Øresund Region

Øresundsregionen

The remarkable Øresund Bridge-tunnel connects Copenhagen to Malmö, Sweden, and the region is a united cultural and economic zone worth exploring. Both sides offer unique Scandinavian experiences within easy reach of each other.

Things to do

• Øresund Bridge — Walk or cycle across the iconic 16 km bridge-tunnel connecting Copenhagen and Malmö, enjoying panoramic views of the strait and experiencing the architectural marvel that unified the region.
• Malmö Castle (Malmöhus) — Explore this Renaissance fortress on the Malmö waterfront housing museums of art, natural history, and cultural exhibitions with views across the sound to Denmark.
• Tåsinge Slot — Visit this romantic 17th-century castle on the Danish side set in beautiful gardens and offering guided tours through furnished royal rooms and local history.
• Ribersborgs Beach and Bath House — Enjoy Sweden's largest seaside bathing district in Malmö with a historic 1898 bathhouse, sandy beach, and local swimming culture.
• Copenhagen's Nyhavn and Christianshavn — Stroll the colorful canal-side district of historic townhouses, seafood restaurants, and the alternative community of Christiania just minutes from the bridge.
• Foteviken Viking Reserve — Experience an open-air museum near Malmö recreating Viking Age settlements with authentic buildings, crafts, and demonstrations of Bronze Age life.
• Citytunneln Malmö — Ride the new urban tunnel train system through Malmö's heart, connecting the city center to the Øresund Bridge station with modern Scandinavian transit design.

Food to try

• Smørrebrød — Traditional open-faced Danish rye bread sandwiches topped with herring, shrimp, egg, or roast beef found in Copenhagen cafés and throughout the region.
• Gravlax with Dill — Cured salmon gravlax is a Swedish specialty served throughout Malmö's restaurants, often accompanied by mustard sauce and fresh dill.
• Fårikål — A Scandinavian stew of lamb, potatoes, and cabbage that appears on menus across both Danish and Swedish sides of the Øresund.
• Fresh Øresund Seafood — The strait's fishing heritage means exceptional fresh herring, plaice, and langoustines served in waterfront restaurants on both Copenhagen and Malmö waterfronts.
• Kanelsnäckor — Swedish cinnamon rolls found in bakeries throughout the region, often paired with strong coffee as a beloved afternoon tradition.
• Royal Smushi House Experience — Modern reinterpretation of smørrebrød served as small bites at Copenhagen's trendy restaurants, blending traditional Danish flavors with contemporary plating.

Local customs & good to know

• Dual Citizenship Culture — The region functions as one unified zone where residents freely cross the border for work and leisure; expect bilingual signage and integrated Scandinavian identity.
• Fika and Coffee Culture — Swedish 'fika' (coffee break) traditions are observed seriously throughout Malmö with bakeries and cafés as social meeting spaces; take time to slow down and join locals.
• Cycling is Primary Transport — Both Copenhagen and Malmö are intensely bike-friendly cities where cycling paths are everywhere; rent a bike to experience daily local life as residents do.
• Seasonal Light Consciousness — Visitors should embrace the dramatic seasonal shifts with long summer evenings and dark winters; locals embrace 'hygge' and 'mysig' (cozy) indoor culture during darker months.