Southern Sweden

About this tour

The Øresund Region – a cross-border metropolitan area encompassing Denmark’s Sjælland and Bornholm, and Sweden’s Skåne – is a fascinating focus for contemporary urban studies. From the Viking Age onward, this region became a contested territory as Nordic powers fought for control over the Øresund Strait, a vital waterway for trade and military power. This tumultuous yet rich history has shaped the cities of Copenhagen, Malmö, Helsingborg, and Helsingør, each developing a distinct identity and harbor landscape.

Copenhagen and Malmö, facing each other across the strait, are major cities with vibrant cultures, histories, and urban layouts. Both have successfully transformed their harbors, overcoming industrial decline through innovative waterfront revitalization. Meanwhile, the smaller cities of Helsingør and Helsingborg, once the primary crossing point over the strait, offer unique insights into the strait’s history and significance, while showcasing world-class urban art and public spaces on a more intimate scale.

Today, the Øresund is no longer a barrier, but rather a bridge between Denmark and Sweden, fostering economic and cultural cooperation. This is symbolized both metaphorically and physically by the Øresund Bridge, which has facilitated the movement of millions since its opening in 2000.

During our Study Tour, we will experience the region’s interconnectedness through train and ferry rides, and get to compare and contrast the urban developments and waterfront transformations of different harbor cities. Through walking tours, museum visits, and talks by local professionals, we will gain deeper insights into the past, present and future of the Øresund Region.