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Øresund Bridge at 20: Celebrating the Danish-Swedish connection

It’s been 20 years since the inauguration of a cultural icon and the link between Denmark and Sweden

Ayee Macaraig

A mini-concert, a film and special lighting are just some of the ways Denmark and Sweden are celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Øresund Bridge on Wednesday – a symbol of the Danish-Swedish connection.

It has been exactly 20 years since Queen Margrethe II and Sweden’s King Carl Gustaf inaugurated the bridge that connects Copenhagen and Malmö, building commercial and cultural ties between the Scandinavian neighbours over 15.9 km of steel and concrete.

“Thousands of people on their way to school, work and leisure – around the clock, year round. A pulsating stream over the Øresund. A constant exchange of goods, labour, culture, knowledge and inspiration. We are connected and we always will be,” said Øresundsbro Konsortiet in a statement to mark the anniversary.

Lukas Graham playing
Wednesday’s events include a mini-concert with pop band Lukas Graham by one of the bridge’s pylons. It will be broadcast live at 8pm on the bridge’s website and Facebook page.

Organisers are also launching an anniversary film to pay tribute to the people of the region. It will be available here.

Pontoon lights will be switched on every evening from July 1 to 5, which organisers promise to be more energy-efficient and attractive than the original pylon lighting.

History and culture
The Øresund Bridge was built primarily as a regional connection between Denmark and Sweden, driving the growth of housing, business and labour markets on both sides of the Sound.

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