Øresund Bridge

What the bridge is

Øresund Bridge is the bridge section of the 15.9-kilometre fixed Øresund Link between Denmark and Sweden. Opened on 1 July 2000, the link combines motorway, double-track railway, an artificial island and an immersed tunnel.

The bridge itself runs 7,845 metres from Lernacken, south of Malmö, to the artificial island of Peberholm. It carries a four-lane road on its upper deck and rail tracks below. From Peberholm, road and rail continue through the 4,050-metre Øresund Tunnel towards Kastrup on Amager.

The structure to look for

The bridge is not one uninterrupted high span. Its visual centre is the cable-stayed section over the shipping channel, framed by twin concrete pylons reaching 203.5 metres. The main span is 490 metres wide, with 55 metres of clearance for vessels below.

From the Malmö side, the pylons are the clearest landmark across the flat shoreline and open water. From a train or car, the sequence is equally distinctive: long approach viaducts, the high bridge, Peberholm, then the descent into the tunnel.

Crossing by train or car

Train: Regular passenger trains use the double-track railway between Copenhagen Airport, Copenhagen and Malmö. It is the practical choice if you want to cross without driving; the bridge itself has no pedestrian access.

Car: The road route is E20. A toll is charged at the Swedish-side toll station, and the cost varies by vehicle and payment arrangement. Follow the lane signs rather than changing lanes late; reversing on the motorway or at the toll station is prohibited.

No walking or cycling: Pedestrians and cyclists cannot use the bridge, tunnel or Peberholm under normal conditions.

On the road

The maximum speed is normally 110 km/h on the bridge and Peberholm, and 90 km/h in the tunnel. Electronic signs can impose lower limits for weather, maintenance or traffic conditions. The connection is generally open around the clock, but strong winds and incidents can restrict or close it.

There is no stopping, parking or viewpoint on the bridge. Treat it as a working motorway: plan fuel, food and breaks before joining it. Rest areas are available before the crossing near Kastrup and after the Swedish exit.

Border and practical points

Denmark and Sweden are both in the Schengen Area, but Swedish border checks can take place when travelling towards Sweden. Carry valid photo identification.

The bridge is best appreciated as part of a journey rather than a destination to roam. For a ground-level view of its pylons and decks, use public shoreline areas around Malmö; keep clear of restricted railway, motorway and bridge infrastructure.