Øresund Bridge

Engineering Marvel Spanning Two Nations

The Øresund Bridge stands as one of Europe's most impressive engineering achievements, stretching nearly 16 kilometres across the Øresund Strait between Copenhagen and Malmö. Completed in 2000, this combined rail and road structure represents a bold vision of Nordic cooperation and connectivity. The bridge itself measures approximately 8 kilometres, rising to a height of 57 metres above the Flintrännan channel with its distinctive cable-stayed towers. From the midpoint artificial island of Peberholm, traffic transitions into a 4-kilometre underwater tunnel that emerges on the Danish island of Amager, just outside Copenhagen. This innovative two-level design accommodates a four-lane motorway on the upper level and a double-track railway on the lower level, allowing simultaneous movement of cars and trains in both directions.

A Bridge Born from Decades of Vision

The concept of connecting Denmark and Sweden across the Øresund dates back to the 1930s, when Swedish engineers first proposed a bridge between Elsinore and Helsingborg. However, decades of political negotiation, economic uncertainty, and environmental concerns delayed the project. The Nordic Council identified the bridge as a priority goal for intra-Nordic mobility in 1953, yet it took another four decades before serious construction began. In 1991, Danish and Swedish parliaments finally signed a bilateral agreement, and in 1993, the design by Danish architect Georg Rotne was selected. Construction commenced in 1995, and the bridge opened to traffic on 1 July 2000, with an official dedication ceremony attended by Queen Margrethe II of Denmark and King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden. The opening transformed regional connectivity and sparked significant economic and social changes across both nations.

Daily Life and Regional Impact

Since opening, the bridge has fundamentally reshaped the relationship between Copenhagen and Malmö. More than 60,000 people traverse it daily, with commuter numbers growing from just 3,291 in 2000 to 18,000 by 2010. The ten-minute journey by car or train has created a seamless labour market, allowing workers to live in one country and work in the other. Economic research demonstrates the bridge's transformative impact: a 2021 study found it increased innovation in Malmö by attracting high-skilled workers, while a 2022 study revealed a 13.5 percent increase in average regional wages. The bridge also connects Scandinavia's road and rail networks directly to mainland Europe, making it a crucial artery for goods, services, and people moving between the Nordic region and the continent.

Crossing the Bridge: Experience and Views

Travelling across the Øresund Bridge offers a memorable experience regardless of transport mode. Drivers and train passengers enjoy panoramic views of the dark blue Baltic Sea, with the bridge's towering pillars creating a striking visual landscape. The journey is smooth and efficient, with no border controls between the two Schendinavia nations—though passengers must carry valid identification. The bridge is particularly dramatic when viewed from the water or from vantage points along the Swedish and Danish coasts. Luftkastellet, a lookout point near Malmö, provides one of the best perspectives of the bridge's imposing silhouette rising above the water. The bridge has become iconic in popular culture, most notably as the setting for the acclaimed Danish-Swedish television series "The Bridge," which brought international attention to this symbol of Nordic cooperation.

Practical Access and Tolls

Crossing the bridge by car requires payment at toll booths located on the Swedish side. Tolls vary depending on vehicle length and type, with discounts available through the ØresundGO subscription programme. Online tickets can be purchased in advance for occasional travellers, while regular commuters benefit from special contracts. Train travel is straightforward, with frequent services connecting Copenhagen Central Station to Malmö Central Station in approximately 45 minutes, with trains departing every 20 minutes. The Malmö City Tunnel, completed in 2010, now allows direct rail connections through the city centre, improving accessibility for both commuters and tourists. The bridge operates 24 hours daily, making it accessible at any time for those needing to cross between the two countries.