The Oresund Bridge is a remarkable bridge-and-tunnel structure connecting the Swedish city of Malmö to Denmark’s capital, Copenhagen. This engineering masterpiece stretches across the Oresund Strait and is famous for its unique design, where it transitions from a bridge into an underwater tunnel before re-emerging on the other side. This allows for a safe, quick crossing between the two countries.
The structure has three parts: the bridge, an artificial island called Peberholm, and an underwater tunnel known as the Drogden Tunnel. This design ensures that both road and rail traffic can move freely between Sweden and Denmark, while still allowing large ships to pass through and planes to land safely at Copenhagen Airport.
The Oresund Bridge
The bridge part of theOresund connection is about 8 kilometers (5 miles) long and has two levels, one for cars and another for trains. Supported by strong cables and large towers, the bridge is a beautiful sight, especially when viewed from the water. The bridge section offers stunning views of the sea and creates a scenic route for travelers heading between Sweden and Denmark.
Peberholm Island
After the bridge section, the structure reaches an artificial island called Peberholm. This small island was built specifically to make the transition between bridge and tunnel possible. Peberholm is also home to a unique ecosystem, as plants and wildlife have naturally settled there, turning it into an unexpected natural reserve. Public access to the island is restricted to preserve its wildlife.
The Drogden Tunnel
From Peberholm, the journey continues into the Drogden Tunnel, which runs under the sea for about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles). This tunnel was built to allow ships to pass freely above and to prevent any interference with air traffic near Copenhagen Airport. Inside the tunnel, there are separate lanes for cars and trains, making travel efficient and safe.
A Gateway Between Sweden and Denmark
The Oresund Bridge and Tunnel officially opened in 2000, and it has since become a crucial connection between Sweden and Denmark. It allows people to travel for work, study, and leisure, linking the two countries’ economies and cultures in a way that was never possible before.
An Icon of Modern Engineering
The Oresund Bridge and Tunnel are admired worldwide for their design and functionality. This structure has shown how engineering can bring nations closer together by overcoming natural barriers, offering a gateway between countries, and respecting the needs of both land and sea.
