The A2 Motorway in Croatia
History of the A2 Motorway
The A2 motorway is located in north central Croatia. It connects Croatia’s capital city with the Slovenian border in the north. The motorway has been expanded over several decades in keeping with the country’s admirable efforts to establish, maintain and grow the Croatian highway, road network, and overall transportation infrastructure. The roads’ history is both long and quite fascinating. It will no doubt also play an important role in the future. It is an important link between northern Croatia, the capital, Zagreb, and the country to the east, west and south.
In 1994, the Croatian government formed a state company known as Autocesta Zagreb-Macelj (AZM). ‘Autocesta’ means controlled-access highway in Croatian. The latter part of the name - Zagreb-Macelj - refers to the cities of Zagreb and Macelj which are connected by the A2 motorway. As the name suggests, AZM was formed specifically for the construction and management of the A2 highway project. To use the A2, you will need to purchase a vignette for Croatia.
Croatia gained independence in 1992 and set about an expansive effort to rebuild and modernise the country’s infrastructure. Originally, the A2 was conceived as a four-lane highway. It was later decided to increase its width to six lanes when it was decided it would not otherwise accommodate growing traffic volumes.
The Evolution of the A2 Motorway in Croatia
In 2001, the first section of the motorway was unveiled. This spanned from Zagreb to Zaprešić – a distance of around 34 kilometres. The remainder of the expressway was opened to the public in 2011. The modern A2 motorway runs from just outside Zagreb to the Slovenian border, near Macelj, covering a distance of 65.5 kilometres. You can learn more about the Border between Slovenia and Croatia by clicking the link.
The Cities, Towns, and Other Attractions along the A2 Motorway.
Being a fairly densely populated and small country, the A2 naturally passes through several towns in Croatia. These include the city of Varaždin and towns like Zaprešić and Krapina. Despite being a relatively new country, it does, of course, have a long and fascinating history. This is evident in the diverse architecture and cultural influences encountered as you travel across Croatia.
Varaždin
A visit to Varaždin is to immerse yourself in everything good and beautiful of the Baroque era. With winding streets lined with period architectural masterpieces, the city is regarded as one of the most beautiful in the land.
Zaprešić
Another delightful example of historical Croat town planning is found in Zaprešić’s old town. There is evidence of human settlements here dating back to the Neolithic period. You’ll also find several ruins dating back to its Roman occupation. It is an important rail hub for northern Croatia.
Krapina
If your historical interests stretch further back in time, Krapina has a highly regarded Neanderthal Museum. Originally, a mediaeval fortress, Krapina’s old town offers an enticing stroll through history.
Major Intersections along the A2 Motorway
A3 Motorway
As it makes its way from Zagreb to the border crossing into Slovenia, the A2 intersects several other major routes. Firstly, it meets up with the A3, which goes from Zagreb to the Adriatic coast via Karlovac. Click the link to learn more about the A3 in Croatia.
A4 Motorway
The A2 also meets the A4 and is the main motorway from the capital to the nation’s border crossing with Hungary. The A4 also goes near Varaždin.
Various State Roads
A number of state roads also intersect the A2. Firstly, the D1, running from the Slovenian border southwards to the city of Split. The D24, meanwhile, also crosses the A2 near Krapina. This road takes drivers to a mountainous region via Zlatar.
Other Attractions
There are a number of attractions and towns that are accessible to A2 users. Starting at its point of origin - Zagreb - there is an abundance of cultural, historical and religious sites worth visiting, including St Mark’s Church.
Just west of the A2 is Samobor, renowned for its beautiful location and building. It is also a springboard to a host of outdoor activities. In summer, the town hosts the Samobor Carnival each February.
Is a Vignette Required to Use the A2 Motorway?
To legally use the A2 Motorways, drivers must be in possession of a vignette. This road tax decal is usually placed on the windshield. Numerous service stations, post offices and other authorised outlets sell them across Croatia. Pricing depends on the length of time spent on the A2, along with the vehicle category applicable. In other words, a large freight vehicle will cost more than a motorcycle.
A combination of modern, well-maintained infrastructure and an efficient toll system means that motorists on the A2 can travel safely and efficiently. Along the route, you will find numerous modern, clean and safe rest stops, as well as service stations along its length. There are also several tourist attractions along the way to keep the journey interesting. No doubt, AZM and the Croatian government will continue to ensure that the route's convenience and serviceability keep pace with demand.
