Google Maps Location Approx
Border Countries
🇸🇰 Slovakia 🇨🇿 Czechia
Nearest Cities
🇸🇰 Bošáca, 🇨🇿 Březová
Coordinates
48.90°N, 17.60°E
Border Type
Land crossing via road
Operating Hours
Open 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wait Times
15-60 min for pedestrians/vehicles
Peak Times
Mornings (7-10 AM)
Crossing Types
Pedestrians, vehicles
Daily Crossings
~2000 travelers/vehicles
Languages Spoken
Slovak/Czech
Currency Exchange
Limited near Bošáca (EUR, CZK)
Connectivity Options
Basic 3G coverage
Accessibility Features
Ramps, assistance
Safety Information
Rural, minimal crime
Emergency Contacts
🇸🇰 112/155 🇨🇿 112/158
Google Maps Location Approx
Country Information
About 🇨🇿 Březová, 🇸🇰 Bošáca
A Quiet Crossing in the White Carpathians
The border crossing connecting the Slovak village of Bošáca with Březová in the Czech Republic is a journey into the quiet, rolling hills of the White Carpathian Mountains. This is a secondary road crossing, a more local and less-traveled alternative to the main pass at Drietoma-Starý Hrozenkov. Since both Slovakia and the Czech Republic are members of the European Union and the Schengen Area, there are no permanent border controls. To cross here is to take a peaceful, scenic route through a landscape of meadows, orchards famous for plum brandy, and traditional villages. It is a seamless passage between the Považie region of Slovakia and the Moravian Slovakia region of the Czech Republic, a route that feels deeply connected to the land and its traditions.
Operational Details
This checkpoint connects Slovakia’s Trenčín Region with the Zlín Region of the Czech Republic. It is a regional road, open 24/7, and used by local traffic and tourists seeking a more tranquil journey away from the main highways. The former border posts, once a mandatory stop for all travelers, are now abandoned or repurposed, standing as silent monuments to a different era. Traffic flows freely across the unmarked border line, and the only signs of the frontier are the standard blue EU signs indicating the change of country. The road winds through a beautiful, protected landscape area, making it a pleasant drive for those who are not in a hurry and wish to savor the scenery.
A History of the Velvet Divorce
The history of this crossing is the history of Czechoslovakia. For 75 years, this was an internal administrative line, a simple road connecting two parts of the same country. The mountain ridge was a geographical feature, not a political barrier. This changed dramatically on January 1, 1993, with the peaceful dissolution of Czechoslovakia, the “Velvet Divorce.” The Bošáca-Březová crossing was instantly transformed into a full-fledged international border. For over a decade, it was a place of passports, customs checks, and queues, a formal barrier in a region with deep historical and cultural ties, where families often lived on both sides of the new line. This all changed again in 2007 when both countries joined the Schengen Area, and the physical border controls were dismantled overnight, restoring the easy passage that local communities had known for generations.
The Seamless Border Procedure
Today, there is no border procedure for travelers. You simply drive through the hills, the transition from one country to the next marked only by a subtle change in road signage or architectural style. There are no passport checks and no customs inspections. This is the reality of the Schengen Area. However, it is important to remember that both Czech and Slovak police and customs authorities can and do perform random checks on vehicles anywhere in their territory, including near the former border. You are still required to carry a valid passport or national ID card with you at all times. For the local residents, the open border has restored a sense of normalcy to their daily lives.
The Surrounding Region: Slovakia Side
On the Slovak side, the crossing is in the Bošáca Valley, an area famous throughout Slovakia for its high-quality plum brandy, `Bošácka slivovica`. The valley is dotted with extensive plum orchards, and many local families have their own small, traditional distilleries, a practice that is a key part of the local culture and economy. The area is part of the White Carpathians Protected Landscape Area, known for its unique biodiversity, particularly its rare orchid meadows which bloom in the spring. The nearby town of Nové Mesto nad Váhom is a regional center, and the majestic ruins of Beckov and Čachtice castles are a short drive away, the latter being infamous as the home of the “Blood Countess,” Elizabeth Báthory.
The Surrounding Region: Czech Side
On the Czech side, the crossing is in the Moravian Slovakia (Slovácko) ethnographic region. This is a beautiful, hilly region known for its unique folk culture, traditions, and wine. The nearby town of Uherský Brod is famous as the home of the Comenius Museum (dedicated to the great educator John Amos Comenius) and the CZ firearms factory. The region is known for its traditional festivals, particularly the “Ride of the Kings,” a UNESCO-listed cultural phenomenon where young men in traditional costumes parade through villages on decorated horses. The area is also a gateway to the spa town of Luhačovice, with its unique architecture by Dušan Jurkovič.
Practical Travel Information
Practical planning for this route is very simple. The most important thing is to have the required motorway vignettes if your journey involves motorways in either country. Both Slovakia and the Czech Republic use an electronic vignette system (`elektronická diaľničná známka`), which must be purchased online in advance. The official currencies are the Euro (EUR) in Slovakia and the Czech Koruna (CZK) in the Czech Republic. Services are available in the towns on both sides of the border. The mountain roads are well-maintained but can be challenging in winter, so it is important to have appropriate tires and to check the weather conditions.
Final Considerations
The Bošáca–Březová border crossing is a scenic and peaceful route through the heart of the White Carpathians. It offers a beautiful journey through a region rich in nature, folklore, and culinary traditions like the famous plum brandy. It is a border that you might not even notice you have crossed, a testament to the success of the Schengen project in this stunning mountain landscape. For those looking to escape the main highways and enjoy a more relaxed drive through an authentic and culturally rich part of Central Europe, it is an excellent choice.