The Oresund Bridge is a non-stop travel link across the Oresund Strait. This award-winning bridge opened in 2000 and is the largest combined road and rail bridge in Europe. Admire the architecture and civil engineering and travel between Sweden and Denmark in less than 30 minutes.
The main stretch of the bridge is nearly 8 kilometres (5 miles) long and runs from Sweden’s west coast to the manmade island of Peberholm. Notice the four-lane highway that runs above the double-track railway. Have your camera ready and keep a look out for the four 204-metre (669-foot) pylons that support the bridge’s main span.
Once the bridge connects with Peberholm, it runs approximately 4 kilometres (3 miles) over the island and then becomes a one-level tunnel, which runs for nearly the same length. This connects with Amager, on the east coast of Denmark. When coming from the direction of Sweden, notice the view: It is as though the bridge disappears into the water with no way out. While Peberholm is not open to tourists, it is home to over 300 seabirds, including the long-legged avocet and many plant species.
Along Sweden’s coast are a number of restaurants that look out over the bridge. Approximately 10 kilometres (6 miles) from Malmo city centre is a small parking lot and jetty, which offers endless photo opportunities. A short walk east of the city centre is Ribersborg Beach, where there are more great views.
Oresund Bridge is open 24 hours day, every day of the year. It is a 15-minute drive from the centre of Malmo. The journey from Malmo’s Central Station to Copenhagen’s Hovedbanegard station is around 40 minutes. The car tolls can be expensive and it is cheaper to cross the bridge on a train. For more information about toll prices, visit the official Oresundsbron website. Be sure to carry your passport on any bridge crossing. Whilst passport checks are rare, they can occur at tollbooths when entering Sweden.
