The Øresund Bridge stands as one of Europe's most impressive engineering achievements, spanning the waters between Copahegan, Denmark and Malmö, Sweden to create a vital link between Scandinavia's two major nations. This remarkable structure represents far more than a transportation route - it symbolizes international cooperation, technological innovation, and the transformative power of modern infrastructure.
Design and engineering features
As a combined railway and motorway cable-stayed bridge across the Øresund Strait between Denmark and Sweden, this structure ranks as Europe's second longest bridge while uniquely combining both roadway and railway functions.
Comprising three main components, the complete crossing system includes a cable-stayed bridge spanning 8km, an artificial island called Peberholm, and an immersed tunnel each stretching 4km.
Starting in Sweden, the bridge connects to the tunnel beginning in Denmark. Such design allows both maritime traffic and aircraft to pass without obstruction while maintaining efficient land transportation between the two countries, a strategic investment to stimulate economic growth, enhance trade and facilitate mobility in the Nordic countries.
The bridge section carries a dual-track railway on the lower level and a four-lane motorway above, supported by two 204-metre-high pylons and a main span of 490 metres. Construction began in 1995 after an agreement between Sweden and Denmark’s government to build a permanent link across the Øresund Strait was signed in 1991.
Economic and social impact
The bridge's impact on regional development has been profound and measurable. As a result, cross-border commuting has increased by more than 400%. Research by Øresundsinstituttet, an independent research organisation, has illustrated the long-lasting impact, with over 100 Swedish businesses relocating their headquarters and offices to Mälmo since the opening of the bridge, creating thousands of job opportunities.
Since its inauguration, the Øresundsbron’s traffic report shows traffic across the bridge has increased from 1.7 million in 2000 to 7.6 million in 2024 - this includes commuters, leisure, business and freight traffic.
With a population of 4.2 million, the Øresund region stands as the largest labour market in the Nordic region today. This steady growth in traffic reflects the deepening economic and social integration between Denmark and Sweden.
The bridge has significantly reduced travel time between Copenhagen and Malmö, making daily commuting more feasible and strengthening cross-border employment opportunities. As a result, thousands of people now live in one country and work in the other, supporting a more flexible and interconnected labour market, working towards their goal of 30,000 commuters in 2030.
Looking forward
The Øresund Bridge's 25th anniversary was marked by a series of celebrations, which continues throughout 2025, presenting Northern Europe’s most dynamic areas for economic prosperity, innovation, and cultural integration.
The centrepiece celebration took place on July 1st, 2025, with Denmark's King Frederik and Queen Mary, as well as Sweden's King Carl Gustaf and Queen Silvia meeting on the Swedish side of the bridge, then driving in a motorcade across the bridge, stopping on the island of Peberholm in the middle of the Øresund Sweden. Further commencing celebrations, 40,000 people from around the world participated in the Bridge Run 2025, running a half marathon across the two countries on June 15, 2025.
The bridge's role as a catalyst for Nordic cooperation suggests its influence will only grow. Originally designed to last around 100 years, the bridge may now stand the test of time even longer, as new proposals by scientists at Lund University aim to double its lifespan. Its success has also inspired ambitious projects like the Fehmarnbelt tunnel connecting Denmark and Germany, demonstrating how eco-conscious, cross-border infrastructure can drive regional growth.
Chelsea Low covers business and economic news in Malaysia, providing insights on market trends, corporate developments, and financial policies. More about Chelsea Low
