In a remarkable feat of engineering, travelers can explore both Denmark and Sweden within a day, thanks to a unique ‘vanishing bridge’ that connects the two countries. Known as Øresund in Danish and Öresund in Swedish, this architectural wonder transitions from a bridge to an underwater tunnel, giving the illusion of disappearing beneath the water’s surface. Officially opened in 2000 by Queen Margrethe II of Denmark and King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden, the Øresund Bridge links the vibrant cities of Copenhagen and Malmö, standing as the second longest bridge in Europe after the Kerch Bridge in Crimea.
This iconic structure not only serves as a practical transportation link but also symbolizes unity and collaboration between nations, highlighted during the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö in 2013. Comprising an 8km bridge, a 4km underwater tunnel doubling as an artificial reef, and a 4km manmade island named Peberholm, the bridge witnesses a daily footfall of around 70,000 individuals.
The joint effort of Swedish company Svedab and Danish firm A/S, Øresundsforbindelsen includes a motorway exit for authorized vehicles and a helicopter pad for emergency situations. Crossing fees vary based on the vehicle type, with motorcycles charged at £25.68, passenger cars at £50.77, and higher fees for vans, motorhomes, or cars with trailers at £178.55.
Stretching approximately 16km and constructed at a cost of £2.3 billion (£4.8 billion today), the project incorporated a tunnel design to avoid radio signal disruptions from Copenhagen Airport and ensure a navigable shipping channel in all weather conditions. Over 25 years later, the Øresund Bridge continues to enhance economic opportunities for both Denmark and Sweden, contributing to the growth of a trading region encompassing 4.2 million residents, known as the Øresund Region.
Recognized with the prestigious IABSE Outstanding Structure Award, the Øresund Bridge has also left a lasting mark in popular culture, featuring prominently in the acclaimed TV series The Bridge as a key location for its gripping crime storyline.