Crossing Borders: Your Complete Guide to the Öresund Bridge

Spanning over the glistening waters of the Öresund Strait, the Öresund Bridge (Öresundsbron) is far more than just a road and railway connection between Sweden and Denmark—it’s a symbol of modern Scandinavian unity, a marvel of engineering, and an unforgettable travel experience.
 

Whether you're driving, training, or simply admiring it from afar, the Öresund Bridge promises to be one of the most iconic highlights of any journey through Northern Europe.

🗺️ Where Is the Öresund Bridge?

📍 Location: Connects Malmö, Sweden and Copenhagen, Denmark

🌊 Crosses the Öresund Strait, part of the Baltic Sea

🚗 Length: 7.8 km (Bridge section), total 16.4 km with tunnel and artificial island

🧱 What Makes the Öresund Bridge Special?

A combined rail and road bridge – two levels: upper (road), lower (rail)

Transforms into an undersea tunnel on the Danish side (the Drogden Tunnel)

Includes Peberholm, an artificial island home to unique flora and fauna

Featured in global media, including the acclaimed crime series "The Bridge" (Bron/Broen)

🛠️ History and Construction

📌 Background

Before the bridge, travel between Denmark and Sweden involved ferries or long detours. In the late 20th century, discussions of a permanent link gained momentum.

🏗️ Construction Timeline

Start: 1995

Completed: 1999

Opened to public: July 1, 2000

Jointly constructed and owned by the Danish and Swedish governments

💡 Engineering Feats

Built to withstand strong winds, ship traffic, and heavy vehicle loads

Includes anti-corrosion technology, earthquake tolerance, and bird migration studies

The artificial island Peberholm was created using dredged seabed materials

🚉 How to Cross the Öresund Bridge

You can cross the bridge in three main ways:

🚗 By Car

Open 24/7 year-round

4-lane motorway with scenic views

Tolls apply (details below)

🚆 By Train

The Öresundståg (regional trains) run every 20 minutes

Travel time: approx. 35 minutes between Malmö Central Station and Copenhagen Central Station

Trains go under the water via the Drogden Tunnel after crossing the bridge

🚲 On Foot or Bicycle?

Unfortunately, pedestrians and bicycles are not allowed on the bridge for safety reasons.

💰 Tolls & Tickets

🚗 For Cars (One-way)

💡 Tips:

Save money by registering for a Brobizz® or ØresundGO® discount plan

Pay with credit card at the toll booths or prepay online

No border checks for EU citizens, but bring ID

🚆 For Trains

Tickets can be bought at stations, online, or via apps (Skånetrafiken, DSB).

📷 Best Viewpoints for Photography

The Öresund Bridge is a photographer’s dream. Some of the best places to capture its magnificence:

📍 From the Swedish Side:

Ribersborg Beach, Malmö – Great sunset views

Limhamn Marina – Panoramic shots of the bridge structure

Emporia Mall Roof Terrace – Distant city-to-bridge views

📍 From the Danish Side:

Amager Strandpark – Catch the bridge and the city skyline

Kastrup Sea Bath – Wooden piers and modern views

Dragør Fort – A more hidden gem with historical vibes

🌿 Explore Peberholm: The Artificial Island

While it’s not open to the public, Peberholm is a fascinating ecological experiment.

Acts as a transition point from bridge to tunnel

Designed to encourage natural flora and fauna colonization

Home to over 500 species of plants and many birds and insects

Studied regularly by environmental scientists

🎬 In Popular Culture

The Öresund Bridge gained international fame thanks to:

🎥 "The Bridge" (Bron/Broen)

A hit Swedish-Danish crime drama

Features the bridge as both a symbolic and literal link between the countries

Enhanced global interest in visiting the structure

🎞️ Documentaries & Travel Shows

The bridge often appears in:

Engineering marvel documentaries

Travel vlogs and YouTube series about Northern Europe road trips

🧭 What to Do Nearby

🇸🇪 In Malmö:

Turning Torso – Sweden’s tallest skyscraper

Malmö Castle – Historic museum and gardens

Folkets Park – Family-friendly green space

Moderna Museet Malmö – Contemporary art gallery

🇩🇰 In Copenhagen:

Nyhavn Harbor – Iconic colorful waterfront

Tivoli Gardens – One of the world’s oldest amusement parks

Christiansborg Palace – Danish parliamentary seat

Freetown Christiania – An alternative, artistic neighborhood

🍽️ Dining With a View

Some of the best restaurants and cafés with Öresund Bridge views:

In Malmö:

Salt & Brygga – Organic Scandinavian food by the beach

Västra Hamnen Cafés – Coffee and cakes with sea breezes

Erikstorp Beach Café – Relaxed dining with panoramic scenery

In Copenhagen:

Kastrup Strandpark Café – Small but scenic

Sundby Sejlforening – Hidden seafood gem

Dragør Seaside Restaurants – Charming harbor eats

🧳 Travel Tips

Best time to visit: May to September for clearer skies and less wind

Driving? Remember that Sweden uses SEK, Denmark uses DKK

Train tip: Sit on the right side heading to Copenhagen for sea views

Be prepared for windy conditions on the bridge deck

The bridge is illuminated at night, great for evening photos

❤️ Why Visit the Öresund Bridge?

Whether you're an architecture enthusiast, a lover of great road trips, or just someone seeking epic photo ops, the Öresund Bridge is a must-see landmark. It represents the spirit of Scandinavian collaboration and seamlessly links two cultures, two cities, and two countries—all over a stunning stretch of sea.

You don’t just cross the Öresund Bridge—you experience it.

📅 Sample Day Itinerary