Approximate Border Location
Border Cities
🇦🇹 Hohenau
🇸🇰 Moravský Svätý Ján
Coordinates
48.50°N, 16.90°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/German
Currency Exchange
Limited near Moravský (EUR)
Accessibility Features
Ramps, assistance
Safety Information
Rural, minimal crime
Google Maps Location
Country Information
About Hohenau & Moravský Svätý Ján
A Bridge Over a Historic River
The border crossing connecting the Slovak village of Moravský Svätý Ján with Hohenau an der March in Austria is a journey across the Morava (March) River, a waterway that has served as a historic boundary for over a thousand years. This is a major regional crossing, but it has a quieter, more rural character than the main motorway at Jarovce-Kittsee. Since both Slovakia and Austria are members of the European Union and the Schengen Area, there are no permanent border controls. To cross here is to travel through the unique landscape of the Morava floodplains, a rich and biodiverse wetland, and a seamless passage between the Záhorie region of Slovakia and the Weinviertel region of Austria.
Operational Details
This checkpoint connects Slovakia’s Trnava Region with the state of Lower Austria. It is a major regional road, open 24/7, and used by a mix of local traffic, commuters, and tourists. The crossing is on a bridge over the Morava River. 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 crossing is particularly important for connecting the northern part of the Vienna basin with western Slovakia.
Before Crossing
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A History of the Iron Curtain
The history of this crossing is the history of the Morava River as a frontier. For centuries, it was the border between the Kingdom of Hungary and the Archduchy of Austria. During the Cold War, this was one of the most heavily fortified points on the Iron Curtain. The river was lined with barbed wire, watchtowers, and armed patrols to prevent citizens of Czechoslovakia from escaping to the West. The bridge was a place of strict control. The fall of the Iron Curtain in 1989 and the accession of Slovakia to the Schengen Area in 2007 have transformed this once-impassable barrier into a simple local connection, reuniting a landscape that had been unnaturally divided for four decades.
The Seamless Border Procedure
Today, there is no border procedure for travelers. You simply drive across the 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 Austrian 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 Záhorie region, a lowland plain known for its pine forests, its vineyards, and its unique dialect. The village of Moravský Svätý Ján is a typical rural settlement. The region is popular for cycling, with well-marked trails that often follow the former Iron Curtain route. The nearby town of Malacky is a regional center. The area is also a gateway to the Little Carpathians, a low mountain range that is popular for hiking.
The Surrounding Region: Austria Side
On the Austrian side, the crossing is in the Weinviertel (“Wine Quarter”), the largest wine-growing region in Austria. The town of Hohenau an der March is on the main railway line from Vienna to Poland. The region is famous for its picturesque villages with their long rows of wine cellars (`Kellergassen`). The Morava and Thaya river floodplains form a vast, protected wetland area, the “Amazon of Austria,” which is a paradise for birdwatchers and nature lovers. The magnificent baroque palaces of the Marchfeld region, such as Schloss Hof and Schloss Niederweiden, are also a short drive away.
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 Austria use an electronic vignette system, which must be purchased online in advance. The official currency in both countries is the Euro (EUR). Services are available in the towns on both sides of the border. The bridge is a standard two-lane road, well-maintained and suitable for all passenger vehicles.
Final Considerations
The Moravský Svätý Ján–Hohenau border crossing is a powerful symbol of a reunited Europe. The peaceful bridge stands in stark contrast to the fortified Iron Curtain that once stood in its place. It offers a beautiful journey through a region rich in nature, wine, and history. It is a border that you might not even notice you have crossed, a testament to the success of the Schengen project in transforming a barrier of fear into a bridge of connection.