Origins & History
The idea of a fixed link across the Øresund strait had been discussed for over a century before it became reality. A bilateral agreement between Denmark and Sweden was signed in 1991, and construction began in 1995. The crossing was inaugurated on 1 July 2000, when the monarchs of both nations met at the bridge midpoint — a symbolic moment that marked the beginning of a new era for the Øresund Region.
The project cost approximately 30 billion Danish kroner and required solving a series of complex engineering challenges: the crossing needed to allow large ships to pass, avoid interfering with Copenhagen Airport's flight paths, and withstand the demanding marine environment of the Baltic Sea.
The Three Sections
Immersed tunnel beneath the shipping channel
Artificial island, now a nature reserve
204m pylons, road above, rail below
The Drogden Tunnel was constructed from prefabricated concrete elements placed in a seabed trench. Peberholm, the artificial island, was created from excavated material and has since become a protected nature reserve. The cable-stayed bridge carries a four-lane motorway on its upper deck and a two-track railway on the lower deck.
How to Cross
Travellers have two options: driving or taking the train. By car, the crossing takes around 10–15 minutes for the bridge/tunnel section, with a total city-centre to city-centre journey of 30–45 minutes depending on traffic. A toll applies to all road vehicles.
The Øresundståg train connects Copenhagen Central to Malmö Central in approximately 35 minutes, with a stop at Copenhagen Airport. Trains run roughly every 20 minutes during peak hours. Train passengers pay no bridge toll — only the ticket price.
The bridge speed limit is 90 km/h. Speed cameras are in operation. Avoid weekday rush hours (07:00–09:00 and 16:00–18:30) for the smoothest crossing by car.
Border Crossing
Both Denmark and Sweden are Schengen Area members. EU citizens typically cross without passport checks, but temporary border controls may be in effect. Always carry valid ID or a passport as a precaution, regardless of your nationality.
The Øresund Region Today
The bridge has transformed the Øresund Region into one of the most integrated cross-border areas in Europe. Tens of thousands of people commute daily between Denmark and Sweden. The combined metropolitan area of Copenhagen and Malmö represents a significant economic and cultural force in Northern Europe.
The crossing also gained unexpected global fame when it became the setting for the acclaimed Nordic noir television series "Broen" (The Bridge), which depicted a fictional murder mystery spanning the two countries.