’s no country; it’s easy if you try.”