Austria's Southern Neighbours: Who Are They?

Austria is a landlocked country in Central Europe, sharing its borders with eight other countries. To the south, Austria is bordered by Italy and Slovenia.

Italy shares a 251-mile border with Austria

The border between Italy and Austria has undergone several revisions throughout its history. In recent years, both countries have heightened border security due to the increased infiltration of illegal immigrants during the European migrant crisis. In 2017, Austria deployed armored carriers along sections of the border to contain the illegal migrants crossing from Italy, which threatened diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The cross-border space between Italy and Austria is economically vibrant, with northern Italy experiencing a higher level of employment compared to the rest of Italy. In contrast, the employment rate is slightly lower in the border region of Austria. The objectives of the cross-border cooperation program between the two countries aim to increase economic competitiveness while addressing existing inequalities on both sides of the border.

The Italian province of Bolzano/Bozen and the Austrian province of Tyrol are involved in advanced cooperation despite the natural obstacles presented by the mountainous terrain. They maintain numerous exchanges in the artistic and cultural fields within the Tyrol–South Tyrol–Trentino Euroregion.

The Austria-Italy border is particularly notable as it is the first "mobile border" in the world. The border treaty signed in Vienna in 1994 stipulates that the border may move as a consequence of environmental changes. However, a diplomatic agreement between Italy and Austria is required to confirm these shifts.

Slovenia borders Austria to the south

Within the Schengen area, border controls have been largely abolished, but the infrastructure for border controls remains at many border crossings, and checks can still take place for specific occasions. For example, to ensure public order and internal security during international sports events or political summits. There are 39 official border crossings between Austria and Slovenia, in addition to various hiking and cycling paths, trails, and country roads.

The two significant border crossings are of particular importance for travelling between the two countries. The Spielfeld - Šentilj border crossing on the southeastern border has two points of entry: one from the highway in Austria (A 9) to the highway in Slovenia (A 1), and the other from the federal road in Austria (B 67) to the main road in Slovenia (437). The latter option is toll-free, so travellers can save on expenses, but it may lead to significantly longer travel times.

The Karawankentunnel border crossing on the southwestern border connects the A 11 from Austria to the A 2 in Slovenia, forming part of the European route E 61, which leads to the Slovenian and Croatian Adriatic coasts. The Austrian part of the Karawankentunnel requires a toll.

Switzerland and Liechtenstein are west of Austria

Switzerland, on the other hand, is a landlocked state east of Austria, occupying an area of about 15,940 square miles. It is split geographically between the Jura, Swiss Plateau, and the Alps. The country has over 8,401,120 residents, with the majority living in large cities like Geneva and Zurich, which are on the Swiss plateau. Switzerland and Austria share a boundary in two places. The 112-mile-long Austria-Switzerland boundary is divided by Liechtenstein, with the shortest stretch extending through the Alpine Rhine into Lake Constance, and the longest through the Grison Alps.

Both Switzerland and Liechtenstein are non-European Union member states. The Alpine landscape and the western Austrian states of Vorarlberg, Tirol, and Salzburg are characterized by majestic mountains and magnificent scenery. The high Alpine character also extends to the western part of the state of Kärnten (Carinthia), to the Salzkammergut region of central Austria, and to the Alpine blocks of the state of Steiermark (Styria).

The southern border is 185 miles long

Austria is a landlocked country in Central Europe, sharing its borders with eight other countries. To the north, it borders Germany and the Czech Republic. To the east are Slovakia and Hungary. Switzerland and Liechtenstein are to the west, and to the south, Austria is bordered by Slovenia and Italy.

The southern border of Austria, shared with Slovenia, is 185 miles long. This border is dominated by the majestic Pohorje Massif, the Karawank mountain chain, the Kamnik-Savinja Alps, and the Julian Alps. The southern border with Italy is 251 miles long and includes numerous border passes, such as Birnlucke, which forms the boundary between the valleys of Ahrntal and Krimmler Achental in South Tyrol, Italy, and Salzburg in Austria.

The southern border of Austria is characterised by its mountainous landscape, with the Kamnik-Savinja Alps and the Julian Alps being part of the Alpine mountain range. The highest point in Austria is Grossglockner, at 12,461 feet above sea level. The southern border, with its Alpine landscape, contributes to the country's predominantly mountainous terrain, which covers 68% of Austria's total area.

The southern border also plays a significant role in the country's history and culture. Before the Schengen Treaty, people used to cross the border at the Krimmler Tauern checkpoint. Additionally, the southern border area, including the state of Carinthia, is known for its distinct regional subcultures, with inhabitants of different valleys developing unique dialects, traditional dress, architectural styles, and folklore.

Austria's southernmost point is in Carinthia

Austria is a landlocked state in Central Europe with a population of over 8,823,054. It is surrounded by Liechtenstein, Slovenia, Italy, Hungary, Slovakia, Germany, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland. The country is predominantly mountainous, with its highest point being about 12,461 ft above sea level.

Carinthia's main industries include tourism, electronics, engineering, forestry, and agriculture. The region offers countless hiking and cycling trails through the breathtaking Alps, including the Hohe Tauern and the Großglockner. The capital city of Carinthia is Klagenfurt, with other important towns including Villach, Althofen, Bad Sankt Leonhard im Lavanttal, and Bleiburg.

Carinthia has a humid continental climate, with hot and moderately wet summers and long, harsh winters. The average amount of sunshine hours is the highest of all states in Austria. The state is known for its stunning natural landscapes, mild climate, and trails for all skill levels, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Frequently asked questions