Published: July 21 2023
Yes, there is a border between Hungary and . Only one of many European countries that shares a border with Hungary, Slovakia spans across a 677km segment to the North of the Hungarian territory.
The Physical Border
Between Hungary and Slovakia, you'll find a physical border characterized by rivers, mountains, and flat plains. The most significant of these natural barriers is the Danube River, a prominent European river that plays a vital role in the demarcation of this border. A smaller segment of the border also touches the Tisa River.
What's more, the landscapes integrating this border include the lowlands of the Great Hungarian Plain, to the Northeast, and the rugged terrain around the Mátra and Bükk mountains.
Historical Context
Hungary and Slovakia have shared this border since the end of World War I. Before that, both were part of the larger Austro-Hungarian Empire. The Treaty of Trianon in 1920 officially divided the former empire into separate nations, establishing the boundary between Hungary and the newly formed Czechoslovakia, which would later separate into the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
The Schengen Agreement
As part of the European Union, both Hungary and Slovakia have signed the Schengen Agreement. With this, they have abolished their mutual border controls, allowing free movement of goods and people. Despite having a physical border, there's no official stop or check between the two countries.
Border Towns and Crossings
Several towns and cities lie along the Hungary-Slovakia border, providing unique cultural intersections and shared history. Komárom in Hungary and Komárno in Slovakia straddle the Danube, once a single city in the Austro-Hungarian Empire, now split in two but connected by a bridge.
Travellers can cross the border at numerous locations, either over bridges or via ferries across the Danubian river.
Conclusion
In conclusion, yes, there is a border between Hungary and Slovakia. This border is characterized by natural landscapes, shared histories, and open crossings due to the Schengen Agreement. It serves as a testament to the historical evolutions that the region endured, the consequent geographical implications, and the interconnectedness encouraged in modern Europe.