Dezeen · Creativity & design

Denmark Gains Land Through Tunnel Project

A land reclamation project for the Fehmarnbelt Tunnel has created a new 300,000-square-metre area on Denmark's southern coast.

The artificial island, equivalent to 42 football pitches, repurposes seabed excavations from the 18-kilometre Fehmarnbelt Tunnel, which will connect Denmark and Germany. The tunnel is set to be the world's longest road-and-rail tunnel.

The new land will be landscaped as a nature spot with walking trails, ponds, and native plants, aiming to attract wildlife such as birds, amphibians, and insects. The goal is to create a unique coastal nature experience for visitors.

The tunnel, scheduled for completion in 2029, is being constructed from 89 large concrete elements. It is expected to significantly reduce travel times between Hamburg and Copenhagen, lessening reliance on air travel.

Soil excavated for the tunnel factory has also been spread on the site, containing plant seeds that are intended to help establish the new landscape. The project faced delays due to opposition from ferry operators and conservation groups.

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