Google Maps Location Approx
Border Countries
🇸🇰 Slovakia ðŸ‡ðŸ‡º Hungary
Nearest Cities
🇸🇰 Kravany nad Dunajom, ðŸ‡ðŸ‡º Lábatlan (Piszke)
Coordinates
47.70°N, 18.60°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/Hungarian
Currency Exchange
Limited near Kravany (EUR, HUF)
Connectivity Options
Basic 3G coverage
Accessibility Features
Ramps, assistance
Safety Information
Rural, minimal crime
Emergency Contacts
🇸🇰 112/155 ðŸ‡ðŸ‡º 112/107
Google Maps Location Approx
Country Information
About ðŸ‡ðŸ‡º Lábatlan (Piszke), 🇸🇰 Kravany nad Dunajom
A New Bridge of Friendship
The border crossing connecting the Slovak village of Kravany nad Dunajom with Lábatlan in Hungary is a journey across one of the newest bridges on the Danube. This is not a massive motorway, but a modern, elegant bridge for cars, cyclists, and pedestrians that was opened in 2023, restoring a connection that had been lost for decades. Since both Slovakia and Hungary are members of the European Union and the Schengen Area, there are no permanent border controls. To cross here is to experience a powerful symbol of modern European cooperation, a seamless passage through the beautiful landscape of the Danube Bend, a place where a new piece of infrastructure is revitalizing local communities and fostering cross-border tourism.
Operational Details
This checkpoint connects Slovakia’s Nitra Region with Hungary’s Komárom-Esztergom County. It is a regional road, open 24/7. The new bridge, named the “Piszke Bridge,” has replaced a ferry that operated here for some years. Traffic flows freely, and the only signs of the border are the standard blue EU signs. The bridge has a dedicated lane for cyclists and pedestrians, making it a key part of the EuroVelo 6 international cycling route that follows the Danube. It is a vital link for the local communities and for tourists exploring the region.
A History of a Severed Connection
The history of this crossing is a story of a long-severed connection. For centuries, communities on both sides of the Danube were closely linked. The border, established after World War I, created a barrier. The original bridge was destroyed in World War II, and for the entire duration of the Cold War, there was no crossing here. The river was a hard, guarded frontier. The fall of the Iron Curtain and the accession of both countries to the EU created the opportunity to restore the link. The construction of the new bridge was a major joint project, co-funded by the EU, and its opening was a huge celebration for the local communities, a tangible symbol of a reunited Europe.
The Seamless Border Procedure
Today, there is no border procedure for travelers. You simply drive, cycle, or walk across the beautiful new bridge. 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 Hungarian and Slovak police and customs authorities can and do perform random checks on vehicles anywhere in their territory. You are still required to carry a valid passport or national ID card with you at all times. The bridge offers stunning views of the Danube and the surrounding hills.
The Surrounding Region: Slovakia Side
On the Slovak side, the crossing is in a fertile agricultural region known for its wine and fruit production. The village of Kravany nad Dunajom is a quiet, rural settlement. The area is part of the Podunajsko region, the heartland of the Hungarian minority in Slovakia. The nearby town of Štúrovo is a major center, located directly opposite the magnificent Esztergom Basilica in Hungary. The region is popular for cycling, with well-marked trails that follow the Danube.
The Surrounding Region: Hungary Side
On the Hungarian side, the crossing is in the Gerecse mountains, a beautiful range of hills known for its hiking trails and its rich history. The town of Lábatlan has a long history of cement production. The area is part of the beautiful Danube Bend, a scenic and historic region where the river turns south towards Budapest. The historic cities of Esztergom, with its massive basilica, and Tata, with its beautiful castle on a lake, are a short drive away. The Neszmély wine region is also nearby.
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 Hungary use an electronic vignette system, which must be purchased online in advance. The official currencies are the Euro (EUR) in Slovakia and the Hungarian Forint (HUF) in Hungary. Services are available in the towns on both sides of the river. The new bridge and its approach roads are modern and in excellent condition.
Final Considerations
The Kravany nad Dunajom–Lábatlan border crossing is a shining example of the positive impact of European integration. The new bridge is more than just a piece of concrete and steel; it is a symbol of friendship, cooperation, and a shared future. It offers a beautiful and efficient passage through a region rich in nature and history. It is a border crossing that is not about division, but about connection, a testament to the power of infrastructure to bring people and communities together.