Karawanks Tunnel (motorway)

The Karawanks Tunnel (motorway) is a motorway tunnel that connects Austria (A11 Karawanken Autobahn) and Slovenia (A2 motorway) under the Karawanks mountain range. It is a crucial link in the European road network, specifically part of the European route E652. The tunnel's purpose is to facilitate transportation between the Austrian state of Carinthia and the Slovenian region of Gorenjska, significantly reducing travel time compared to traversing the mountain pass.

The tunnel consists of two separate tubes. The first tube was opened in 1991. Due to increasing traffic volume and safety concerns, a second tube was constructed and opened to traffic in 2024. Each tube accommodates two lanes of traffic.

The tunnel is subject to tolling. On the Austrian side, toll stickers ("vignettes") are required for using the A11 motorway. On the Slovenian side, a toll is collected at the Hrušica toll station immediately after exiting the tunnel heading towards Slovenia.

The Karawanks Tunnel is one of the longest road tunnels in Austria and Slovenia. Regular maintenance and safety inspections are conducted to ensure the tunnel's operational safety and efficiency. The tunnel plays a vital role in connecting Central Europe and the Balkans, facilitating both passenger and freight traffic.