What is the Karawanks Tunnel?
The Karawanks Tunnel connects the two European countries of Austria in the south and Slovenia in the northwest. The tunnel was constructed between 1986 and 1991. With a total length of 7,864 metres (around 7.9 kilometres), it comprises 4,402 metres on the Austrian side and 3,546 metres on the Slovenian side and owes its name to the connection between Austria and the Slovenian Karawanks. Via the A11, it provides a direct connection through the Slovenian Karawanks to the Slovenian E61.
To further increase the tunnel’s capacity, construction of an additional tube has been ongoing since 2018, with completion scheduled for mid-2025. After the successful commissioning of the second tube, the existing tube, which is already in operation, is to be temporarily closed and comprehensively refurbished. From 2027 onwards, both tunnel tubes are planned to be operated in parallel under regular traffic conditions.
How long does it take to drive through the Karawanks Tunnel?
Thanks to the Karawanks Tunnel, the driving time from Villach (the nearest larger city northwest of the Karawanks Tunnel on the Austrian side) to Ljubljana (the nearest larger city southeast of the Karawanks Tunnel on the Slovenian side) has been reduced by around one hour for approximately 2,000 vehicles per hour (capacity).
FAQ about the Karawanks Tunnel
Is the Karawanks Tunnel subject to a special toll?
Yes, the Karawanks Tunnel is subject to a special route toll. This means that additional charges apply for its use, regardless of whether you already have a vignette.
Can you pay by debit card at the Karawanks Tunnel?
Yes, it is possible to pay by debit card at the Karawanks Tunnel.
Can the Karawanks Tunnel be bypassed?
The Karawanks Tunnel can be bypassed by taking the 109 road southwest of Villach and crossing the Slovenian border via the so-called Wurzen Pass. On the Slovenian side, the route then continues on the 201 towards Podkoren.
Is the Wurzen Pass suitable for motorhomes?
As the Wurzen Pass is very steep in places (gradients of up to 18 %), it is not recommended for longer vehicles such as motorhomes – particularly in icy conditions and/or snow.
