Öland Bridge
Kalmar län
The Öland Bridge, known locally as Ölandsbron, is a remarkable beam bridge in Sweden that spans the Kalmar Strait, linking Jutnabben in Kalmar on the mainland to Möllstorp near Färjestaden on the island of Öland. Measuring 6,072 meters in length, it was once the longest bridge in Europe until 1998 and remains the longest bridge entirely on Swedish territory. Constructed from reinforced concrete with 155 spans, including a high bridge section composed of six 130-meter spans, the bridge features a distinct hump at its western end to allow a vertical clearance of 36 meters for maritime traffic. The road crossing the bridge is County Road 137, connecting to major routes on both the mainland and Öland. Inaugurated in 1972 by Crown Prince Carl Gustaf after 4.5 years of construction, the bridge was a major infrastructure project that reversed emigration trends from Öland and spurred residential development in the nearby Färjestaden area. The bridge also serves as a conduit for fresh water supply from the mainland to Öland. Over the decades, it has undergone extensive maintenance due to environmental exposure and structural challenges, including corrosion from using brackish water in concrete during construction. Today, it remains an iconic symbol of connectivity and engineering prowess in Sweden, offering visitors stunning views of the Baltic Sea and easy access to the island's natural and cultural attractions.
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Astuce: The best time to visit the Öland Bridge is during daylight hours to fully appreciate the panoramic views of the Kalmar Strait and Baltic Sea. Visitors planning to cross by bicycle or on foot can explore the nearby pedestrian and bicycle wooden bridge near Svinö, which mirrors the main bridge's form. While no specific ticket is required, travelers should check local traffic updates for any maintenance-related closures. Early planning is recommended during peak tourist seasons to avoid congestion. The bridge is accessible year-round and offers convenient connections to Öland's attractions via County Roads 136 and 137.
Faits intéressants
- •The Öland Bridge was Europe's longest bridge from its completion in 1972 until 1998.
- •It is Sweden's longest bridge entirely on Swedish territory, surpassing the Öresund Bridge which partly lies in Denmark.
- •The bridge consists of 155 spans, with a high bridge section made up of six 130-meter spans allowing maritime clearance.
- •A smaller wooden pedestrian and bicycle bridge near Svinö echoes the form of the Öland Bridge and is visible to travelers crossing to Öland.
- •During construction, brackish water from Kalmarsund was mixed into concrete, causing reinforcement corrosion requiring extensive maintenance later.
- •The bridge has undergone maintenance and improvements costing over 1.1 billion SEK (2010 price level) since its opening.
Histoire
The idea of a fixed link between Öland and the Swedish mainland dates back to at least 1932, with increasing political support in the 1950s.
Key advocates included politician Fritz Börjesson and forester Uno Danielson.
The Swedish government approved the bridge construction plan in 1966, with groundbreaking ceremonies held in late 1967 and early 1968.
The Öland Bridge was officially inaugurated on September 30, 1972, by Crown Prince Carl Gustaf.
At the time, it was Europe's longest bridge until surpassed in 1998 by Portugal's Vasco da Gama Bridge.
The bridge's construction reversed Öland's emigration trend and stimulated significant residential growth in Färjestaden.
Since opening, the bridge has required substantial maintenance due to environmental factors and construction challenges, with costs exceeding the original building expenses.
