Exploring eastern Slovenia via the A4 Motorway

With its small size, wonderful scenery, rich culture, and the innate hospitality of the locals, Slovenia’s appeal as a destination has grown remarkably since its independence in the early 1990s. This has been helped by the upkeep and expansion of modern road infrastructure. A simple network of 5 motorways crisscrosses the country, connecting countries, regions, cities, and villages. Adding to the network is a series of lesser roads, such as the H4 highway. Regional and local roads fill in the gaps to provide broad connectivity of transport.

In this article, we’ll be highlighting all that the A4 motorway in the country’s east has to offer. We offer insights into its creation, specifications, notable landmarks, and a host of other information to help optimise the use of the route.

E-vignettes: a requirement for using Slovenian motorways

In Slovenia, any driver of a light vehicle (<3.5t) planning on driving on the motorway must purchase an e-vignette. With the e-vignette youre license plate is registered in the database of Dars, enabling an online toll collection method. Purchased online at Vignetteslovenia.si, at borders, or from legal vendors, e-vignettes replace manual payments at toll stations and streamline revenue collection. This improves traffic flow and relieves congestion. We advise you to use our platform so you get your Slovenian vignette in about 5 minutes.

History of the A4 Motorway

Slovenia’s most recently built motorway, construction began in 2007 and was completed in 2018. The road connects the main A1 motorway to the border between Slovenia and Croatia. As such, it connects both major Slovenian cities and neighbouring countries. By joining the A1 motorway, drivers are also able to access the other parts of the network, such as the A3 in Slovenia. This provides a benefit to the economy and regional connectivity.

Length and route of the A4 motorway

The A4 spans just 33.4 kilometres, connecting Slovenia’s second-largest city, Maribor, to Gruškovje, near the Croatian border. This area consists of mountainous terrain dotted with small traditional villages. The terrain necessitated some complex engineering, which shows today as a modern, well-maintained road that is safe to drive.

Cities and Landmarks Along the A4

While travelling on the A4, there is the opportunity to explore nearby landmarks and settlements. Maribor itself oozes mediaeval charm. Nearby is a ski resort for skiing enthusiasts.

Ptuj is said to be one of the oldest towns in the country. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy the excellent bird-watching at Lake Ptuj. Within a short driving distance from the A4, you will also find various attractions, such as castles, thermal spas, vineyards, and hiking routes.

Road Condition and Safety

Like the rest of the Slovenian motorway network, the A4 boasts excellent road conditions. It is subject to regular maintenance, with upgrades made to enhance efficient travel. Nevertheless, drivers are advised to drive defensively and follow road traffic regulations. Slovenian Emergency Services can be contacted at 112.

Tunnels and Bridges

Along the A4, traffic passes through the Haloze Tunnel in the Styria region. Additionally, the following road structures were built along the route:

• 4 bridges;
• 16 overpasses measuring a total of 1282 m;
• 8 underpasses measuring a total of 359 m.
• 3 Viaducts.

Traffic Congestion and Travel Tips

Since it connects to the busy Croatian border, congestion is possible, particularly over peak travel periods, such as the holiday season. To avoid travel delays, you might try the following tips:

• Travel outside peak hours/periods, where possible.
• Use online resources to keep updated on traffic in real time.
• Prepare alternative routes in the event of unforeseen traffic delays.

A4 Motorway Borders and Connections

The A4 connects Slovenia to Croatia at Zgornje Gruškovje, via Maribor. As this is where the A4 intersects the A1 motorway, it also facilitates passage from Croatia northwards to the Austrian border at the Karavanke Tunnel (and vice versa). It is vital to trans-European trade and tourism transport, offering a seamless cross-border travel experience within the Schengen Area.

Although the A4 motorway is a relatively short road its importance should not be underestimated. It connects both cities and countries across the region while conveying travellers through beautiful landscapes. By adhering to the rules of the road, and acquiring a Slovenian e-vignette, road users are all but assured of a seamless, scenic journey.