Øresund Bridge, Copenhagen, Copenhagen Region, Denmark
The Øresund Bridge is an approximately 16 km long road and rail link between Sweden and Denmark. But it is much more than that. The Øresund Bridge has created a region with a population of 3.7 million inhabitants.
From vision to reality
The concept of a fixed link across Øresund is not new. For centuries, Øresund presented an obstacle to the transport of passengers and freight between Sweden and Denmark. Moreover, it also represented a psychological barrier simply because the mere thought of a difficult journey hampered trade and closer relations.
With the rise of industrialisation and internationalisation in Europe, the idea of a fixed link became more plausible. From the beginning of the 20th century, several proposals were put forward, although a lack of financing and political support meant that the proposals never got past the drawing board.
Stable political and economic environments in both Sweden and Denmark towards the end of the 20th century, however, laid a new foundation for the project. From vision to reality Stronger ties towards Europe also created a need to bring Scandinavia closer to the European continent.
The decision to build the bridge between Copenhagen and Malmö rather than Elsinore and Helsingborg was based on the wish to bring the two main cities of the Øresund Region closer together. Strategically, the position of the bridge near Copenhagen Airport also played a role.
Epic Denmark Culture & Adventure Route © Monika Newbound
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