Øresund Bridge Tunnel
Have you ever imagined driving across the sea to go from one country to another? Sounds like something out of a movie, right? But there’s a real place in Europe where this happens every day. It’s called the Øresund Bridge.
Let me tell you more about this amazing bridge, how it works, the cost to use it, and even some traffic information. I hope you’ll enjoy this journey as much as I enjoyed writing about it!
Øresund Bridge Tunnel
What is the Øresund Bridge?
The Øresund Bridge (also spelled Öresund Bridge) is a 16 km long bridge and tunnel that connects Denmark and Sweden. It’s not just a regular bridge—it’s a combination of a bridge, an artificial island, and a tunnel. That’s right! You start on a bridge, drive onto a man-made island, and then go into a tunnel under the sea. Isn’t that cool?
I remember the first time I saw a video of this bridge. I was amazed! How can someone drive through water like that? It’s truly an engineering wonder.
Where is the Øresund Bridge Located?
The bridge connects the city of Copenhagen (capital of Denmark) with the city of Malmö in Sweden. These two cities are part of what’s called the Øresund Region, which is one of the most important areas in Scandinavia.
How Long is the Bridge?
The total length of the Øresund Bridge is 16 kilometers (about 10 miles). Here’s how it’s divided:
| Part | Length |
|---|---|
| The Bridge | 8 km |
| The Artificial Island (Peberholm) | 4 km |
| The Tunnel | 4 km |
This smart design helps protect the environment and allows ships to pass safely through the Øresund Strait.
Why was the Bridge Built?
Before the bridge, people had to take ferries between Denmark and Sweden. It took a lot of time and cost more. The Øresund Bridge was opened in July 2000 to make travel faster and easier.
Now, it takes only about 10–15 minutes to drive across the bridge. You don’t need to wait for a ferry or worry about bad weather stopping the boats.
Do You Know? Traffic Information
Yes, the Øresund Bridge carries a highway and a railway—so cars, trucks, buses, and even trains can all use it. Around 20,000 vehicles and 15,000 train passengers cross the bridge every day!
That’s a lot of people going between two countries every single day for work, study, travel, or just shopping.
Traffic Rules and Tips:
- Speed limit: usually around 90–110 km/h.
- You must have valid documents (passport or ID) if you are crossing from one country to another.
- If you are driving, follow signs carefully. There are different lanes for cars, buses, and trucks.
Once, my cousin visited Malmö and took a train back to Copenhagen through the Øresund Bridge. She said the view from the train was breathtaking. You can see the blue sea all around!
Paying the Toll – Prices
Now, let’s talk about money.
Yes, you have to pay to cross the bridge by car, bus, or truck. The toll booths are located on the Swedish side of the bridge. You don’t need to stop if you have an electronic toll device—just drive through and it will be charged automatically.
Provides a scenic route from the Swedish city of Malmo to Denmark’s capital.
Here is a simple chart to explain the usual one-way toll prices (as of 2025):
| Vehicle Type | Price (One Way) | With ØresundGO (Discount Pass) |
|---|---|---|
| Car (up to 6 meters) | 69 EUR / 520 DKK | Around 25 EUR / 190 DKK |
| Motorcycle | 34 EUR / 260 DKK | Discount available |
| Van / Camper (6–10 m) | 138 EUR / 1,040 DKK | Discount available |
| Bus / Minibus | From 138 EUR | Special rates available |
| Truck (over 10 m) | From 200 EUR | Contact bridge authority |
Prices may change over time. For the most up-to-date prices, visit the official Øresund Bridge website.
What is ØresundGO?
Let me explain something called ØresundGO. It’s a membership pass for regular users of the bridge. If you travel often between Denmark and Sweden, you can save a lot of money with ØresundGO.
ØresundGO Benefits:
- You pay only a low yearly fee.
- You get huge discounts every time you use the bridge.
- Your trips are registered automatically.
- It’s easy and fast—you don’t even need to stop at the toll booth.
Many commuters and families who live on one side and work on the other use ØresundGO. It’s like having a travel card for crossing a sea!
What Else Should You Know?
Peberholm – The Artificial Island
This man-made island connects the bridge and the tunnel. It’s not just for the road—nature is blooming here! Scientists use it to study rare plants, birds, and animals. People are not allowed to visit Peberholm, so it stays safe for nature.
The Tunnel – Underwater Adventure
The 4-kilometer tunnel is called the Drogden Tunnel. It goes under the Øresund Strait. It’s not scary—there are lights, signs, and it’s very safe. Engineers built it to keep air traffic safe (since Copenhagen Airport is nearby) and to allow ships to pass over it.
I always get a bit excited thinking about driving in a tunnel under the sea. It’s like going on an adventure to another world!
Why is the Øresund Bridge So Special?
Here are some fun and important facts:
- It’s the longest combined road and rail bridge in Europe.
- It was built using advanced techniques to make it strong, safe, and eco-friendly.
- It helps people from different countries come closer. Families, students, workers, and tourists all benefit.
- It boosts the economy, tourism, and friendship between Sweden and Denmark.
How to Travel Across the Bridge?
You can use:
- Car – Fast and flexible, but you must pay the toll.
- Train – Cheaper, eco-friendly, and goes every 20 minutes.
- Bus – Comfortable and has luggage space.
- Bike – Sadly, you cannot bike across the bridge directly. But you can take your bike on a train.
My Thoughts
If I ever visit Europe, this bridge is one of the first places I want to see. It’s not just a structure—it’s a symbol of connection. Imagine standing on one end and looking out toward another country. That feeling of going from one land to another in just minutes is so exciting!
My teacher once said, “Bridges connect more than just roads—they connect people.” And I think the Øresund Bridge proves that perfectly.
Conclusion
The Øresund Bridge is more than just concrete and steel. It’s an idea brought to life—an idea of unity, travel, and discovery.
So next time someone asks you about an amazing bridge, tell them about the 16 km Øresund Bridge between Denmark and Sweden. Talk about its traffic, tunnel, Peberholm island, train rides, and toll prices.
And don’t forget to mention ØresundGO if they want to save money!
Summary Table
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Connects Copenhagen (Denmark) and Malmö (Sweden) |
| Total Length | 16 km (8 km bridge + 4 km island + 4 km tunnel) |
| Transport Options | Cars, buses, trains (no bikes or walking allowed) |
| Toll Booths | Located on the Swedish side |
| Traffic | Around 20,000 vehicles per day |
| ØresundGO | Membership card for cheaper tolls |
| Interesting Feature | Artificial island (Peberholm) for wildlife and nature studies |
| Special Fact | Part of the bridge is under the sea (Drogden Tunnel) |
If you ever get the chance to cross the Øresund Bridge—by car, bus, or train—take it. You’ll be riding across one of the most amazing and inspiring engineering wonders of the world.
FAQs
Q1: What is the Øresund Bridge Tunnel?
A: The Øresund Bridge Tunnel is a 16 km long connection between Denmark and Sweden. It is made of a bridge, an artificial island, and an underwater tunnel.
Q2: Where is the Øresund Bridge located?
A: It connects the city of Copenhagen in Denmark to the city of Malmö in Sweden. It goes over and under the Øresund Strait.
Q3: How do people travel on the Øresund Bridge?
A: People can travel across by car, bus, or train. The bridge carries both road and rail traffic.
Q4: Can I walk or bike across the bridge?
A: No, walking or biking is not allowed. But you can carry your bicycle on the train and cross that way.
Q5: How long does it take to cross the bridge?
A: It usually takes 10 to 15 minutes by car or train to cross the entire bridge-tunnel route.
Q6: Is there a toll to cross the Øresund Bridge?
A: Yes, you have to pay a toll if you cross by vehicle. Toll booths are placed on the Swedish side of the bridge.
Q7: How much does it cost to cross the bridge?
A: It depends on the vehicle. For a car, it costs around 69 EUR (520 DKK) for one way. You can save money by using ØresundGO.
Q8: What is ØresundGO?
A: ØresundGO is a membership card that gives you discounts on toll prices. It’s good for people who use the bridge often.
Q9: What is Peberholm?
A: Peberholm is a man-made island in the middle of the bridge. It connects the bridge to the tunnel and is also used to protect nature.
Q10: What is special about the Øresund Bridge Tunnel?
A: It is the longest combined road and rail bridge in Europe. It connects two countries, supports nature, and includes a tunnel under the sea.
Q11: Are there any safety checks when crossing?
A: Sometimes there are passport or ID checks, especially if there are travel rules between Denmark and Sweden. Always carry your valid ID.
Q12: Can I use credit cards to pay the toll?
A: Yes, credit cards and electronic toll devices are accepted. You don’t always need to stop at the booth.
Q13: Is the Øresund Bridge open all year?
A: Yes! The bridge is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in all weather conditions. Only in very rare cases (like storms), it might close for a short time.
Q14: Can tourists visit the Øresund Bridge?
A: You can drive across it or take a train, but you cannot stop or walk on the bridge. However, you can enjoy the view from Copenhagen or Malmö.
Q15: Where can I find more information?
A: You can visit the Øresund Bridge’s official website for more details about prices, travel rules, and discounts.
