Polmak – Nuorgam border crossing – Barry's Borderpoints

Polmak (FI) – Nuorgam (NO) border crossing is the most northern border crossing in the world. It is also the northernmost point of Finland and that of the EU which is marked by a monument.

There is plenty to keep a border enthusiast interested in. As an international border there are several national and local signs. The Norway – Finland border is well demarcated with stone cairns and it is easy to spot a number near the road and along the border in both directions.

I visited this point as part of the IBRG ARTEX-24 expedition.

Looking into Finland

Finnish map indicating the border markers

The border

The border is very clearly demarcated, with a cleared border strip. There are 2 large stone cairns BM#343a and BM#343 north of the crossing point. South of the road, the strip goes as far as the eye can see. We however choose to head north to visit both BM’s and to see the most northern points which were within the Tana River.

Looking north BM#423a with border strip behind leading to BM#423

Looking down the sleep slope to the Tana River

The Northernmost points

At the border there is a marker acknowledging the northernmost point of the EU. The same point is the northernmost point of Finland. It appears to be a custom to add a stone to the monument, perhaps as an indication of European solidarity. We added an IBRG stone. The real point exists in the Tana river but many people would not trek there so the monument is much more accessible.

Looking into Norway

Norwegian map indicating the border markers

Note the change in road surface that marks the border.

The Norwegian sign is standing in Finland

Norwegian – Finnish Customs

As we drove away from the border we stopped at the customs office and ended up having a great conversations about the realities of border control at this point. We had coffee and cookies with the customs officers who work for both countries. Possibly the most northernly customs post in the world.