Saltholm (
Salt Islet) is a Danish island in the
Øresund, the
strait that separates
Denmark and
Sweden. It is located to the east of the Danish island of
Amager in
Tårnby municipality and lies just to the west of the sea border between Denmark and Sweden. It is 7 km long and 3 km wide, covering an area of 16 km², making it Denmark's 21st largest island. Saltholm is very flat; its highest point stands only 2 m (6 ft) above sea level, rendering it vulnerable to flooding if persistent east winds cause a tidal surge in the
Baltic Sea. It is a relatively new landmass in geological terms, having risen from the sea about 4,000 years ago, and is surrounded by a large area of shallow water (of 2 m depth or less) that covers an area of 28 km². A series of islets, inlets and rock deposits from the last
ice age appear at the south end of the island.