The Great Belt Bridge seen from Korsør

From the shore at Korsør and Halsskov, one of Denmark's most magnificent views opens up: the Great Belt Bridge, sweeping in an elegant curve across the water to link Zealand with Funen. It is right here, on the Zealand side, that the bridge's most impressive section meets land. The free-standing suspension bridge – the East Bridge – spans between Sprogø and Halsskov, which is why Korsør brings you closest to the towering pylons and the soaring bridge deck.

At around 18 kilometres, the Great Belt Fixed Link is one of the world's great engineering feats. It has three parts: the long West Bridge between Funen and the small island of Sprogø, a railway tunnel beneath the eastern channel, and the striking East Bridge – the suspension bridge – between Sprogø and Halsskov. The East Bridge's main span measures 1,624 metres and was among the longest of its kind in the world when it opened. Its two pylons rise 254 metres above the sea, making them among the tallest structures in Denmark, while a clearance of 65 metres leaves room for even large cruise ships. The link opened to trains in 1997 and to cars in 1998, replacing the ferries that had sailed between Halsskov and Knudshoved for generations.

And there is one experience few people know about: at Halsskov you can get so close to the bridge that you can place your hand on the mighty structure. Giving the bridge a friendly pat, as the locals put it, brings an almost dizzying sense of its scale – here you don't just see Denmark's largest structure from afar, you can actually touch it.

That ferry history lives on at Halsskov, where the old ferry harbour now frames a peaceful stretch of coast with the bridge as an ever-present backdrop. From here you can trace the gentle curve of the deck, look straight up the piers and feel the rush as cars and trains pass high overhead. The viewpoints along the Halsskov and Korsør coast are a favourite with photographers, walkers, cyclists and anglers all year round. The scene shifts with weather and light – soft and golden as the sun rises over the Great Belt, raw and dramatic when autumn storms churn sea and sky behind the structure.

A trip to the foot of the bridge at Korsør pairs easily with the rest of West Zealand. The town of Korsør offers a charming harbour, historic fortifications and rich birdlife and nature around Korsør Nor, while the whole coast invites walks and excursions. Find inspiration for more nature and coastal experiences in the area at Destination Sjælland.

To delve into the figures and the engineering behind the structure, read more at Sund & Bælt, which operates and maintains the link. But the best way to grasp the bridge's scale is still to stand at the water's edge in Korsør, tilt your head back and let your eyes travel up the pylons – all the way to where steel meets sky.

Frequently asked questions about the Great Belt Bridge

How long is the Great Belt Bridge?

The Great Belt Fixed Link is about 18 kilometres long and consists of the West Bridge, a railway tunnel and the large East Bridge – the suspension bridge – between Sprogø and Halsskov.

How tall is the Great Belt Bridge?

The East Bridge’s two pylons are 254 metres tall, among the tallest structures in Denmark. The clearance beneath the bridge is 65 metres.

When did the Great Belt Bridge open?

The link opened to trains in 1997 and to cars in 1998.

Where is the best place to see the Great Belt Bridge?

From Korsør and Halsskov on the Zealand side, where the great suspension bridge meets land. Here you come closest to the pylons – and at Halsskov right up to the bridge itself.

See the bridge up close from Sprogø

Book a guided tour to Sprogø with Destination Sjælland – from New Sprogø you come right up to the suspension bridge.