Danish couple among first to cross new Storstrøm Bridge in vintage Volvo

A couple from the Danish island of Falster were among the first to drive across the newly opened Queen Margrethe II Bridge, crossing the Storstrøm strait in their 1985 Volvo 240 GL.

Charsten and Mette Hansen, from the village of Horbelev, made the journey in their freshly washed vintage car—decorated with flowers for the occasion—after the bridge officially opened to traffic on Saturday, reports Danish broadcaster DR.

“We both thought it was exciting to drive off in the old car, and we’ve never opened a bridge before, so we thought today should be the day,” said Mette Hansen from the passenger seat.

The new bridge, Denmark’s third-longest at around 4 km, replaces the 1937 Storstrøm Bridge, which was notorious for its narrow lanes. The Hansens, who frequently visit family on Zealand, immediately noticed the difference.

“It feels incredibly wide compared to the old one—it’s lovely to drive on,” Mette Hansen said. “All it needs now is a bit of sunshine, and everything would be perfect.”

Her husband agreed: “It’s almost like driving on a motorway in terms of space. There are high guardrails on both sides and a fairly wide central reservation.”

The old bridge was so narrow that lorries risked losing side mirrors when passing each other, Mette Hansen recalled. “They’d get too close to the crash barrier, a mirror would come off, and they’d have to stop at the nearest café, Aksel, to buy a new one.”

Though the new bridge is now open, the Hansens may take one last trip over the old structure before it is demolished between 2028 and 2032. A rail connection on the new bridge is expected by 2027.