Sealand, the unusual microstate with its own currency and flag on a marine platform: "Upon arrival they gave me a title of lord"

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There are only two reasons why you want to go to the Principality of Sealand, the micro-state with its own flag and currency perched on an old World War II artillery platform.

One responds to the curiosity aroused by its

.

The other is a question of elimination.

For an extreme traveler like

, who has literally traveled the entire planet, the world map simply runs out.

"Sealand is one of the most unusual corners of the world. It is a crazy place with a 50-year legacy," says the German photographer on the other end of the phone.

The history of Sealand dates back to the 1960s when

occupied the old naval fortress of Knock John, then in international waters, to install a

to avoid the control of the United Kingdom Government.

Once there he had a much bolder idea.

Not only did he reject the British order to abandon the fort, but he decided to proclaim there the

, declaring himself Prince Roy and his wife, Joan, Princess of Sealand.

Thus was born the smallest microstate in the world: 0.004 km2, more or less like

on two large concrete towers.

Photographer Michael Runke during his visit to Sealand.MICHAEL RUNKE

Bates designed his own constitution.

He decided to raise a red, white and black flag in the corner of the North Sea;

He created

.

Also a national anthem and a motto for his nation:

: From the sea, freedom.

"I may die young or old, but I will never die of boredom," Bates said in an interview in the 1980s.

"Of the world's many self-created nations, or micronations, Sealand is the best example of a subspecies called platform states," explains Alastair Bonnett in his book

.

"The UK has made no attempt to take Sealand and the British government continues to treat it as a de facto independent state."

No country has formally recognized Sealand, but neither has the Bates family ever asked for that recognition.

Today, Sealand makes money selling aristocratic titles and hosting Internet servers.

He also lives from fishing.

"There are people permanently dedicated to cultivating oysters," says Runkel.

"When we got there we met about twelve people who were on the platform."

The platform in the North Sea from the water.MICHAEL RUNKE

It was last June that the Nuremberg photographer traveled to Sealand accompanied by other NomadMania members.

This group of extreme globetrotters divides the planet into 1,301 regions and their purpose is to visit each and every one of them.

Runkel is currently in seventh place in his ranking, having known

"We went to Sealand for a weekend. The first day it was rough so we couldn't make it. The second we were luckier. What we found is an interesting place to say the least."

Before they had had to do the bureaucratic procedures.

"It's all very formal. You have to fill out papers and they have to

before putting the stamp on your passport."

At the foot of the lonely platform a crane was waiting for them that lowers

and lifts you the 20 meters that separate you from the platform.

Runkel can't help but laugh at the memory of the experience.

"It was a lot of fun. Friends and family of Michael Bates, the current prince, have been to Sealand, but we were

."

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"The rooms are all on the two pillars that support the platform, so they are all circular. There is even a small prison," adds Runkel or, as we could call him

from then on

.

"Yes, they gave me the title during the visit."

Of course, you don't have to be a guest of the current prince of Sealand or have traveled the world like Runkel to obtain a noble title from the principality.

They are sold on their website.

For 37 euros you can buy the

.

That of sir or dame amounts to 118 euros, but if your dream is to become a duke or a duchess, prepare an outlay of almost 600.

According to the criteria of The Trust Project

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