Peberholm  

Peberholm is the green island in the middle of Øresund.

The Øresund Bridge's artificial island, spanning 130 hectares, was established between 1995 and 1999 using dredging material (approximately 9 million m³) from the construction of the tunnel trench. Its name refers to Saltholm, the natural neighboring island to the north.

Peberholm was created as part of the Øresund Bridge, serving as a transition point between the bridge and the tunnel. The island was constructed to enable the shift of traffic from the bridge—where train and car traffic operate on two levels—to the tunnel portal on the island's western side, where traffic enters the Øresund Tunnel on a single level side by side.

The island is surrounded by stone embankments (approximately 2 million m³). No landfill or soil from the mainland was added, and nothing was planted by human hands. The island was left barren, allowing all species to migrate naturally from either Denmark or Sweden. Since Peberholm's establishment, nature has been left to evolve freely, making it an exciting natural experiment that has developed rich biodiversity. The island has transformed from a barren area into the green island of Øresund, with an impressive and unique variety of flora and fauna.

Peberholm has been a Natura 2000 site since 2000, and its nature is considered particularly valuable from a European perspective. Øresund Bridge therefore strives to preserve its strong biodiversity through various efforts.

Øresundsbro Konsortiet's original strategy of allowing nature to develop without human intervention proved highly successful. Within just a few years, the barren area became home to an impressive variety of plant and animal life. The number of plant species found on Peberholm is estimated to be around 600, and approximately 30 bird species nest there annually.

In connection with the 20th anniversary in 2020, annual surveys showed a decline in certain species that thrive best in bright and open areas. As a result, conservation efforts now include clearing shrubs and small trees on about 10% of the island's area. The aim is to maintain strong biodiversity and attract birds and plants that were previously at risk of disappearing as vegetation increased. Thanks to these efforts, Øresundsbro Konsortiet is pleased to report the return of several species.

Øresund's operations became greener in spring 2023 with the commissioning of 10,000 square meters of solar panels on Peberholm. Together with 3,000 square meters of solar panels at the toll station, the solar park on the island now provides nearly half of the connection's electricity consumption.

Facts: Peberholm