There are countries… and then there are micro nations — tiny, self-declared “countries” that aren’t officially recognized by the world but still have their own flags, governments, and sometimes even currencies. 🏴☠️
What’s fascinating is that some of these micro nations are open for visitors. Yes, you can actually go there, meet their “leaders,” and sometimes even get a passport stamp! These places exist somewhere between reality and imagination — and that’s what makes them magical.
Let’s take a little journey around the world to explore hidden micro nations you can actually visit — where borders are drawn by dreams more than politics. 🌍
What Are Micro Nations, Really? 🤔
Before we start traveling, it’s important to know what a micro nation is.
A micro nation is a self-proclaimed independent entity that claims to be a country but isn’t officially recognized by major world governments or international organizations like the UN.
They often begin as social experiments, art projects, protests, or even jokes — but many have developed real communities, laws, and histories of their own.
Some have just a few citizens; others have hundreds. A few even host annual events that attract tourists, history lovers, and curious travelers alike.
Why People Visit Micro Nations 🌏
Visiting a micro nation isn’t just a quirky thing to do. It’s about curiosity — the desire to see how people create their own worlds, cultures, and even governments.
Here’s why travelers are drawn to these unique destinations:
| Reason | Description |
|---|---|
| Curiosity | To see how small groups create “countries” of their own. |
| Adventure | Many are in unusual, offbeat locations that make the trip memorable. |
| History | Some micro nations have existed for decades with fascinating backstories. |
| Souvenirs | You can often buy stamps, passports, or coins that are rare collectibles. |
| Community | You get to meet passionate people who truly believe in their cause. |
1. The Principality of Sealand (North Sea, near England) 🏰
Probably the most famous micro nation in the world, Sealand sits on an abandoned World War II sea fort about 12 km off the coast of Suffolk, England.
It was declared independent in 1967 by Paddy Roy Bates, who called himself Prince Roy. He raised his own flag, created passports, and even had a motto: “E mare libertas” (From the sea, freedom).
Visitors can’t just walk in — it’s a sea platform, after all — but the Sealand authorities occasionally open for tours or special visits by appointment.
You can even buy titles like “Lord,” “Lady,” or “Baron of Sealand” from their official website. Yes, you can literally become royalty. 👑
| Details | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | Roughs Tower, North Sea |
| Founded | 1967 |
| Founded by | Paddy Roy Bates |
| Currency | Sealand Dollar |
| Visitors allowed? | Yes, limited visits by request |
2. Republic of Molossia (Nevada, USA) 🇺🇸
If you ever find yourself near Dayton, Nevada, you can actually visit the Republic of Molossia — one of the most fun and lighthearted micro nations out there.
Founded by President Kevin Baugh in 1977, Molossia is both a serious passion project and a piece of living art. It has its own national anthem, navy (made of inflatable boats), and even a declared war against East Germany — yes, even though East Germany doesn’t exist anymore! 😂
Visitors can tour Molossia by appointment. The President himself gives tours, showing you customs, the “bank,” and even their homemade space program.
| Details | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | Nevada, USA |
| Founded | 1977 |
| Currency | Valora (pegged to cookie dough!) |
| Visitors allowed? | Yes, by appointment |
| Fun fact | Molossia has a ban on onions and catfish! 🐟 |
3. Hutt River Principality (Australia) 🇦🇺
Though officially dissolved in 2020, the Principality of Hutt River in Western Australia still holds legendary status. It was founded in 1970 by Leonard Casley, a farmer who declared independence after a dispute with the Australian government over wheat quotas.
For decades, it operated as an independent nation with its own currency, stamps, and passports. Visitors could tour the property, meet “Prince Leonard,” and see the royal chapel.
Even today, tourists still drive out to see the location — a reminder of how one man’s protest became an entire “country.”
| Details | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | Western Australia |
| Founded | 1970 |
| Founded by | Leonard Casley |
| Status | Dissolved (but still visitable as a historic site) |
| Currency | Hutt River Dollar |
4. Ladonia (Sweden) 🇸🇪
Deep inside a nature reserve in southern Sweden lies Ladonia, a micro nation founded by artist Lars Vilks in 1996.
It was born out of an art protest — after Swedish authorities tried to remove Vilks’s sculptures from public land, he simply declared the area an independent nation.
Today, Ladonia claims over 20,000 citizens worldwide (mostly online), but the land itself is uninhabited. Tourists can hike through the reserve and visit the famous driftwood sculptures “Nimis” and “Arx.”
| Details | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | Kullaberg Nature Reserve, Sweden |
| Founded | 1996 |
| Citizens | 20,000+ (mostly digital) |
| Visitors allowed? | Yes, open for hiking |
| Currency | Örtug |
5. Liberland (Between Croatia and Serbia) 🇭🇷🇷🇸
Here’s one for the adventurous travelers. In 2015, Czech politician Vít Jedlička declared a 7 km² patch of unclaimed land on the Danube River as the Free Republic of Liberland.
The area was technically “no man’s land” due to border disputes between Croatia and Serbia — and Jedlička saw an opportunity to create a libertarian paradise.
While you can’t permanently live there (border guards might stop you), you can visit nearby towns where Liberland hosts meetups, festivals, and discussions about self-governance and freedom.
| Details | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | Between Croatia & Serbia |
| Founded | 2015 |
| Founded by | Vít Jedlička |
| Motto | “To Live and Let Live” |
| Visitors allowed? | Nearby events only |
6. Seborga (Italy) 🇮🇹
Nestled in the mountains of northwestern Italy, the Principality of Seborga looks like a regular Italian village… but it claims to be independent!
Locals believe their independence dates back to the Middle Ages, when Seborga was a sovereign principality ruled by monks. The movement to “restore” independence began in the 1960s, led by Giorgio Carbone, who was crowned Prince Giorgio I.
Today, Seborga welcomes tourists with open arms. You can buy Seborgan coins, stamps, and even visit its “royal palace.” It’s charming, scenic, and full of personality. 🇮🇹✨
| Details | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | Liguria, Italy |
| Founded | Claimed since 954 AD, revived in 1963 |
| Currency | Luigino |
| Visitors allowed? | Yes, very tourist-friendly |
7. Kugelmugel (Austria) 🎨
In Vienna, there’s a giant sphere house behind barbed wire — and it’s technically a micro nation.
Kugelmugel was declared independent in 1984 by artist Edwin Lipburger, after disputes with the Austrian government over building permits. He built his round house without permission and declared it a republic.
The government eventually fenced it off but kept it as a tourist attraction. You can visit it today in Vienna’s Prater Park — and even get a photo in front of its border gate that says “Republic of Kugelmugel.”
| Details | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | Vienna, Austria |
| Founded | 1984 |
| Founded by | Edwin Lipburger |
| Visitors allowed? | Yes, in Prater Park |
| Population | 1 (symbolically) |
8. Christiania (Copenhagen, Denmark) 🇩🇰
One of Europe’s most famous “free towns,” Freetown Christiania was founded in 1971 by a group of hippies and artists who took over an abandoned military base in Copenhagen.
They created their own community based on freedom, creativity, and sustainability. Christiania has its own rules, murals, music festivals, and vegetarian cafes. 🌿
It’s technically part of Denmark but operates semi-independently. Tourists visit daily to experience its unique culture and art scene.
| Details | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | Copenhagen, Denmark |
| Founded | 1971 |
| Population | About 800 |
| Visitors allowed? | Yes, open to the public |
| Known for | Street art, live music, and alternative culture |

9. Atlantium Empire (Australia) 🌏
Founded in 1981 by George Cruickshank, Atlantium calls itself a “global sovereignty” rather than a country. It’s based in New South Wales but claims to represent people everywhere who believe in freedom and equality.
Atlantium has its own flag, currency, and even a small territory called Concordia. Visitors can tour the site, which includes monuments, gardens, and the administrative capital.
| Details | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | New South Wales, Australia |
| Founded | 1981 |
| Founder | George Cruickshank |
| Currency | Decim |
| Visitors allowed? | Yes, by appointment |
10. Elleore (Denmark) 🏝️
Located just off the coast of Roskilde Fjord, Kingdom of Elleore is a tiny Danish island that was declared independent in 1944 by a group of teachers.
They founded a monarchy with funny traditions, including their own language and film festivals. The island is closed most of the year but opens for a few days every summer when citizens gather for the annual celebration.
| Details | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | Roskilde Fjord, Denmark |
| Founded | 1944 |
| Founded by | Danish teachers |
| Visitors allowed? | Yes, during summer events |
| Currency | Elleuro |
Why Visiting a Micro Nation Feels So Different ✨
Traveling to a micro nation isn’t like going to another country — it’s more like stepping into a living story. You get to see how imagination can turn into something real.
Most of them don’t have big hotels or airports, but that’s part of the charm. It’s about connecting with people who believe in their own version of freedom, creativity, and identity.
And let’s be honest — how many people can say they’ve visited a country that doesn’t officially exist? 🌍
Tips for Visiting a Micro Nation 🧳
| Tip | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Check before you go | Some require permission or appointments. |
| Be respectful | These places mean a lot to their founders. |
| Bring cash | You might want to buy souvenirs like stamps or coins. |
| Take photos | These are rare experiences — capture the moment! |
| Learn their story | Every micro nation has a unique reason for existing. |
Fun Fact Table: Quick Comparisons
| Micro Nation | Year Founded | Population | Type | Visitors Allowed? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sealand | 1967 | <10 | Sea platform | Yes (limited) |
| Molossia | 1977 | <40 | Land-based | Yes |
| Ladonia | 1996 | Online citizens | Art protest | Yes |
| Seborga | 1963 revival | 300 | Village | Yes |
| Kugelmugel | 1984 | 1 | Art installation | Yes |
| Christiania | 1971 | 800 | Commune | Yes |
Final Thoughts 🌍
Micro nations might not appear on official maps, but they exist in the minds and hearts of those who created them. Visiting one is like stepping into an alternate universe — where creativity, humor, and independence rule.
They remind us that a “nation” isn’t always about power or territory — sometimes, it’s simply about belief.
So, if you ever get the chance, pack your bag, grab your curiosity, and go explore a world that’s small in size but huge in imagination. ✨
FAQs About Hidden Micro Nations You Can Actually Visit
Q1: Are micro nations legal to visit?
Yes, most micro nations are perfectly safe and legal to visit as long as you follow local laws. Some require permission, while others are open to the public.
Q2: Do micro nations issue real passports?
Some do, like Sealand and Molossia, but they aren’t valid for international travel. They’re more like collectibles.
Q3: Can anyone start a micro nation?
Technically, yes. But getting recognized is another story — most stay unrecognized but still exist as personal or cultural projects.
Q4: Which is the easiest micro nation to visit?
Molossia (in Nevada) and Christiania (in Copenhagen) are among the easiest to visit since they’re open to tourists regularly.
Q5: Do people really live in micro nations?
A few do! Christiania and Seborga have permanent residents, while others are symbolic or digital communities.