Google Maps Location Approx
Border Countries
🇸🇰 Slovakia 🇨🇿 Czechia
Nearest Cities
🇸🇰 Moravské Lieskové, 🇨🇿 Květná
Coordinates
49.00°N, 17.75°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
~2500 travelers/vehicles
Languages Spoken
Slovak/Czech
Currency Exchange
Limited near Moravské (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 🇨🇿 Květná, 🇸🇰 Moravské Lieskové
A Quiet Crossing in the White Carpathians
The border crossing connecting the Slovak village of Moravské Lieskové with Květná 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, forests, and traditional villages, a seamless passage between the Považie region of Slovakia and the Moravian Slovakia region of the Czech Republic.
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 are now abandoned or repurposed. Traffic flows freely, and the only signs of the border are the standard blue EU signs. 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. The mountain ridge was a boundary between the Slovak and Czech parts of a single country. This changed on January 1, 1993, with the “Velvet Divorce.” The Moravské Lieskové-Květná crossing was instantly transformed into a full-fledged international border. For over a decade, it was a place of passports, customs checks, and queues. 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. 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.
The Surrounding Region: Slovakia Side
On the Slovak side, the crossing is in the Považie region. The village of Moravské Lieskové is a typical rural settlement of the region. The area is part of the White Carpathians Protected Landscape Area, known for its unique biodiversity, particularly its orchid meadows. 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. The village of Květná is famous for its glassworks, which has a long tradition of producing high-quality handmade glass. 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.
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 Moravské Lieskové–Květná 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 and folklore. 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, it is an excellent choice.