Old Svinesund Bridge, International bridge between Strömstad, Sweden and Halden, Norway
The Old Svinesund Bridge is a road bridge with a reinforced concrete arch that spans the Iddefjord between Strömstad in Sweden and Halden in Norway. The structure consists of a single large arch rising high above the water, creating a distinctive silhouette visible from both sides of the border.
Construction began in 1939 but was interrupted during World War II, with a lightning strike destroying defensive explosives in 1942. After the war, the bridge was completed and reopened in 1946, serving as a physical sign of restored relations between the countries.
The bridge takes its name from the strait it crosses and remains a symbol of cooperation between the two neighboring countries today. Pedestrians and cyclists use it regularly to move between Sweden and Norway, making it an everyday expression of cross-border connection.
Today the bridge is open only to light vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists, as heavy trucks use the newer bridge about one kilometer to the west. This makes it a relaxed way to experience the border crossing on foot or by bicycle without heavy traffic.
At its completion, the bridge's arch rose more than 60 meters, making it one of Northern Europe's highest when it opened. Standing on the bridge and looking down reveals an impressive drop that many visitors find striking.
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