This steel arch bridge carries road and rail traffic across the Fehmarnsund strait, linking the German mainland to Fehmarn, the Baltic Sea island that is part of the Vogelfluglinie route toward Denmark. The bridge's single soaring arch is a recognizable landmark along this stretch of coast, and the island beyond it is low, flat, and ringed with beaches rather than cliffs. Fehmarn is a working landscape of farmland and harbor towns as much as a resort, so the appeal is coastline and open water rather than a single sight.
The Fehmarnsund Bridge, completed in 1963, spans the narrow strait between the German mainland at Grossenbrode and Fehmarn island, carrying both road and rail traffic on a distinctive arched steel structure that rises high enough to let ships pass beneath. The bridge itself is a recognisable engineering landmark along the Vogelfluglinie route connecting Germany to Denmark, and its silhouette, especially at dusk when navigation lights pick out the arch, is a popular subject for photographers positioned along the shoreline on either side. Fehmarn island beyond the bridge is one of the sunniest spots on the German Baltic coast, with sandy beaches, cliffside paths, and a reputation as a windsurfing and kitesurfing destination thanks to steady coastal winds. A full exploration of the island's beaches and coastal villages takes half a day to a full day, while simply crossing to view the bridge and a nearby beach can be done in an hour or two. Summer is the obvious peak season for the island's beaches, while clear evenings offer the best conditions for photographing the bridge's silhouette against the sunset.
| Admission | Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Always open (bridge and island) |
| Typical visit | Half day to full day |
| Best time | Summer for the island's beaches; clear evenings for photographing the bridge silhouette |
| Getting there | Car or train across the Fehmarnsund Bridge from Grossenbrode on the mainland |
| Address | Fehmarnsundbruecke, 23769 Fehmarn, Germany |
Location
Fehmarnsundbruecke, 23769 Fehmarn, Germany
54.4344, 11.2119 View on map
Highlights
- Distinctive arched steel bridge spanning the Fehmarnsund strait
- Views of ships passing beneath the bridge's high central arch
- Sandy beaches and cliffside paths across Fehmarn island
- Reputation as a windsurfing and kitesurfing destination
- Photogenic bridge silhouette at dusk with navigation lights
Tips for visiting
- Photograph the bridge from the shoreline near Grossenbrode for the classic silhouette shot
- Visit at dusk for the most dramatic lighting on the bridge's arch
- Allow a half day or more to properly explore Fehmarn island's beaches beyond the bridge
- Check wind forecasts if planning to windsurf or kitesurf on the island's coast
- Cross by train rather than car to skip potential summer bridge traffic
When to visit
Summer is best for the island's beaches, while clear evenings give the most dramatic photographs of the illuminated bridge.
Accessibility
Shoreline viewing points near the bridge are mostly level, though some beach and cliffside paths on Fehmarn island are uneven and sandy.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit take?
Viewing the bridge and a nearby beach takes an hour or two, while a full exploration of Fehmarn island takes half a day to a full day.
Is it worth it for kids?
Yes, the beaches and open coastal scenery on Fehmarn island make it a popular family destination.
Is photography allowed?
Yes, the bridge and shoreline are open public areas that can be freely photographed.
Is there a fee to cross the bridge?
No, the bridge carries free public road and rail traffic with no toll.