Slovaks cross border into Austria in inflatable boats and wade through river after low water stops ferry

With the ferry closed, commuters face lengthy detours as no bridge connects the two countries in Záhorská Ves.

Slovaks working in Austria are crossing the border in inflatable boats – and even wading through the Morava River – after low water stopped a ferry that provides one of the few local connections between the two countries.

The ferry between Záhorská Ves in western Slovakia and Angern an der March in Austria has been out of service for weeks. For commuters, the alternative can mean dozens of extra kilometres by car.

Some have decided that crossing the river themselves is preferable.

“Time is precious, so I’m not going to travel for two hours when I can do it in five minutes,” Branislav, who has been commuting in an inflatable boat, told TV Markíza.