For and against

"An exciting part of the future"

Ruth and Per Larsen, St. Heddinge, Denmark

"Lots of people will benefit from the project. Not just because it will create jobs but also because it will be much easier for many people to go south once the fixed link opens. For people like us who live some way from the tunnel it will be very helpful – and probably cheaper – when we go on holiday to Austria or on day-trips to Germany. The tunnel will also make it easier to visit places that we haven’t been to before. The project is an exciting part of the future and we’re looking forward to it in the same way as we did with the Storebælt bridge. We will follow it all and share in the pleasure."

"Friendship across the water"

Brigitte Wager, Rødby, Denmark

"The Fehmarnbelt link is an opportunity to create new contacts and form new friendships across the water. And then, of course, the link is important for the local area.  The new tunnel will not only be a gateway to Scandinavia, but also to Lolland. This is why we must try and make Lolland more attractive to tourists – including during the construction phase when many visitors will come here to see the construction of the new tunnel at first-hand. Personal contact is important to give tourists a good experience. And we should begin now to create the contacts and connections that will help to open up new horizons for everyone. “

"The environment must be protected"

Peter Wolf, Burg, Germany

"I’ve run a hotel on Fehmarn for the past 16-17 years and have known about the Fehmarnbelt link for just as long. Previously, I found it difficult to see the benefits of the project, but my views have changed over the years and I can now see the benefits for tourism and business on both sides of the belt.

I would probably have preferred a bridge because it would have looked a more impressive and interesting construction with greater design opportunities which, in turn, might have attracted more tourists. Also some people have problems with long tunnels. Nevertheless, I expect a tunnel to create increased movement across the water and I think that I myself will use the link fairly frequently. Fehmarn is a holiday island and in the summer we receive around 120,000 visitors. Many of these will undoubtedly take the opportunity to go to Denmark if the fixed link makes it easier. For this to happen, the link must interact well with the rest of the infrastructure such as the Femernsund bridge and the road network to Hamburg. For me it’s also important that the environment is considered during the construction phase. Although the fixed link will benefit the economy it must not be detrimental to the environment. For a holiday island, nature is our capital and we must guard it well."

"Important for business"

Dr. Wolfgang Hohner, Burg, Germany

"I regard the Fehmarnbelt link as necessary for bringing Scandinavia and Germany closer together. As I see it, the main advantages of the project will derive from increased business partnerships and the general development of the region, not least the Fehmarn and Rødby area. These days, a lot of trade is dependent on the motorway network and business and industry will benefit from new and faster transport systems. However, the fixed link is a huge undertaking so it’s imperative that everything fits together so that local interests and conditions for cyclists, motorists, freight transport and much else besides are addressed. One problem is the frequent high winds on the Femernsund bridge which can make it difficult for lorries to cross the bridge which, in any case, has only two lanes. A solution must be found to avoid heavy congestion on the island.”