Øresund Bridge
Europe's longest combined bridge-tunnel connecting Copenhagen and Malmö—a 16km engineering triumph and symbol of Nordic unity.
The Øresund Bridge is a 16-kilometre combined rail and road link connecting Copenhagen, Denmark and Malmö, Sweden across the Øresund Strait. Opened in 2000, this architectural marvel comprises an 8-kilometre cable-stayed bridge, a 4-kilometre underwater tunnel, and an artificial island. It carries over 60,000 daily travellers and is Europe's longest combined road-rail bridge, offering spectacular views of the Baltic Sea and serving as both a vital transport corridor and iconic symbol of Nordic cooperation.
A brief summary to Øresund Bridge
- Malmö, SE
- +4640223000
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.25 to 2 hours
- Mid ranged
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- For the best views, cross by train rather than car—the lower railway level offers unobstructed panoramic vistas of the Baltic Sea and the bridge's architecture.
- Visit Luftkastellet lookout point near Malmö for stunning photographs of the bridge's silhouette rising above the water, especially during golden hour.
- If driving, purchase an ØresundGO discount contract for regular crossings—the annual fee is recovered on the first round trip with significant savings.
- Combine your bridge crossing with a day trip to either Copenhagen or Malmö; the 45-minute train journey makes it ideal for exploring both cities in one day.
- Bring valid identification (passport or ID card) when crossing, even though there are no formal border controls between Denmark and Sweden.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Train from Copenhagen
Frequent regional trains depart from Copenhagen Central Station (København H) directly to Malmö Central Station, crossing the Øresund Bridge on the lower level. Journey time is approximately 45 minutes with trains departing every 20 minutes throughout the day. Tickets cost around 13–20 EUR one way depending on booking method. Purchase tickets at station counters or online in advance. This is the most scenic option with unobstructed views of the strait.
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Car via toll bridge
Drive from Copenhagen via the E20 motorway directly onto the Øresund Bridge. The crossing takes approximately 15–20 minutes depending on traffic. Toll booths are located on the Swedish side; payment is required for all vehicles. Standard car tolls range from 50–70 EUR depending on vehicle type and booking method. ØresundGO discount contracts offer significant savings for regular crossings. Online tickets can be purchased in advance to expedite passage.
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Bus service
Several coach operators run services between Copenhagen and Malmö, crossing the bridge as part of their route. Journey time is approximately 1.5–2 hours depending on stops. Buses are economical (typically 10–25 EUR) but slower than train or car due to traffic and scheduled stops. Services operate daily with varying frequencies depending on the operator.
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Bicycle or pedestrian viewpoint
The bridge itself is not accessible to pedestrians or cyclists. However, Luftkastellet lookout point near Malmö offers exceptional views of the bridge's structure and is accessible by car or local bus. Alternatively, Dragør Harbour in Denmark provides waterfront perspectives of the bridge from the Danish side, accessible by car or local transport.
Øresund Bridge location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
Discover more about 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.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Peberholm
5.5 km
A man-made island where nature reclaimed the landscape—Europe's most successful ecological experiment.
Stortorget 8
11.4 km
Marvel at Copenhagen's ornate St. Alexander Nevsky Church, a rare Russian Orthodox gem with gilded domes and royal connections in the city's historic heart.
Krudhuset
16.6 km
Marvel at St. Alexander Nevsky Church, Copenhagen’s ornate Russian Orthodox landmark crowned by golden onion domes, blending history, artistry, and spiritual serenity.
The Old Execution site in Copenhagen 1946-1950
17.8 km
A hidden concrete foundation marks where post-war Denmark executed Nazi collaborators in secrecy.
Copenhagen By Mie & Friends
18.6 km
Discover Copenhagen’s historic Botanical Garden, a serene oasis with Victorian glasshouses, winding paths, and thousands of rare plant species in the city’s heart.
Copenhagen Opera House
18.6 km
An architectural landmark on Copenhagen’s harbor, the Opera House blends Scandinavian design with world-class performances and spectacular waterfront views.
Inderhavnsbroen
18.6 km
Copenhagen's iconic curved 'kissing bridge' where innovation meets the Inner Harbour.
Havnepromenade
18.7 km
Copenhagen's historic 750-meter waterfront where 19th-century maritime heritage meets vibrant contemporary urban life.
Knippelsbro
18.7 km
Copper-topped towers, lifting roadway and harbor breezes make Knippelsbro a compact, characterful bridge linking historic Slotsholmen with canalside Christianshavn.
Havnegade Promenaden
18.7 km
Copenhagen's revitalized waterfront promenade blending historic charm with playful modern recreation.
Ofelia Plads
18.8 km
Copenhagen's iconic waterfront plaza where culture, harbor views, and the famous kissing stairs meet the sea.
Circle Bridge
18.8 km
A five-masted circle of light and steel where art, everyday crossings and Copenhagen’s maritime history meet above the waters of Christianshavn Canal.
Kopenhagen
18.8 km
Spectacular palace at Copenhagen’s core, blending royal grandeur, political intrigue, and centuries of Danish history—home to Parliament, the courts, and the monarchy.
Nyholm Central Guardhouse
18.8 km
Discover Aarhus’s Latin Quarter, where historic charm meets a lively cultural scene, bustling cafés, artisan shops, and rich Danish heritage in the city’s oldest district.
Islands Brygge 18
18.8 km
Discover Aarhus University Park: an iconic green haven at the city's core, where architectural elegance meets tranquil lakes, vibrant campus life, and lush Nordic landscape.
Unmissable attractions to see
Saltholm
7.8 km
A low, wind-brushed island sanctuary in the Øresund, where shallow seas, open meadows and protected birdlife create wild coastal nature on Copenhagen’s doorstep.
Ribersborgsstranden
8.7 km
Malmö’s beloved “Ribban”: a long, shallow city beach where lawns, piers and parkland meet the Öresund, with skyline views, cold baths and space to unwind.
Ribersborgs open-air bath
9.3 km
Historic seaside bathhouse on a wooden pier where Malmö’s skyline, Nordic sauna rituals and bracing Öresund dips come together in an inclusive year‑round oasis.
Hyllie Vattentorn
9.6 km
Discover Sweden’s creative spirit at Teknikens och Sjöfartens hus in Malmö—where historic ships, classic vehicles, and hands-on science exhibits invite curiosity for all ages.
Dragør havn
9.9 km
Historic Dragør Havn blends centuries of maritime heritage with a working waterfront, cosy quayside cafés and wide Øresund views just south of Copenhagen.
Turning Torso
10.2 km
Discover Ribersborgsstranden, Malmö’s scenic urban beach with panoramic Öresund views, Nordic bathhouse traditions, and a lively promenade just minutes from the city.
Teknikens och Sjöfartens hus / Malmö museum
10.3 km
Explore Malmö’s story of machines, ships and science in a vast 1960s brick hall, from a real Swedish submarine to immersive 360° dome journeys into space.
Fiskehoddorna
10.3 km
Heritage-listed wooden fish huts on Banérskajen where Malmö’s coastal traditions, fresh seafood and smoky harbor aromas come together in a colorful quay-side market.
Malmo Museum
10.5 km
A Renaissance castle turned all-in-one museum complex, where Malmö’s history, nature, art, technology and an aquarium come together beside a tranquil city moat.
Slottsträdgården
10.5 km
An organic urban sanctuary where passionate gardeners transformed a fortress island into a thriving ecological oasis.
Malmö Castle
10.6 km
A red-brick Renaissance fortress turned museum hub, Malmö Castle weaves royal power, prison stories and Nordic culture into one moat-ringed city landmark.
Kungsparken, Malmö
10.8 km
Malmö’s oldest park, Kungsparken, blends English-style landscapes, myth-laced fountains and castle-side canals into a tranquil green escape in the heart of the city.
Malmö City Library
10.8 km
Light‑filled landmark library on the edge of Slottsparken, blending bold glass architecture, rich multilingual collections and lively cultural programmes.
Malmo Live Concert AB
11.0 km
Waterfront concert and congress hub where Malmö Symphony Orchestra, bold architecture, and a full spectrum of music and culture share one sculptural urban block.
Malmö old cemetery
11.0 km
Historic green refuge at the edge of Gustav Adolfs torg, where tree‑lined paths, old gravestones and quiet stories of Malmö’s 19th‑century citizens meet city life.
Essential places to dine
Malmö Saluhall
10.9 km
A vibrant industrial‑chic food hall where Malmö’s local flavors, global street food and artisan producers come together under one historic brick roof.
Restaurant Lola
18.1 km
Bold, travel-inspired cooking and inventive smørrebrød served in a sunny 17th‑century house with a leafy garden hideaway on Christianshavn’s historic ramparts.
Noma
18.2 km
Boundary-pushing New Nordic tasting menus in an understated waterfront warehouse, where radical seasonality, fermentation and Danish warmth shape an immersive dining experience.
Cafe Wilder
18.5 km
A cherished French bistro where Parisian charm meets Copenhagen authenticity on the historic streets of Christianshavn.
Kadeau
18.5 km
Bornholm’s wild pantry, refined in a serene Christianshavn dining room, where a seasonal New Nordic tasting menu and two-star precision define an intimate evening.
Restaurant Kanalen
18.5 km
Seasonal Danish cooking and relaxed Nordic elegance in a historic canalside house on Christianshavn, where boats glide past your table and the water sets the mood.
Restaurant Barr
18.5 km
Modern North Sea cuisine, serious beer and warm Nordic design meet in a historic harbor-front warehouse in the heart of Copenhagen’s Christianshavn.
La Banchina
18.6 km
Tiny blue harbour house on Refshaleøen blending seasonal pescatarian cooking, natural wines, sauna culture and swims into one uniquely Copenhagen experience.
No. 2
18.7 km
Relaxed Nordic brasserie by the Copenhagen waterfront, pairing Michelin‑level know‑how with harbour views, seasonal Danish produce and polished yet informal service.
Khun Juk
18.8 km
Refined Thai dining tucked into Copenhagen’s iconic Nyhavn, where candlelit tables, fresh flowers and layered flavors turn dinner into an intimate evening event.
Alchemist
18.8 km
Six hours of theatrical culinary innovation where haute cuisine meets immersive art installation.
Skipperkroen
19.0 km
Harbourfront smørrebrød and seafood in an 18th‑century Nyhavn house, pairing classic Danish flavours with canal views from cosy rooms and a lively terrace.
à terre
19.0 km
à terre brings French fine dining infused with Nordic creativity to central Copenhagen, offering an intimate, innovative tasting menu experience near Copenhagen’s key attractions.
Cap Horn
19.0 km
Candlelit Nordic bistro in a historic Nyhavn townhouse, blending classic Danish seafood, canal views and cosy hygge from late morning to late evening.
Reffen - Skøjteøen
19.1 km
Copenhagen’s dynamic hub for global street food, creative pop-ups, and urban harbor vibes in a repurposed shipyard setting with a seasonal ice skating rink.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Copenhagenglass
18.9 km
Intimate glassblowing studio and shop near Nyhavn, where Danish maritime-inspired designs and hands-on sessions turn molten glass into memorable Copenhagen souvenirs.
Maritime Antiques &
18.9 km
Atmospheric basement shop near Nyhavn where genuine maritime antiques share space with heritage-inspired clothing and rugged knitwear in a cosy, ship-like setting.
Zane
19.1 km
Intimate Copenhagen florist and design boutique on stylish Bredgade, blending seasonal blooms, Nordic homeware and thoughtful gifts in a cosy, lived-in space.
Magasin du Nord
19.2 km
Copenhagen’s classic department store: historic architecture, Nordic style, gourmet treats and relaxed cafés gathered under one elegant roof on Kongens Nytorv.
The Crown souvenir
19.2 km
Compact, colorful souvenir stop on elegant Amaliegade, perfect for picking up Danish flags, Little Mermaid trinkets and royal-themed keepsakes near Amalienborg.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
19.2 km
Central Copenhagen’s cosy hygge boutique for Danish design, classic souvenirs, and easy last-minute gifts just off bustling Kongens Nytorv square.
Viking Souvenirs
19.2 km
Authentic Danish and Viking-themed souvenirs in Copenhagen's historic city center.
Royal Souvenir Shop
19.2 km
Compact and colourful, Royal Souvenir Shop on Bredgade distils Copenhagen into easy‑to‑pack gifts, from royal guards and Vikings to flags, mugs and playful keepsakes.
Danish Souvenirs & luggages
19.3 km
Central Strøget souvenir and luggage shop combining classic Danish mementos with practical travel gear, open long hours for convenient, last‑minute Copenhagen gifts.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design
19.3 km
Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.
The Wilde Shop
19.3 km
A boutique vintage shop in Indre By, Copenhagen bringing together handpicked retro clothing, sustainable fashion, and curated Scandinavian style in a welcoming setting.
Fisketorvet Copenhagen Mall
19.3 km
Scandinavia's premier shopping destination with 120+ brands, world-class cinema, and waterfront charm.
Danish Souvenirs
19.3 km
Central Copenhagen souvenir hub on Højbro Plads, packed with Danish icons, practical travel extras and long opening hours just steps from Strøget.
Urban Outfitters
19.3 km
Trendy multi-level fashion and lifestyle store bringing Urban Outfitters’ eclectic clothing, homeware and vinyl mix to the heart of Copenhagen’s Østergade.
ILLUM
19.4 km
ILLUM is Copenhagen’s iconic department store, combining world-class fashion, Danish design, gourmet food, and rooftop views in historic Indre By.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Whammy Bar
16.8 km
Colourful neighbourhood bar on Amager serving generous cocktails, draft beers and American‑style comfort food to a friendly crowd of locals and visitors.
Lassie Bar
17.5 km
A classic Amager brown bar where bottled beer, schnapps and neighborhood chatter create a quietly authentic slice of everyday Copenhagen nightlife.
Eiffel bar
18.5 km
Experience the cozy atmosphere of Eiffel Bar in Copenhagen, where friendly service meets affordable drinks in a charming setting.
TATA Cocktail Bar
19.0 km
A velvet-draped, fireplace-warmed cocktail hideaway inside Hotel Sanders, where classic mixology, Danish design and theatre-inspired charm blend seamlessly.
Pier5 Bar
19.0 km
Waterfront cocktails and harbor views in Copenhagen's contemporary hotel bar.
Brønnum
19.1 km
An opulent, multi‑room cocktail bar steps from Kongens Nytorv, where historic townhouse elegance meets contemporary mixology and candlelit late‑night conversation.
Middelgrundsfortet
19.1 km
A spectacular sea fortress island with sweeping Øresund views, blending Danish naval history, adventure stays, and immersive exploration just off Copenhagen’s coast.
Ved Stranden
19.3 km
Canal-side natural wine bar and shop in a historic townhouse, blending Copenhagen charm, thoughtful bottles and relaxed, living-room warmth by Christiansborg Palace.
K-Bar
19.3 km
Intimate harbourfront cocktail den in central Copenhagen, known for monochrome style, inventive infusions and quietly confident classics poured with real care.
The Marble Bar
19.3 km
An intimate marble-clad cocktail hideaway inside Nobis Hotel Copenhagen, serving Scandinavian-inflected drinks and quiet luxury steps from Tivoli Gardens.
Balthazar
19.3 km
A luxurious Champagne bar at Hotel d’Angleterre, pairing an extensive bubbles list and crafted cocktails with velvet-luxe interiors and a lively DJ-backed ambience.
Bar Deco
19.3 km
Intimate Art Deco–inspired cocktail bar near Kongens Nytorv, pairing crafted drinks with moody lighting and a relaxed, grown‑up Copenhagen atmosphere.
Aloha Beach Bar
19.3 km
Island-inspired cocktails, neon glow and late-night party vibes packed into a compact tropical bar just off Gothersgade in central Copenhagen.
1105
19.4 km
Intimate, dimly lit cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s 1105 postcode, pairing dark, elegant interiors with carefully crafted Nordic-inspired drinks and classic mixes.
The Bird and The Churchkey
19.4 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of The Bird and The Churchkey, a must-visit bar in Copenhagen for craft beer and creative cocktails.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Lusso
19.3 km
A compact, high-end Copenhagen nightclub with champagne-forward table service, dim lighting and a stylish late-night crowd just steps from Kongens Nytorv.
The Zoo
19.5 km
Intimate late-night nightclub on Sværtegade in Copenhagen’s historic center, blending a compact dance floor, DJ-driven beats and a casual, social bar atmosphere.
Mini Bar
19.5 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Mini Bar, a premier night club offering eclectic tunes and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights.
Club Mambo
19.5 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
Chateau Motel
19.6 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
The Jane
19.7 km
Mad Men–style cocktail den and basement nightclub hidden beneath a historic Copenhagen square, with secret rooms, strong drinks and a lively late-night dance floor.
Culture Box
19.7 km
Discover the heartbeat of Copenhagen's nightlife at Culture Box, where music, art, and dance create an unforgettable experience.
Hive
19.7 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Miami Bar
19.8 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
Dorsia
19.8 km
Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
Mirror
19.8 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
KB3
19.8 km
Discover the pulse of Copenhagen's nightlife at KB3, a lively night club in Vesterbro offering unforgettable music and vibrant experiences.
Rumors
19.8 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Baggen
19.8 km
Discover the electrifying atmosphere of Baggen, where Copenhagen's nightlife comes alive with vibrant music and unforgettable experiences.
La Terraza
19.8 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Unique
- Adventurous
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Industrial Designs
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Skyline
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Senior Friendly