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National border

Switzerland’s national border is formed by the external boundary of its sovereign territory. It is specified, surveyed and maintained in close cooperation with the five neighbouring countries.

Historische Grenzsteine an der Landesgrenze zu Frankreich

Switzerland is located in the centre of Europe and shares its 1,935 km kilometres of border with five neighbouring countries: 

• France 585.28 km,
• Germany 363.71 km incl. enclave of Büsingen and Lake Constance,
• Austria 180.08 km incl. Lake Constance,
• Principality of Liechtenstein 41.28 km
• Italy 800.22 km incl. enclave of Campione d’Italia

The Swiss national border and its north/south/east/west extremes

As in every country, it is of primary importance to know the course of its sovereign territory – even in the age of globalisation and the European Union.

The national border serves simultaneously as a cantonal, district, municipal and private boundary and therefore the definition must be absolutely identical for all types of borders and boundaries in the cadastral survey. This also holds true for the neighbouring countries.

As the relevant federal authority, the Federal Office of Topography swisstopo is responsible for the maintenance and revision work on the national border in coordination with the neighbouring countries.

The more than 7000 markers along the Swiss border are periodically inspected, maintained and where necessary restored. Many of these are small historical monuments which were already established back in the 16th century. They form an integral part of our cultural heritage and as such are witnesses of our country's history.

Artificial and natural boundaries

Switzerland’s sovereign territory is defined by artificial and natural boundaries. Find out more here.

The digital border

Today, geographic information systems are used for managing and documenting the national border. Find out more about the digitalisation of the national border.

Our boundaries can change

National borders can change over the course of time, especially when they are based on natural boundaries. Find out more about the ways in which borders can change.

Legal bases and jurisdiction

Swisstopo is the federal authority responsible for the national border. International treaties and agreements with neighbouring countries form the basis for this task.


Federal Office of Topography swisstopo Seftigenstrasse 264
P.O. Box
3084 Wabern
Tel.
+41 58 469 01 11

E-mail


Relevant authority

Geodesy and Federal Directorate of Cadastral Surveying
E-mail

Federal Office of Topography swisstopo

Seftigenstrasse 264
P.O. Box
3084 Wabern

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