Three Country Cairn

The Three Country Cairn is a stone marker standing at approximately 145 meters elevation where the borders of Finland, Norway, and Russia converge at a single geographic point. The structure physically defines this tri-national boundary in one of Europe's most remote locations.

The cairn was first built in 1846 to mark the territorial boundaries between the three nations at this meeting point. It underwent major modifications after border shifts in 1944 that reshaped the regional divisions.

The cairn serves as a gathering point where three nations' territories meet, reflecting the peaceful relationship between Finnish, Norwegian, and Russian border communities. People visit here to experience this rare continental meeting place in their daily landscape.

The site is accessible via marked hiking trails that branch from main roads in either Finnish or Norwegian territory. The northern location means weather conditions can be harsh at certain times of year, so proper preparation is important.

This is one of the few places on Earth where three national borders meet at a single point rather than along lines. Visitors can literally stand in three countries at once at this exact location, making it a rare geographic phenomenon.

Location: Inari

Location: Sør-Varanger Municipality

Location: Pechengsky District

Inception: 1846

Elevation above the sea: 145 m

Part of: Norway–Russia border, Finland–Norway border, Finland–Russia border, Three-Country Cairns

GPS coordinates: 69.05191,28.92929

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:42