Karawanks Tunnel

The Karawanks Tunnel cuts through the Karawanks mountain range, linking Austria’s A11 motorway near Villach with Slovenia’s A2 towards Kranj and Ljubljana. Built between 1986 and 1991, it runs for 7.9 kilometres and was one of the most advanced tunnels of its time. Safety systems included emergency phones, fire detectors and carbon monoxide sensors. In June 1991, just weeks after opening, the tunnel’s Slovenian end saw brief fighting during the Ten-Day War. Traffic has grown steadily since Slovenia joined the Schengen Area in 2007. Congestion on summer weekends led to plans for a second tube. Construction began in 2018 on the Austrian side and in March 2020 in Slovenia after a prolonged legal dispute over the contract. The new tube is due to open in 2026, followed by renovation of the old one. Visitors driving through the tunnel pass under the Karawanks in about ten minutes. The route connects two motorways and crosses the border midway. On the Austrian side, a 350-metre bridge and extended carriageway were completed in 2017. Once both tubes are open, traffic will flow more freely through the mountains.