Peberholm: The Artificial Island Between Worlds
A man-made island where nature reclaimed the landscape—Europe's most successful ecological experiment.
Peberholm is a remarkable 1.3 km² artificial island in the Øresund Strait between Denmark and Sweden, created as a pivotal junction between the Øresund Bridge and the Drogden Tunnel. Built from 1995–1999 using dredged seabed material, this engineering marvel was intentionally left to nature, resulting in an extraordinary ecological success story. Today, it hosts over 600 plant species, 30 nesting bird species, and rare European green toads, making it one of Europe's most unique natural experiments.
A brief summary to Peberholm
- DK
- Duration: 0.25 to 1 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- View Peberholm from the Øresund Bridge or train crossing—the island appears as a brief stretch of green horizon where the bridge transitions to the tunnel. The moment lasts only seconds but captures the essence of the entire engineering project.
- For distant viewing, visit Amager Strandpark or the coastal path near Dragør in Copenhagen. These vantage points offer clear sightlines of the island and the entire Øresund Link stretching across the sea.
- Visit at sunset when light catches Peberholm's dunes, turning them gold against the silver-blue waters. This is the most visually striking time to observe the island from viewing points on the Danish coast.
- Understand that the island is strictly protected and inaccessible to the public. This restriction is essential to preserve its ecological integrity and the remarkable biodiversity that has naturally colonized the landscape.
- If crossing the bridge by train, watch from the window as the landscape shifts and the bridge's cables fall away. The view captures the seamless connection between infrastructure and nature that defines the project.
Getting There
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Øresund Bridge by car
Drive across the Øresund Bridge from Copenhagen toward Malmö (approximately 16 kilometers, 20–25 minutes depending on traffic). Peberholm appears as you transition from the bridge's upper levels to the tunnel portal. The island is not accessible to vehicles; you will pass over and through it as part of the bridge crossing. Toll fees apply: approximately 335 DKK (45 EUR) for a standard car, payable at the toll station before entering the bridge.
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Øresund Bridge by train
Take the Øresund Train from Copenhagen Central Station toward Malmö (journey time approximately 35 minutes). Peberholm is visible from the train windows as you cross the bridge and approach the tunnel portal. The train passes directly over the island, offering brief but clear views of the landscape. Train tickets cost approximately 95–150 DKK (13–20 EUR) depending on time of booking and travel time.
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Coastal viewing from Amager Strandpark
Travel to Amager Strandpark in Copenhagen (approximately 10 kilometers south of the city center, 20–30 minutes by bus or car). From the park's coastal paths, Peberholm is visible across the water as part of the Øresund Link stretching toward Sweden. This is the primary public vantage point for observing the island without crossing the bridge. No entrance fee; free parking available.
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Coastal viewing from Dragør
Visit the historic fishing village of Dragør (approximately 25 kilometers south of Copenhagen, 30–40 minutes by car or bus). The coastal path near Dragør offers clear sightlines to Peberholm and the entire Øresund infrastructure. This location provides excellent sunset viewing opportunities. No entrance fee; limited street parking available in the village.
Peberholm location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Peberholm
Engineering Marvel at the Heart of the Strait
Perberholm was constructed as a critical structural and functional component of the Øresund Fixed Link, the massive infrastructure project connecting Copenhagen and Malmö. Built between 1995 and 1999, the island spans approximately 4 kilometers in length and 500 meters in width, covering 1.3 km² (130 hectares). Its creation required approximately 9 million cubic meters of dredged material from the tunnel trench, supplemented by 1.6 million tons of stone embankments. The island's name—meaning "Pepper Islet" in Danish—was chosen to complement its natural neighbor, Saltholm ("Salt Islet"), located 1 kilometer to the north. The island serves as the crucial transition point where traffic shifts from the two-level bridge structure to the single-level tunnel portal. This engineering solution was necessary because a bridge spanning the entire distance between Copenhagen and Malmö would have interfered with obstacle-free zones required around Kastrup Airport and would have been too high for freight train traffic. Peberholm's location ensures optimal water flow through the strait while enabling seamless traffic management between the bridge and tunnel systems.A Bold Experiment in Natural Succession
What makes Peberholm truly exceptional is the decision to leave it entirely to nature. No landscaping occurred, no soil was imported from the mainland, and nothing was planted by human hands. The barren island was simply left open, allowing plant and animal species to colonize naturally from Denmark and Sweden. This unprecedented ecological experiment has yielded astonishing results. Within just a few years, the lifeless landscape transformed into a thriving ecosystem teeming with biodiversity. Today, Peberholm hosts an estimated 600 plant species, including rare orchids carried by wind from mainland meadows. Approximately 30 bird species nest on the island annually, including geese, ducks, great cormorants, and waders. The white-tailed eagle is frequently observed during winter months. Perhaps most remarkably, the European green toad—a rare and protected species in Denmark—established a thriving population in the island's ditches. A 2007–08 survey counted 2,500 individuals, representing one of Scandinavia's largest populations of this species.Protected Sanctuary and Conservation Efforts
Recognizing the island's ecological significance, Danish and Swedish authorities implemented strict protective measures. Peberholm has been designated a Natura 2000 site since 2000, affording it protection under European conservation law. The island is classified under two bird protection habitats (H110 and H126) and forms part of Natura 2000 area 142, which encompasses Saltholm and surrounding waters totaling 7,218 hectares. Access is severely restricted: only authorized biologists are permitted one annual visit to areas outside the railroad and highway infrastructure. Ordinary visitors are prohibited to preserve the island's self-regulating ecological balance. Conservation management has evolved over time. By 2020, annual surveys revealed that certain species thriving in open, bright conditions were declining as vegetation increased. In response, Øresundsbro Konsortiet (the bridge operator) began selective clearing of shrubs and small trees on approximately 10% of the island's area. These targeted efforts successfully reversed the decline and restored populations of species previously at risk of disappearing.Modern Sustainability and Infrastructure
In spring 2023, Peberholm underwent a green transformation with the installation of 10,000 square meters of solar panels on the island, supplemented by 3,000 square meters at the toll station. This solar installation now provides nearly half of the Øresund connection's electricity consumption, demonstrating how the island continues to serve both functional and environmental purposes. An emergency exit from the motorway and a helicopter pad for traffic accident response remain the only authorized human infrastructure on the island.A Symbol of Human-Nature Harmony
Peberholm represents a unique philosophical approach to infrastructure development—the belief that when humans step back and allow natural processes to unfold, remarkable outcomes emerge. The island demonstrates that engineered landscapes can evolve into something genuinely wild and valuable. Travelers crossing the Øresund Bridge or tunnel experience Peberholm as a fleeting moment of green horizon where the bridge becomes land before descending into the water. For those seeking distant views, the island is visible from Amager Strandpark and coastal paths near Dragør, where the Øresund Link unfolds like a ribbon across the sea. At sunset, the island's dunes glow golden against the silver-blue waters of the strait, a visual reminder of the delicate balance between human ingenuity and natural restoration.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Peberholm
0.0 km
A man-made island where nature reclaimed the landscape—Europe's most successful ecological experiment.
Krudhuset
11.3 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
12.5 km
A hidden concrete foundation marks where post-war Denmark executed Nazi collaborators in secrecy.
Copenhagen By Mie & Friends
13.2 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.
Circle Bridge
13.3 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.
Havnegade Promenaden
13.4 km
Copenhagen's revitalized waterfront promenade blending historic charm with playful modern recreation.
Islands Brygge 18
13.4 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.
Kopenhagen
13.4 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.
Ofelia Plads
13.4 km
Copenhagen's iconic waterfront plaza where culture, harbor views, and the famous kissing stairs meet the sea.
C.F. Tietgens Hus
13.4 km
A Neoclassical monument to Danish banking heritage and industrial vision, built for one of history's most influential entrepreneurs.
Lille Langebro
13.4 km
Explore Kronborg Castle, the iconic setting of Shakespeare's 'Hamlet,' and delve into Denmark's Renaissance history.
Black Diamond
13.5 km
A gleaming granite monument where cutting-edge architecture meets cultural heritage on Copenhagen's waterfront.
The Kissing Stairs
13.5 km
Copenhagen's beloved waterfront amphitheatre where culture, community, and harbour views converge.
Nyhavnsbroen & Nyhavn
13.5 km
Copenhagen’s only Russian Orthodox church, famed for its golden onion domes, rich history, and unique architectural style rooted in Danish-Russian royal ties.
Nyhavn
13.5 km
Copenhagen's most iconic waterfront: pastel townhouses, maritime history, and lively canal-side dining.
Unmissable attractions to see
Dragør havn
4.9 km
Historic Dragør Havn blends centuries of maritime heritage with a working waterfront, cosy quayside cafés and wide Øresund views just south of Copenhagen.
Øresund Bridge
5.5 km
Discover Denmark’s Viking maritime past with authentic ships, reconstructed vessels, hands-on workshops, and stunning fjord views at the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde.
Den Blå Planet
7.4 km
Northern Europe's largest aquarium where sharks swim overhead and sea otters steal your heart.
Amager Beachpark
8.9 km
Copenhagen's 4.6 km urban beach with lagoons, artificial island, and Øresund Bridge views.
Amager
9.3 km
Copenhagen’s all‑in‑one island: wild grasslands, long sandy beaches, bold architecture and easygoing waterfront life, all just minutes from the historic city centre.
Amager Beach Park
9.9 km
Copenhagen’s long, sandy front porch on the Øresund, where dunes, lagoons and a city promenade turn everyday life into a seaside escape.
Bjarke Cirkelsten af Thomas Dambo
10.1 km
A kneeling wooden troll guarding a mystical stone circle in the Danish forest.
St. Anne's Church
10.9 km
Elegant red-brick Catholic church on Amager, blending early 20th-century Art Nouveau architecture with a calm, light-filled interior and living parish life.
Field's
11.5 km
Scandinavia-scale shopping, dining and entertainment under one sleek roof in Copenhagen’s modern Ørestad district, from fashion and design to cinema, trampolines and a vast hypermarket.
Arne Jacobsens Allé 12
11.6 km
A vast, light-filled shopping town under one roof in Copenhagen’s Ørestad district, mixing fashion, daily essentials, dining and shelter from the Danish weather.
Bella Center Copenhagen
11.7 km
Copenhagen’s powerhouse convention and exhibition centre, combining vast flexible halls, sleek Nordic design and direct metro access in the modern Ørestad district.
DR Koncerthuset
12.1 km
Copenhagen’s bold blue concert house, where world-class acoustics, striking Jean Nouvel architecture and Denmark’s national ensembles meet under one dramatic roof.
Kongelundsfortet
12.3 km
A First World War coastal fort turned green refuge, where concrete ramparts, bird-filled meadows and wide sea views create a relaxed slice of Copenhagen’s defence history.
Amager Fælled
12.5 km
Semi-wild meadows and wetlands brushing against Copenhagen’s skyline, Amager Fælled is the city’s closest taste of open Danish nature.
Lille Mølle
12.7 km
A compact windmill on Christianshavn’s ramparts, Lille Mølle blends defensive history, domestic interiors and gentle canal‑side views in one atmospheric museum.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Lola
12.7 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
12.9 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
13.1 km
A cherished French bistro where Parisian charm meets Copenhagen authenticity on the historic streets of Christianshavn.
Kadeau
13.1 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
13.1 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
13.1 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.
No. 2
13.3 km
Relaxed Nordic brasserie by the Copenhagen waterfront, pairing Michelin‑level know‑how with harbour views, seasonal Danish produce and polished yet informal service.
La Banchina
13.4 km
Tiny blue harbour house on Refshaleøen blending seasonal pescatarian cooking, natural wines, sauna culture and swims into one uniquely Copenhagen experience.
Khun Juk
13.5 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.
Skipperkroen
13.6 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
13.6 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
13.6 km
Candlelit Nordic bistro in a historic Nyhavn townhouse, blending classic Danish seafood, canal views and cosy hygge from late morning to late evening.
Alchemist
13.7 km
Six hours of theatrical culinary innovation where haute cuisine meets immersive art installation.
Nyhavns Færgekro
13.7 km
Classic Danish cooking and a famed herring buffet in a cozy canal-side tavern, set within one of Nyhavn’s colorful townhouses overlooking Copenhagen’s historic harbor.
Restaurant Vandvid
13.7 km
Organic, seasonal Nordic cooking served on a gently rocking houseboat in Sydhavnen, where harbor life, simple design and water views frame every meal.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Copenhagenglass
13.5 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 &
13.5 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
13.8 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
13.8 km
Copenhagen’s classic department store: historic architecture, Nordic style, gourmet treats and relaxed cafés gathered under one elegant roof on Kongens Nytorv.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
13.8 km
Central Copenhagen’s cosy hygge boutique for Danish design, classic souvenirs, and easy last-minute gifts just off bustling Kongens Nytorv square.
Fisketorvet Copenhagen Mall
13.8 km
Scandinavia's premier shopping destination with 120+ brands, world-class cinema, and waterfront charm.
Viking Souvenirs
13.8 km
Authentic Danish and Viking-themed souvenirs in Copenhagen's historic city center.
Danish Souvenirs & luggages
13.9 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
13.9 km
Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.
The Crown souvenir
13.9 km
Compact, colorful souvenir stop on elegant Amaliegade, perfect for picking up Danish flags, Little Mermaid trinkets and royal-themed keepsakes near Amalienborg.
Royal Souvenir Shop
13.9 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
13.9 km
Central Copenhagen souvenir hub on Højbro Plads, packed with Danish icons, practical travel extras and long opening hours just steps from Strøget.
The Wilde Shop
13.9 km
A boutique vintage shop in Indre By, Copenhagen bringing together handpicked retro clothing, sustainable fashion, and curated Scandinavian style in a welcoming setting.
Urban Outfitters
13.9 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
14.0 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
11.4 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
12.1 km
A classic Amager brown bar where bottled beer, schnapps and neighborhood chatter create a quietly authentic slice of everyday Copenhagen nightlife.
Eiffel bar
13.1 km
Experience the cozy atmosphere of Eiffel Bar in Copenhagen, where friendly service meets affordable drinks in a charming setting.
TATA Cocktail Bar
13.6 km
A velvet-draped, fireplace-warmed cocktail hideaway inside Hotel Sanders, where classic mixology, Danish design and theatre-inspired charm blend seamlessly.
Pier5 Bar
13.6 km
Waterfront cocktails and harbor views in Copenhagen's contemporary hotel bar.
Brønnum
13.7 km
An opulent, multi‑room cocktail bar steps from Kongens Nytorv, where historic townhouse elegance meets contemporary mixology and candlelit late‑night conversation.
The Marble Bar
13.9 km
An intimate marble-clad cocktail hideaway inside Nobis Hotel Copenhagen, serving Scandinavian-inflected drinks and quiet luxury steps from Tivoli Gardens.
Ved Stranden
13.9 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
13.9 km
Intimate harbourfront cocktail den in central Copenhagen, known for monochrome style, inventive infusions and quietly confident classics poured with real care.
Balthazar
13.9 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
14.0 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
14.0 km
Island-inspired cocktails, neon glow and late-night party vibes packed into a compact tropical bar just off Gothersgade in central Copenhagen.
1105
14.0 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
14.0 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of The Bird and The Churchkey, a must-visit bar in Copenhagen for craft beer and creative cocktails.
Ruby
14.0 km
An unmarked 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade hides Ruby, a quietly glamorous cocktail institution where inventive drinks meet candlelit canal-side charm.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Lusso
13.9 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.
Club Mambo
14.1 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
The Zoo
14.1 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
14.1 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Mini Bar, a premier night club offering eclectic tunes and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights.
Chateau Motel
14.2 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
The Jane
14.3 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.
Hive
14.3 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
KB3
14.3 km
Discover the pulse of Copenhagen's nightlife at KB3, a lively night club in Vesterbro offering unforgettable music and vibrant experiences.
Culture Box
14.3 km
Discover the heartbeat of Copenhagen's nightlife at Culture Box, where music, art, and dance create an unforgettable experience.
Dorsia
14.3 km
Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
Baggen
14.3 km
Discover the electrifying atmosphere of Baggen, where Copenhagen's nightlife comes alive with vibrant music and unforgettable experiences.
Miami Bar
14.3 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
Mirror
14.3 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
Rumors
14.3 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Module
14.4 km
Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at Module Night Club in Copenhagen, where world-class DJs and an electrifying atmosphere await.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Tranquil
- Unique
- Adventurous
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
- Industrial Designs
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Eco-Friendly
- Protected Area
- Nature Reserve
- Wildlife Habitat
- Sustainable
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Nature Escape
- Photowalk
- Cultural Heritage
- Myth & Legends
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Senior Friendly
