The Unsung Heroes of GeoGuessr: A Deep Dive into European Bollards

Ever been stumped by a random European country road? What if I told you that a simple plastic post on the side of that road could be your ticket to a perfect score? Bollards, those short, sturdy posts you see lining roadsides, are one of the most powerful and overlooked clues in GeoGuessr. This guide will turn you into a bollard-identifying expert.

European Bollards Comparison Guide

Complete guide to European bollard identification across all countries

Image credit: @Veønixx on Reddit

Why Bollards are a GeoGuessr Goldmine

Unlike trees or architecture, which can be similar across regions, bollard designs are often nationally standardized. They are a direct signature of a country's road administration. Learning them is like learning a new alphabet for reading the landscape.

The Classic French Bollard

🔍 Key Identification Features:

• • White or light gray concrete post
• • Distinctive red reflective strip around the top
• • Often rounded or slightly tapered shape
• • Height: typically 80-100cm
• • Very common throughout France

Look for: A white, often rounded post with a distinctive red reflective strip at the top. You'll see these everywhere in France. They're so common, if you see one, you can be almost certain you're not in a neighboring country.

The Striped Italian Bollard

🔍 Key Identification Features:

• • Black and yellow diagonal stripes
• • Stripe pattern varies by region
• • Often rectangular or square shape
• • Height: typically 70-90cm
• • Very distinctive color combination

Look for: The famous black and yellow stripes. While the exact pattern can vary, this color combination is an extremely strong clue for Italy. Be aware of regional variations, but the theme is consistent.

The Unique Polish Bollard

🔍 Key Identification Features:

• • White concrete post
• • Red vertical stripe (doesn't wrap around)
• • Stripe is typically on one side only
• • Height: typically 80-100cm
• • Very reliable identification feature

Look for: A white post with a red vertical stripe that doesn't wrap all the way around. This small detail is a near-certain clue for Poland. It's one of the most reliable metas in the game.

The Danish Reflector Bollard

🔍 Key Identification Features:

• • White concrete post
• • Red band around the middle
• • White reflector embedded in red band
• • Height: typically 80-100cm
• • Unique to Denmark

Look for: A white post with a red band and a crucial detail: a white reflector embedded within the red band. This design is unique to Denmark and is an incredibly reliable clue.

Putting It Into Practice

Next time you're dropped on a European road, take a moment. Before you check the sun or the language on a sign, scan the roadside. Is there a bollard? What color is it? What shape? You'll be surprised how often this single, humble clue can give you the country in seconds.