Unmissable Things to Do Around the Öresund Bridge

Intro to Öresund Bridge

Stretching across the cobalt waters of the Öresund Strait, the iconic Öresund Bridge isn’t just an engineering marvel — it’s a symbolic link between nations, cultures, and landscapes. Connecting Denmark’s vibrant capital Copenhagen with Sweden’s charming city of Malmö, this hybrid bridge-tunnel creates a seamless transition between two Nordic worlds.

Whether you’re crossing for the views, the architecture, or to explore both countries in a single day, the Öresund region offers a wealth of unforgettable attractions on either side. From modern museums and medieval castles to quiet beaches and buzzing food markets, this guide unveils the most compelling landmarks and hidden gems.

Why Visit These Öresund Bridge Attractions?

The Öresund region is unlike anywhere else in Scandinavia. With the bridge serving as the gateway, visitors can explore two countries — Denmark and Sweden — without ever stepping on a plane. This cultural corridor is steeped in Nordic heritage, innovative architecture, seaside charm, and centuries-old landmarks.

Attractions range from cutting-edge science centers and castles to coastal trails and Viking relics. The proximity of Copenhagen and Malmö (connected in just 35 minutes by train) makes it easy to plan a full itinerary filled with historic sites, contemporary art, natural beauty, and local flavor.

Guided experiences make it even more worthwhile — offering insights into regional history, priority access to museums and landmarks, and bilingual narration for travelers hopping between languages.

Iconic Landmarks and Historic Sites

Öresund Bridge (Øresundsbron)
The star of the show, this 8-km cable-stayed bridge is one of Europe’s most stunning engineering feats. Opened in 2000, it links two nations via rail and motorway and transforms into an underwater tunnel on the Danish side. Whether seen from above, below, or on the crossing train, the bridge offers epic photo ops — especially at sunrise and sunset.

Visitor Tip: There’s no pedestrian access, but you can view the bridge from spots like Lernacken (Malmö) or Dragør Fort (Copenhagen side). Boat tours from Malmö or guided drives from Copenhagen offer the best perspective.

Kronborg Castle (Denmark)
Just a short trip north from the bridge lies Kronborg Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the real-life setting for Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Overlooking the Øresund Sound, it’s one of Northern Europe’s most important Renaissance castles.

Visitor Tip: Summer brings live Hamlet performances in the courtyard. Tickets can sell out, so book in advance for a guided day tour from Copenhagen.

Malmö Castle (Malmöhus)
This 16th-century fortress is the oldest surviving Renaissance castle in Scandinavia and houses several museums under one roof — from natural history to contemporary art. Its moats, drawbridges, and gardens create a peaceful setting steps from the city center.

Visitor Tip: Entry is covered by the Malmö Museum ticket, which includes access to the aquarium and science exhibits.

Christiansborg Palace (Copenhagen)
Home to the Danish Parliament, Supreme Court, and royal reception rooms, this palace offers an immersive dive into Denmark’s governance and monarchy. Climb the tower for one of the highest views in Copenhagen — completely free.

Visitor Tip: Book skip-the-line access to the royal stables and historic ruins beneath the palace.

Museums, Galleries & Cultural Spaces

Louisiana Museum of Modern Art (Humlebæk, Denmark)
Set on the coast north of the bridge, Louisiana blends world-class art with stunning sea views. Its permanent collection includes Giacometti, Hockney, and Yayoi Kusama, and its outdoor sculpture garden is pure serenity.

Visitor Tip: Time your visit with the sunset — the sculpture terrace overlooking the water is spectacular. Trains from Copenhagen stop nearby.

Malmö Konsthall (Sweden)
One of Europe’s largest exhibition halls for contemporary art, Malmö Konsthall is a light-filled space hosting cutting-edge installations and interactive pieces. Entry is free, making it an excellent stop for art lovers exploring the Swedish side of the bridge.

The Danish Architecture Center (DAC)
Located in the BLOX building on Copenhagen’s harborfront, DAC explores urban innovation, sustainability, and Scandinavian design. Their rooftop cafe offers striking views over the city.

National Museum of Denmark
Copenhagen’s top heritage institution houses Viking treasures, medieval armor, and ethnographic collections from Greenland to Ghana. It’s a great place to grasp the deep cultural currents that define the region.

Planning Tip: Allow at least 2 hours — exhibits are extensive and family-friendly.

Natural Attractions & Scenic Spots

Amager Strandpark (Copenhagen)
This artificial beach park offers boardwalks, swimming zones, and sweeping views of the Öresund Bridge in the distance. Ideal for summer sunbathing, paddleboarding, or winter walks.

Safety Tip: Lifeguards are on duty during summer, and facilities include showers, cafes, and kayak rentals.

Ribersborg Beach (Malmö)
Locals call it “Ribban,” and it’s one of Sweden’s best urban beaches. Walk the wooden piers, admire the sea-facing bathhouse, or relax in one of the nearby green spaces.

Seasonal Note: In winter, try a traditional Scandinavian sauna and ice plunge at the historic Ribersborg Kallbadhus.

Kungsparken and Slottsträdgården (Malmö)
These lush, flower-filled gardens behind Malmö Castle are perfect for a picnic or a slow afternoon stroll. Canals, wooden bridges, and a charming windmill create a picture-postcard setting.

Kalvebod Fælled (Denmark)
A hidden gem near the bridge tunnel entrance, this vast marshland is a haven for birdwatchers, cyclists, and photographers. Wooden boardwalks wind through the wetlands, offering silence and space just minutes from the city.

Access Tip: Rent a bike or e-scooter from Copenhagen to explore the trails easily.

Unique & Unexpected Places to Visit

The Peberholm Island (Denmark-Sweden Border)
This man-made island in the middle of the Öresund Strait plays a crucial ecological role — and it’s where the bridge transitions into the tunnel. While access is restricted to preserve its delicate habitat, views of Peberholm are unforgettable from the bridge or a passing train.

For something different: Book a train ride from Copenhagen to Malmö and sit on the left side for the best views of the tunnel emerging into the open sea.

The Turning Torso (Malmö)
A true architectural oddity, this twisting skyscraper by Santiago Calatrava is the tallest building in Scandinavia. Though the inside isn’t open to the public, it dominates the Malmö skyline and is visible for miles across the Öresund.

Hidden gem tip: Visit the surrounding Västra Hamnen neighborhood for modern urban design, sea decks, and cozy cafés with sunset views.

Dragør (Denmark)
Just south of the bridge’s tunnel entrance, this 18th-century fishing village is all cobbled streets, thatched roofs, and harbor views. It’s often skipped by tourists — but offers one of the best preserved old towns near Copenhagen.

Hidden away from the crowds: Visit during golden hour for magical lighting and fewer people. Ideal for photographers and quiet wanderers.

Disgusting Food Museum (Malmö)
Definitely not your average museum — here, you’ll find exhibits on bizarre edibles from around the world, from maggot-infested cheese to century eggs. It’s strange, educational, and surprisingly thought-provoking.

Travel tip: Open Wednesday to Sunday. Entry includes the courage to smell (and sometimes taste) the world’s most infamous foods.

Ørestad Architecture Walk (Copenhagen)
This ultra-modern district near the bridge features experimental architecture like the 8 House, VM Mountain, and Bella Sky Hotel. It’s a dream for design lovers and drone photographers.

Local angle: Combine with a stop at the nearby Royal Arena or Fields Mall.

Explore top-rated Öresund Bridge tours and experiences, and discover the best things to do near Copenhagen and Malmö — from castle walks to seaside viewpoints and Scandinavian museums. Book early for flexible tickets and unique cross-border adventures.

How to Plan Your Attraction Visits in the Öresund Region

Cross-Border City Cards & Passes
While there’s no joint Öresund Pass, the Copenhagen Card and Malmö Card offer great value for local attractions. Both include museums, castles, and public transport.

Booking Tips

• Book skip-the-line entries for Kronborg Castle and Christiansborg online
• Reserve popular Copenhagen museums in advance during summer
• Malmö museums often don’t require booking but check for guided tour availability

Suggested Full-Day Loop
Start early in Copenhagen → View the bridge from Amager Beach → Train across the bridge (35 mins) → Explore Malmö Castle + Turning Torso → Return via Dragør village or Ørestad for sunset.

Practical Notes

• Copenhagen is more stroller- and wheelchair-accessible than Malmö’s cobbled center
• Public restrooms are more common in Copenhagen; bring coins or a contactless card
• Weekends get busy on trains — travel early or after 10:00 AM

When to Visit These Attractions

• Spring (April–May)
  Best for gardens, biking trails, and moderate crowds. Flowers bloom in Kungsparken and Amager Strandpark comes alive with picnics.
• Summer (June–August)
  Peak season — warm days, long daylight hours, and lively harborfronts. Expect crowds at big sites, but perfect for beach days and festivals.
• Autumn (September–October)
  Fall colors and fewer tourists. A great time for castle tours and scenic bridge crossings under dramatic skies.
• Winter (November–March)
  Colder and darker, but magical with Christmas markets, museum hopping, and cozy cafés. Ribersborg’s bathhouse is a Nordic wellness treat in the snow.
• Holiday Closures
  Museums may close or limit hours during Easter, Christmas Eve/Day, and New Year’s. Double-check attraction calendars before booking.

Travel Tips for Seeing the Best of the Öresund Region

• Book train tickets between Copenhagen and Malmö in advance, especially on weekends
• Take sunrise/sunset boat cruises for dramatic Öresund Bridge views
• Pair nearby sites like Malmö Castle and Kungsparken into a single loop
• Use Copenhagen’s bike-sharing system (Bycyklen) or Malmö by Bike for quick local transport
• Bring your passport or ID for cross-border travel, even within Schengen
• Download the Rejseplanen app (Denmark) and Skånetrafiken (Sweden) for transit
• Buy attraction tickets online to save time and get discounts
• Travel early to avoid tour group crowds, especially in Copenhagen

Explore More Things to Do Near the Öresund Bridge

• Copenhagen – Plan your days in Denmark’s cultural capital
• Malmö – Explore Sweden’s most diverse and design-forward city
• Copenhagen Tours – From castles and canals to bike safaris and local food walks
• Sweden Travel Guide – See how to continue north from Malmö by train
• Denmark Travel Guide – More historic castles across Zealand and Jutland

Ready to explore timeless landmarks, hidden corners, and breathtaking views? Discover unforgettable things to do in the Öresund region — and start planning with our Copenhagen Travel Guide and Malmö Tours today.