Crossing border A/SLO Spielfeld, Austria betwen Šentilj, Slovenia And Graz, betwen Maribor

Описание: Hi everyone, this is the Europe Truck driver! Welcome to another video from my journey through Europe. Today, we're at a very interesting place, the border crossing between Austria and Slovenia, where the A9 and A1 highways connect. This is the famous Spielfeld-Šentilj border crossing. Did you know that the Mur (Mura) River flows through this entire region, having served for centuries as a natural border while also connecting both of these countries?
This crossing is absolutely crucial for us, truck drivers. It's one of the main gateways to the Balkans. Whether you're heading to Croatia, Serbia, or even Greece, you'll most likely pass through here. Do you remember the times when there were customs checks and queues stretched for kilometers? The waiting would last for hours, sometimes even a whole day. But since Slovenia joined the Schengen area, the situation has changed. Now it's a smooth and mostly non-stop passage, which is a huge time-saver for us. Even though there are no customs officers anymore, you can still see the remnants of the customs infrastructure. It looks a bit like a ghost town, but for us, it's a symbol of progress and the free movement of goods and people across Europe.
Practical Information for Drivers
If you're getting ready for a trip, it's a good idea to know how the toll system works here.. It's a toll system that charges based on the distance driven and the number of axles.
Slovenian A1 Highway
The border crossing is located near the Austrian town of Straß in Steiermark. This area is famous for its vineyards and picturesque landscape. The region is part of the so-called Southern Styrian Wine Route, where you can drive through vineyards and taste local wine. The town has a rich history, and you can find Schloss Spielfeld, a castle built in the 13th century and later converted into a Renaissance palace with a beautiful courtyard in the 16th century.
A few kilometers down the highway is Graz, Austria's second-largest city. Its historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site and has served as a Habsburg residence for centuries. Graz is a perfect blend of rich history and modern creativity. In addition to the historic center, the Kunsthaus Graz, nicknamed the "Friendly Alien" for its unusual shape, is a symbol of modern design that complements the city's ancient architecture beautifully. Among the city's greatest treasures are the Landhaus, a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture designed by the architect Domenico dell'Allio in the mid-16th century. Right next to it is the Landeszeughaus, which was built in the 17th century for defense against Ottoman raids and is the world's largest historical armory. The centerpiece of the old town is Graz Cathedral, which was built in the 15th century during the reign of Emperor Frederick III. And it's also worth visiting Schloss Eggenberg, one of Styria's most important Baroque palaces, whose architecture is based on the principles of cosmological symbolism.
The Slovenian Side: Šentilj and Maribor
And now, we're in Slovenia! Right across the border, you'll find the Slovenian town of Šentilj v Slovenskih goricah. The town is a center of a region with a rich wine tradition. A few kilometers further on, we reach Maribor, Slovenia's second-largest city. Maribor is a beautiful historic city on the Drava River, which boasts the world's oldest grapevine. You can find it in the Lent district by the river. The city's main landmarks include Maribor Castle, which was built in 1478 by Emperor Frederick III. to defend the city, and St. John the Baptist Cathedral, which has Romanesque foundations from the 12th century. The city is also known for its Lent Festival, one of the biggest summer festivals in Europe.
Slovenian Specialties: Among the most famous local dishes is Štajerska kisla juha, a traditional sour soup that will warm and fortify you. You can also try Pohorski lonec, a typical stew from the Pohorje Mountains, which is prepared in clay pots. And, of course, you can't miss the local wines from the Maribor or Ptuj regions.
Practical Tips: Rest Stops and Laybys
For us truck drivers, it's key to know the good places to rest. On the Austrian A9, for example, there's the Gralla rest stop, which is very well-equipped. On the Slovenian A1, I recommend stopping at the Maribor-zahod rest stop, which is close to the city and offers all the necessary facilities.
More Trip Tips in the Area
Austria: Visit the town of Leibnitz, which was built on the site of the ancient Roman settlement Flavia Solva.
Slovenia: From Maribor, it's just a short drive to the Pohorje Mountains, which are ideal for hiking and skiing.#automobile #history #truck #europe #travel #mountains #trucker #trucking #truckdriver #trucker #Slovenia #austria #graz #grazheart #maribor