Border Crossings Between Croatia and Slovenia

The border between Croatia and Slovenia is a varied one, stretching from the Mediterranean climate of the Istrian Peninsula on the Adriatic coast, through the green, hilly Dinaric Alps, and into the flat Pannonian Plain in the east. This frontier reflects the two nations’ shared history within the former Yugoslavia and their now distinct paths as independent states within the European Union. For years, this border was known for long, frustrating queues, especially during the summer tourist season. However, with Croatia’s entry into the Schengen Area in 2023, the more than 50 official crossing points are now open, allowing for smooth, uninterrupted travel.

The crossing at Bregana, on the main motorway between Zagreb and Ljubljana, was historically the busiest and most notorious for traffic jams, a problem that has now been eliminated. For a significant portion of its length, the border follows the Sotla/Sutla River, a place of local life, vineyards, and small-scale agriculture that has connected communities for centuries. The removal of the hard border has been a welcome change for both locals and travelers, fully integrating Croatia into the EU’s zone of free movement and making travel to the popular Adriatic coast much more straightforward.