ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the role of soft spaces in processes of cross-border regionalism in the southwest Baltic Sea area. Commencing operation in 2021, a new road and rail tunnel between the island of Fehmarn in Northern Germany and Rödby in southeastern Denmark is expected (by its promoters) to make a major contribution to regional integration in Northern Europe, providing a direct link between the cities of Hamburg and Copenhagen and on to Malmö in Sweden (see Figure 7.1). The tunnel, in combination with high-speed rail links in both Denmark and Northern Germany, is planned to reduce the current travel time of 4.5 hours by up to two hours (see STRING, 2012a). This route is currently served by a ferry service which is directly integrated with the intercity rail connection between Copenhagen and Hamburg.
