The Oresund Bridge connects Malmo to Denmark and remains the largest road and rail bridge in Europe. The bridge opened in 2000 as a non-stop link over the Oresund Strait. See the architecture of this bridge and tunnel that has earned it awards and travel between Denmark and Sweden in just 30 minutes.
The bridge’s main span is approximately 8 kilometres (5 miles) long and reaches from Sweden’s west coast to the manmade island of Peberholm. The bridge has a four-lane highway that extends above a double-track railway. See if you can spot the four 204-metre (669-foot) pylons that support the bridge’s main section, a feature that is often photographed by enthusiasts and visitors.
The bridge travels for about 4 kilometres (3 miles) over the island of Peberholm before turning into a one-level tunnel for another 4 kilometres (3 miles). This tunnel is the connecting point with Amager on Denmark’s eastern coast. When travelling from Sweden, it looks as though the bridge disappears completely into the water. Although it isn’t accessible to tourists, Peberholm is a scenic sight and abundant with the avocet and 300 other seabird and plant species.
The bridge is visible from many restaurants dotted along the Swedish coast. A small parking lot and jetty approximately 10 kilometres (6 miles) from Malmo’s city centre give commanding views of the bridge and clear photo opportunities. Good views can also be seen from Ribersborg Beach, a short walk east from Malmo city centre.
Oresund Bridge is a 15-minute drive from the centre of Malmo. Car tolls can be expensive, but trains operate frequently and are inexpensive. The journey from Malmo’s Central Station to Copenhagen Hovedbanegard station takes 40 minutes. Visit the Oresundsbron website for further information on tolls and tickets.The bridge is open 24 hours a day, year-round. Remember to carry your passport when crossing the bridge. Passport checks are infrequent but may occur at the toll booths coming into Sweden.
