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Where Is The Border Between Sweden And Denmark?

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Last updated on 7 min read

The border between Sweden and Denmark is a maritime boundary primarily along the Øresund strait, with the closest land points separated by approximately 2.5 nautical miles (4 km) of water.

Is there border control between Sweden and Denmark?

Yes, Denmark enforces temporary border controls when entering from Sweden, including checks on ferries and the Øresund Bridge.

Now, these aren’t permanent passport controls like you’d find at an airport. Instead, Danish authorities occasionally check travelers at ferry terminals in Rønne, Helsingør, Frederikshavn, and Grenaa. You’ll also encounter them on the Øresund Bridge and on trains heading from Sweden into Denmark. As of 2026, Denmark still maintains these measures under EU border security agreements—but honestly, this could change depending on political winds. Always bring valid ID, because random spot checks do happen. For the most current info, check the Øresund Bridge official site or Danish authorities before you travel.

Can you walk across the bridge between Denmark and Sweden?

No, the Øresund Bridge is not open to pedestrians; it is designed for vehicles and trains only.

Here’s the thing: the bridge includes a motorway, a railway, an artificial island called Peberholm, and a submerged tunnel. While there is a dedicated cycle path (and yes, you’ll pay a toll to cross on it), walking isn’t allowed for safety reasons. If you want to cross on foot, your best bet is to hop on a ferry or take a train. The bridge was built for high-speed trains and vehicles, not people strolling across. For alternatives, look into the Øresund ferry routes or regional trains.

What separates Denmark from Sweden?

The Øresund Strait (Danish: Øresund, Swedish: Öresund) separates Denmark and Sweden.

This isn’t just any old strait—it’s one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world. Connecting the Kattegat strait to the Baltic Sea, it stretches about 118 km (73 miles) long and can be up to 28 km (17 miles) wide. The water’s pretty shallow in places, averaging around 8 meters (26 feet) deep. That’s why the Øresund Bridge needed a tunnel—to keep ships moving without scraping the bottom.

What is the closest point between Denmark and Sweden?

The closest land points are between Helsingør, Denmark, and Helsingborg, Sweden, separated by 2.5 nautical miles (4 km) of water in the Øresund Strait.

FeatureDetails
StraitØresund (Öresund)
Distance2.5 nautical miles (4 km)
Travel time by ferry20 minutes
Notable portsHelsingør (DK), Helsingborg (SE)

Can I enter Sweden from Denmark?

Yes, you can enter Sweden from Denmark, but foreign travelers must meet regular entry requirements.

As of 2026, Sweden requires foreign travelers from Nordic countries to show valid ID—think passport or national ID card. You won’t need COVID-19 testing or quarantine for travel between Denmark and Sweden, since both are part of the Nordic travel zone. Still, rules can flip faster than a Swedish pancake, so double-check before you go. The Swedish Government website is your best friend for updates.

Can I drive through Denmark Corona?

As of 2026, Denmark has no COVID-19-related travel restrictions for entry by road.

RequirementStatus
Test before travelNot required
Test after arrivalNot required
Isolation after arrivalNot required

Denmark ditched all pandemic travel restrictions back in 2023. By 2026, you won’t need testing or quarantine to enter from Sweden—or anywhere else, for that matter. That said, border policies can shift overnight, so always peek at the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs before you hit the road.

How long does it take to cross the bridge between Sweden and Denmark?

It takes about 10 minutes to drive across the Øresund Bridge.

The bridge itself is roughly 8 km (5 miles) long, linking Copenhagen in Denmark with Malmö in Sweden. If you’re taking a high-speed train (SJ or Öresundståg, for example), you’ll be across in just over 20 minutes. Cyclists get their own path and usually take 30–40 minutes. Need real-time info? The Øresund Bridge website has you covered.

How much does it cost to cross the bridge from Denmark to Sweden?

The Øresund Bridge toll is approximately DKK 390 (DKK), SEK 460 (SEK), or EUR 54 (EUR) for a standard passenger vehicle.

Vehicle TypeToll (DKK)Toll (SEK)Toll (EUR)
Standard car39046054
Motorcycle20524028
Car with trailer62574087

You’ll pay the toll when you exit on the Swedish side. Credit cards, mobile payments, and pre-paid BroBizz transponders are all accepted. Frequent travelers or Øresund region residents often get discounts. For the latest tolls and payment options, check the official toll page.

How long is bridge between Denmark and Sweden?

The Øresund Bridge is approximately 16 km (10 miles) long in total, including a bridge, artificial island, and tunnel.

The bridge itself spans 7.8 km (4.8 miles), Peberholm (the artificial island) adds 4 km (2.5 miles), and the Drogden Tunnel covers another 4 km (2.5 miles). Add in the approach roads, and the whole link stretches about 20 km (12.4 miles). It’s a dual-purpose marvel, carrying both road and rail traffic, and it opened in 2000.

Which Scandinavian country is the most beautiful?

Norway is often considered the most beautiful Scandinavian country, renowned for its fjords, mountains, and northern lights.

I’ll admit it—I’m a bit biased, but Norway’s dramatic landscapes really do stand out. Think fjords like the Geirangerfjord, towering mountains, and the ethereal glow of the northern lights. Sweden has its own charm with vast forests and archipelagos, while Denmark charms with fairy-tale castles and historic cities. Beauty’s subjective, though. Maybe Denmark’s coastal towns speak to you, or Sweden’s Baltic Sea islands. For 2026 travel ideas, Visit Norway and Visit Sweden are great starting points.

Can you swim from Denmark to Sweden?

Yes, the Across Øresund Swim is an annual 8 km open-water competition between Helsingør, Denmark, and Helsingborg, Sweden.

Every summer, swimmers take on this 8 km open-water challenge. It’s not for the faint-hearted—the currents and shipping lanes add real danger. You’ll need to register ahead of time and meet safety requirements. Check out the official swim website for details. If you’re not a competitive swimmer, skip the solo attempt—ferries or guided tours are much safer ways to cross.

How deep is the sea between Denmark and Sweden?

The Kattegat, which connects to the Øresund Strait, has a mean depth of about 84 feet (26 meters).

The Kattegat isn’t uniform—some deeper channels plunge to 130 feet (40 meters). The strait averages 60–142 km (37–88 miles) wide and handles a ton of maritime traffic between the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. It’s pretty shallow overall, which is why the Øresund Bridge needed a tunnel to keep big ships moving.

How long does it take to get to Sweden from Denmark by boat?

The shortest ferry crossing between Denmark and Sweden takes about 20 minutes.

The quickest hop is between Helsingør, Denmark, and Helsingborg, Sweden—just 4 km (2.5 nautical miles) in under 30 minutes. Longer routes, like Copenhagen to Malmö, can take 2.5 to 5 hours depending on stops. Major operators like Fjord Line and Scandlines run frequent services. Always book ahead in peak season, and double-check schedules before you go.

Is Lund in Denmark or Sweden?

Lund is in southern Sweden, located northeast of Malmö in Skåne County.

Lund’s one of Sweden’s oldest cities, founded way back around 990 AD. It’s home to Lund University, one of Scandinavia’s top schools, and blends medieval charm with modern innovation. The city sits about 25 km (15 miles) northeast of Malmö and is easy to reach by train via the Øresund Bridge.

How long is the boat ride from Copenhagen to the border of Sweden?

The fastest boat ride from Copenhagen to the Swedish border (Helsingborg) takes about 20 minutes.

Ferries from Copenhagen (often from Nordhavn) to Helsingborg, Sweden, make the trip in under 30 minutes. Longer routes, like Copenhagen to Malmö, can take 2.5 to 5 hours with stops. For the quickest and most frequent service, stick with the Helsingør–Helsingborg route. Compare schedules on Scandlines or HH Ferries before you book.

Edited and fact-checked by the MeridianFacts editorial team.
James Cartwright

James Cartwright is a geography writer and former high school geography teacher who has spent 20 years making maps and distances interesting. He can name every capital city from memory and insists that geography is the most underrated subject in school.