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Bratislava and Vienna, which at only 60 kilometres (37 miles) apart, are two of Europe's most proximate capital cities. Unfortunately up to now Austria showed an apparent inability to build an adequate road connection between Vienna and Bratislava. There is a 20 kilometre stretch between the border town Kittsee and the freeway (Autobahn) connecting Vienna to Budapest that needs to be made into a freeway. Construction finally started in 2004 and the new freeway (named A6) should be ready by 2007. Due to the fact that Slovakia is not yet taking part in the Schengen treaty, there are still border controls, where you have to present a valid passport. Crossing the border into Slovakia is no hassle at all, going back to Austria - meaning going back in to the Schengen area - can be a bit more time consuming. Once you are in "Schengen-country", you can freely move from one corner of Europe to the other, meaning once you cross the Slovakian-Austrian border you can drive down to Barcelona, Spain, or up to Stockholm, Sweden, without being asked for a passport again. Shops in Bratislava are open on Sundays too, and because heavy trucks are not allowed on Austrian roads on Sunday, this is the best day to drive to our eastern neighbours. Slovakia does not yet have the Euro currency, but it is accepted in most of the shops and restaurants. Many properties though use their own, sometimes very creative exchange rates, so in many cases it is better to pay with your debit card (Maestro) or a credit card. Or you just use the next ATM and get some Slovak Koruna. |
