Slovenia: travel information
How do you get to Slovenia?
The quickest way to get to Slovenia from Germany is by plane. International airports are located near Ljubljana and Maribor.
Of course, you can also travel to Slovenia very easily – on good motorways – by car, bus or train.
Karawanken tunnel, A2 motorway
The Karawanken tunnel was opened in 1991 and finally completed in 1992. The single-tube tunnel, around 9.8 km long, connects the European motorway network with the capital Llubljana and on to Zagreb in Croatia via the A11 motorway in Austria and the 175 km long Slovenian A2 motorway via Kranj.
The Karawanken tunnel begins on the Austrian side at Sankt Jakob in Carinthia and on the Slovenian side in Jesenice.
The tunnel is open all year round. The toll is € 6.50 for cars and motorcycles.
The A1 motorway connects Graz in Austria (in Austria A9) with Trieste and the Slovenian port city of Koper. The border town with Austria is Sentilj, from where it leads via Maribor and Ljubljana.
The A3 motorway leads from the A1 near the small Slovenian town of Divaca via Fernetici to Italy.
The A4 motorway leads from Slivnica (airport) near Maribor via Gruskovje to Croatia.
The A5 motorway connects Maribor with the small town of Murska Sobota in the north-east of the country – and above all with the Hungarian city of Nagyka Nisza. It goes off the A1.
Loiblepass
If you have some time and want to enjoy a wonderful landscape, you should enter Slovenia via the Loiblepass. The pass reaches a height of 1,068 m above sea level .
Travel in the country
Air connections
The national airline of Slovenia is Adria Airlines. There are airports in Ljubljana, Maribor and Portoroz.
Bus
The bus system in Slovenia is extensive, so that you can get almost anywhere by bus.
Rail
The rail network covers approx. 1,200 km.
Ferry connections
The only port in the country is in Koper in the Gulf of Trieste (Mediterranean Sea).
Car rental
In Slovenia there are the most common car rental companies such as Hertz, Avis etc. as well as some national companies.
Taxis
Taxis are easy to get in the cities.
Roads, tolls on motorways
The well-developed Slovenian road network covers around 20,350 km, with the motorway network meanwhile also being well developed. The fact that a sticker for using the motorways can only be bought for at least six months and costs € 35 is very unpleasant. However, some motorways have toll booths where – as in Italy – you can pay directly without a sticker. Unfortunately a little confusing.
Traffic rules
Top speeds
- Urban: In built-up areas there is a speed limit of 50 km/h.
- Country roads: There is a speed limit of 90 km/h on country roads.
- Expressways: There is a speed limit of 100 km/h on expressways.
- Motorways: The speed limit on motorways is 130 km/h.
Special regulations
Since April 1, 2004, trucks and vehicles with a permissible weight of more than 7.5 t as well as agricultural machinery, tractors and horse-drawn carts have been prohibited from driving all year round on Sundays and public holidays from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and during the tourist season from June 15 to September 15 on Saturdays from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and on Sundays and public holidays from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
The following traffic connections are subject to an extended driving ban for the aforementioned vehicles during the tourist season:
from Ljubljana to the Adriatic coast and from there to the Croatian border from Postojna via Ilirska Bistrica to the Jelšane border crossing on Saturdays from 5 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Sundays and public holidays from 5 a.m. until midnight.
Agricultural machinery, tractors and horse-drawn vehicles are not allowed to drive at night throughout the year. Exceptions require written permission.
During the winter there is a driving ban for trucks with trailers, vehicles with hazardous substances and heavy transports.
In the event of a storm (»Bora«), goods traffic, vehicle combinations with a closed or tarpaulin-covered chassis, articulated and double-decker buses, mobile homes and caravans are prohibited.
From November 15 to March 15, all vehicles are required to have winter tires, and snow chains must also be carried.
Even during the day, Slovenia is obliged to drive with dipped headlights.
Alcohol limits
The official alcohol limit for drivers of motor vehicles is 0.5.
International license plate
According to Abbreviationfinder, the international license plate of Slovenia is:
| SLO |
Tourist office
Slovenian Tourist Office in Germany
Maximiliansplatz 12 a
80333 Munich
Tel: 0049 – (0) 89 – 29 16 12 02
Fax: 0049 – (0) 89 – 29 16 12 73
Email: [email protected]
Slovenia Info Point
Mainluststrasse 6
60329 Frankfurt
Tel: 0049 – (0) 69 – 23 30 24
Fax: 0049 – (0) 69 – 23 69 45
Email: [email protected]
Slovenian Tourist Office in Austria
Opernring 1/R/4/447
1010 Vienna
Tel: 0043 – (0) 1 – 7154 010
Fax: 0043 – (0) 1 -7138 177
Email: [email protected]
Slovenian Tourist Office in Switzerland
Lerchenstrasse 16
8027 Zurich
Tel: 0041 – 43 – 344 32 32
Fax: 0041 – 43 – 344 32 33
Email: [email protected]
Slovenia Info Point
Alpenstrasse 1
6004 Lucerne
Tel: 0041 – 41 – 418 80 30
Fax: 0041 – 41 – 418 80 36
Email: [email protected]
Slovenia: entry and exit regulations
Formalities, visas
From December 21, 2007, the Schengen Agreement came into force in Slovenia. Together with Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia and Malta, you can now enter all of these countries without border controls. For example, a Spaniard can get to Estonia without any controls and a Finn via Estonia to Portugal. As of December 21, 2007, a total of 24 states belong to the Schengen area.
In the Moselle town of Schengen in Luxembourg, it was decided in 1985 to gradually abolish border controls in the participating countries, but to increase controls at the external borders. Slovenia has been part of the Schengen area since December 21, 2007
Issuing visas in Germany
If you still need a visa, you can obtain one from the embassy. You can also get information about the working and study conditions in the country.
Embassy of Slovenia Hausvogteiplatz 3-410117 BerlinTel: +49 – (0) 30 – 2 06 14 50Fax: +49 – (0) 30 – 20 61 45 70Email: [email protected]
Import and export of foreign currency
- Localcurrency Since January 1, 2007, the national currency has been the euro.The export of the local currency must be declared for a sum of over € 15,000.
- Foreign currenciesThe import and export of foreign currency is not subject to any restrictions.
Import and export of goods
The import and transit of so-called “cold weapons” (objects that are suitable for attacking people, such as brass knuckles, knives with sharp blades on both sides, bayonets, rubber truncheons etc.) is strictly prohibited. All other types of weapons carried must be registered when crossing the border and in some cases require a special permit issued by the border police.
An EU pet passport must be carried when traveling with certain pets.
Shop
Shop opening times
Some shops are open until 9 p.m., some on Sundays and public holidays. Smaller shops usually take a lunch break between 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Monday to Friday: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Sunday: closed
Country-
specific goods, souvenirs In Slovenia, natural products, including honey, oil, fruit juices and schnapps, of high quality can be purchased at very reasonable prices. The bobbin lace from the Idrija region, which is still made by hand, is famous. The wrought iron work from Kropa and lead crystal from Trzisce are also ideal souvenirs.
Casinos
There is a large casino in the town of Šentilj on the border with Austria in northeastern Slovenia. The casino has 400 slot machines on an area of 8,000 m².
Another huge casino is due to open in Novo Gorica on the border with Italy in 2009. The world’s largest casino operator, “Harrah’s Entertainment” from Las Vegas, is involved in the € 750 million project. The project will include 3,000 slot machines, 120 gaming tables and 1,500 (luxury) hotel beds and is expected to attract around 4.5 million visitors annually.
Slovenia: travel medicine, risks
Infectious Diseases
Infectious diseases that do not occur in Germany, Austria or Switzerland are not to be expected in Slovenia.
Vaccination recommendations When traveling to Slovenia, the same vaccinations are recommended as in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Compulsory vaccination There are no vaccination requirements when entering or staying in Slovenia.
Slovenia: embassies, consulates
Visit Countryaah for a full list of Slovenia embassies and consulates in each country around the world.
Representations of Slovenia in Germany
The Slovenian embassy is located at Hausvogteiplatz in the Mitte district of Berlin. The station of the same name on underground line 2, which runs between Pankow and Rudow, is located at Hausvogteiplatz. The embassy is only a few hundred meters from the Gendarmenmarkt with the German Cathedral, the French Cathedral and the Schinkel Concert Hall. The Foreign Office is also close to the square and the embassy.
Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in Berlin
Hausvogteiplatz 3-4
10117 Berlin
Tel: 0049 – (0) 30 – 20 61 45 0
Fax: 0049 – (0) 30 – 20 61 45 70
Email: [email protected]
Consulates
Consulate General of the Republic of Slovenia
Lindwurmstrasse 14
80045 Munich
Tel: 0049 – (0) 89-5 43 98 19
Fax: 0049 – (0) 89-5 43 94 83
Email: [email protected]
Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Slovenia
Ballindamm 8
20095 Hamburg
Tel: 0049 – (0) 40-44 80 95 95
Fax: 0049 – (0) 40-41 32 90 20
Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Slovenia
Gerlachstrasse 14
14480 Potsdam
Tel: 0049 – (0) 170 319 3418
Fax: 0049 – (0) 331-88 80 01 30
Email: [email protected]
Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Slovenia
Limpespark, Otto-Vogler-Straße 3c
65843 Sulzbach
Tel: 0049 – (0) 6196-77 60 400
Email: [email protected]
German representations in Slovenia
Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Ljubljana
Presernova 27
1000 Ljubljana
Tel: 00386 – (0) 1 – 479 03 00
Fax: 00386 – (0) 1 – 425 08 99
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.ljubljana.diplo.de
Austrian representations in Slovenia
Austrian Embassy in Ljubljana
Presernova cesta 23
1000 Ljubljana
Tel: 00386 – (0) 1 – 47 90 700
Fax: 00386 – (0) 1 – 25 21 717
E-Mail: [email protected]
Web: www. aussenministerium.at/laibach
Consulate General
Ulica Vita Kraigherja 4
2000 Maribor
Tel: 00386 – (0) 2 – 22 92 030
Fax: 00386 – (0) 2 – 22 92 030
E-Mail: [email protected]
Representations of Slovenia in Austria
Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia
Nibelungengasse 13/III
City: 1010 Vienna
Tel: 0043 – (0) 1 – 586 13 09
Fax: 0043 – (0) 1 – 586 12 65
E-Mail: [email protected]
Consulates
Consulate General of the Republic of Slovenia
Radetzkystraße 26
9020 Klagenfurt
Tel: 0043 – (0) 463 – 54 6 05
Fax: 0043 – (0) 463 – 50 95 62
E-Mail: [email protected]
Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Slovenia
Town Hall, Schmiedgasse 1
8010 Graz
Tel: 0043 – (0) 316 – 821 962
Fax: 0043 – (0) 50 – 100 935 640
E-Mail: [email protected]
Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Slovenia
Südtirolerstrasse 4-6
4020 Linz
Tel: 0043 – (0) 732 – 77 08 15-0
Fax: 0043 – (0) 732 – 77 08 16
E-Mail: [email protected]
Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Slovenia
Zeughausgasse 7
6020 Innsbruck
Tel: 0043 – (0) 512 – 588 361
Fax: 0043 – (0) 512 – 588 362
Swiss representations in Slovenia
Swiss Embassy in Ljubljana
Trg republike 3/VI
1000 Ljubljana
Tel: 00386 – (0) 1 – 200 86 40
Fax: 00386 – (0) 1 – 200 86 69
E-Mail: [email protected]
Web: www.eda.admin.ch/ljubljana
Representations of Slovenia in Switzerland
Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in Bern
Schwanengasse 9
3011 Bern
Tel: 0041 – (0) 31 – 310 90 00
Fax: 0041 – (0) 31 – 312 44 14
Email: [email protected]
Web: http: //bern.embassy.si
