Ven Island (Hven), Öresund

A small Öresund island of high cliffs, open fields and Tycho Brahe’s starry legacy, best explored at bike pace between harbours, churches and big horizons.

4.7

Looking to book tours, experiences or hotels? Let me help you...

Perched in the middle of the Öresund strait between Sweden and Denmark, the small island of Ven (Hven) packs in dramatic coastal cliffs, golden fields and low villages into just 7.5 sq km. Once the domain of Renaissance astronomer Tycho Brahe, it now lures day‑trippers and overnighters with bike-friendly lanes, big-sky sea views, the whitewashed medieval church of St Ibb and a quietly rural atmosphere that feels far from the mainland’s bustle.

A brief summary to Ven

Sankt Ibb, SE
Duration: 4 to 24 hours
Free
Outdoor
Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Local tips

Plan at least half a day with a rented bike so you can comfortably link the harbours, Tycho Brahe museum area, St Ibb’s Church and the Backafall clifftop paths.
Bring windproof layers even in summer; the plateau and coastal slopes are exposed and breezy, especially in the late afternoon and evening.
If you want quieter lanes and softer light, aim for early morning or late afternoon sailings rather than the middle of the day in peak season.
Pick up snacks or picnic supplies before exploring the coast; cafes and kiosks are clustered mainly near harbours and in villages, not on the clifftop paths.
Wear sturdy shoes for walking along the Backafall and other coastal paths, where ground can be uneven or muddy after rain.

Getting There

Ferry from Landskrona

From Landskrona, regular passenger ferries run year-round to Ven, typically taking about 30–40 minutes each way. In high season departures are frequent during the day, with reduced schedules in winter. A standard adult single ticket usually costs in the range of 80–140 SEK, with extra charges if you bring your own bicycle. The ferries have indoor seating and basic facilities, but services can be affected by strong winds or very rough seas, especially outside summer.
Seasonal boats from Helsingborg and Danish harbours

In summer, additional boat services connect Ven with Helsingborg and selected Danish ports such as Copenhagen or Helsingør. Crossing times are generally 60–90 minutes depending on route and vessel. Expect higher fares than the Landskrona ferry, broadly in the range of 200–400 SEK one way for adults. These routes are seasonal, usually operating from late spring to early autumn, and may run only once or twice per day, so advance booking and schedule checks are important.
Cycling and walking on Ven

Once you arrive at Bäckviken harbour on Ven, you can either walk or rent a bicycle from operators near the quay. Walking from the harbour up onto the plateau involves a noticeable hill and takes roughly 20–30 minutes to reach the central parts of the island at an easy pace. Bicycle rental for a full day commonly costs around 120–250 SEK per person, with simple gear bikes, children’s bikes and trailers often available. Roads are narrow but quiet, and most routes are suitable for reasonably fit visitors with basic cycling confidence.
Public transport to Landskrona

To connect with the Ven ferry in Landskrona, regional trains and buses run from major hubs in Skåne such as Malmö, Lund and Helsingborg. Train journeys to Landskrona station typically take 15–40 minutes depending on origin, with onward local buses or a short taxi ride to the ferry terminal. Single regional tickets generally fall in the 40–120 SEK range, with contactless and app-based payment widely accepted. Services are frequent in daytime but can be less regular late at night or on some weekends.

Ven location weather suitability

Clear Skies
Mild Temperatures
Any Weather
Windy Conditions
Cold Weather
Hot Weather

Discover more about Ven

An Öresund Island with a Big Horizon

Ven is a tiny, high‑rising island set in the middle of the Öresund strait between Scania on the Swedish side and Zealand in Denmark. The island’s plateau lifts around 40m above the sea, so almost everywhere you look the horizon feels tall and wide, with container ships and sailing boats sliding past below the cliffs. Despite its modest 7.5 sq km footprint and some 400 residents, Ven feels surprisingly spacious, threaded with fields, meadows and low stone walls rather than dense settlement. Four small villages – Bäckviken, Tuna By, Norreborg and Kyrkbacken – are scattered across the island, each with its own rhythm and cluster of houses. Fishing harbours, farmyards and a handful of cafes provide just enough activity to feel lived‑in while still leaving long stretches of quiet lane where all you hear is the scrape of a bike tyre and the wind in the crops.

Legacy of Tycho Brahe and the Age of Discovery

Ven’s fame far exceeds its size thanks to Tycho Brahe, the Danish nobleman and Renaissance astronomer who turned the island into one of Europe’s most important scientific centres in the late 1500s. Granted Ven as a fief by the Danish king, Brahe built his castle‑observatory Uraniborg and, later, the underground observatory Stjerneborg here. With no telescopes yet invented, he used enormous custom‑made instruments to measure the positions of planets and stars with unprecedented precision. Those meticulous observations under Ven’s night skies laid groundwork for modern astronomy and influenced figures like Johannes Kepler. Today only foundations and reconstructions remain of the observatories, but a dedicated museum in the island’s newer church site explores Brahe’s life, instruments and the international circle of scholars who once travelled here across the same waters you see from the clifftops.

Clifftop Paths, Backafall Slopes and Island Light

Ven’s coastline is its natural showstopper. Along the south‑west, the Backafall slopes drop steeply from the plateau to the beaches, their yellow‑tinged clay and sand cliffs contrasting with the blue‑grey sea below. From the lip of these slopes you can pivot between views of both Sweden and Denmark, watching clouds slide across two countries at once. A network of coastal paths winds along these edges, sometimes close to the cliff, sometimes ducking inland past fields of barley and rapeseed. The island’s mild microclimate, usually a degree warmer and a little sunnier than nearby mainland, gives the landscape a bright, open feel. Hares dash across the tracks, seabirds circle the bluffs and, on clear evenings, sunsets burn slowly down over the strait.

Whitewashed Churches and Quiet Villages

Two churches act as quiet anchors in the landscape. St Ibb’s Church, dating largely from the 13th century, crowns a hill above Kyrkbacken harbour, its white walls and simple form standing out against green slopes and blue sea. Historically it doubled as a navigation mark; today it frames some of the island’s finest views from its surrounding churchyard. In the centre of Ven, the island’s "new" church has been repurposed as part of the Tycho Brahe museum complex, sitting amid a renaissance‑style garden. Around these landmarks, the villages remain low‑rise and intimate, with red‑roofed cottages, small harbours, a golf course tucked into the folds of the plateau and the occasional local farm shop or smokehouse serving island produce.

Cycling Lanes and Slow Island Days

Most visitors experience Ven at the gentle pace of a bike. The distances are short, but the island rises and dips enough to stay interesting, and bikes make it easy to circle between harbour, museum, churches and viewpoints in a single unhurried day. Walking the same network of roads and paths reveals even more of the island’s small details: stone‑lined wells, old farmsteads and glimpses of Tycho Brahe’s former grounds. Even on busy summer days the atmosphere remains relaxed and rural. Outside high season, Ven takes on an almost contemplative quiet, with empty lanes, crisp light and the sense of being pleasantly marooned between two shores – close to the region’s cities yet feeling like a different tempo entirely.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Henriksholm

10.4 km

A quiet Vedbæk hillside where Stone Age burials, villa culture and Cold War command history meet in a leafy coastal neighbourhood north of Copenhagen.

Hørsholm Slotshave

12.5 km

A baroque garden where Scandinavia's lost palace still echoes through ancient linden trees.

Helsingor

14.3 km

Dynamic exhibitions, daring performances, and boundary-pushing installations in Roskilde’s historic royal palace—discover Denmark’s vibrant contemporary art scene.

Heracles and the Hydra

14.4 km

Mythological bronze warrior frozen in eternal combat on Helsingør's historic waterfront.

Odd Fellow Logerne Helsingør

14.4 km

A dynamic hub for contemporary and experimental art in the heart of Roskilde, showcasing thought-provoking exhibitions and interactive creative experiences.

'The Middle Ages and the Sound Dues' mural

14.5 km

A vivid gable mural that turns Helsingør’s medieval tolls and ship traffic into a richly detailed open-air history lesson in the heart of the old town.

'The Middle Ages and the Sound Dues' mural

Kronborg Castle Church

14.7 km

Renaissance sanctuary that miraculously survived fire, preserving royal religious heritage within Hamlet's legendary castle.

Helsingør harbour

14.7 km

Where maritime heritage meets Shakespeare's legacy at Denmark's gateway to Sweden.

'Time of the shipyard' mural

14.8 km

A hyper-realistic tribute to Helsingør's legendary shipyard, painted by American master Garin Baker.

Elsinore Cemetery

14.9 km

Historic burial ground where 16th-century roots meet artistic legacy in Denmark's literary heartland.

Helsingborg City Hall

14.9 km

A monumental red-brick city hall and coastal gateway, where neo-Gothic towers, National Romantic detail and civic stories overlook the Øresund in central Helsingborg.

Øresund Aquarium

15.2 km

Discover Brillesøerne, Esbjerg’s peaceful twin lakes—a beloved urban oasis offering wildlife, walking trails, and quiet reflection minutes from the city center.

Udsigtsplateau

15.4 km

Sweeping panoramic views across Helsingør from an elevated public observation plateau.

UNDER THE ROOF

15.5 km

A poetic mural where sunflowers become shelter and nature merges with human aspiration.

Gummistranden

15.5 km

Serene, spectacle-shaped twin lakes and nature trails at Esbjerg's edge—Brillesøerne offers peaceful walks, wildlife, and a quick natural escape from the urban energy.

Unmissable attractions to see

Rungsted Harbour

9.7 km

Lively Øresund marina where sleek yachts, waterfront cafés, and wide coastal views blend into a relaxed Danish seaside atmosphere all year round.

Landskrona Museum

9.8 km

A spacious 18th‑century barrack turned free museum, weaving Landskrona’s history, art and playful family spaces into one engaging cultural hub.

Karen Blixen Museum Rungstedlund

9.8 km

Intimate author’s home on the Øresund, where Karen Blixen’s preserved rooms, bird sanctuary and woodland grave reveal the world behind Out of Africa.

Kongeegen i Vedbæk

10.7 km

A quietly impressive old oak on the edge of Vedbæk’s houses and greenery, offering a brief, grounding pause in everyday surroundings.

Nivå Bugt Strandenge

10.9 km

Low, windswept coastal meadows where Øresund meets the Nivå river, offering tranquil paths, wide skies and remarkably rich birdlife just south of Nivå.

Louisiana Museum of Modern Art

11.2 km

An iconic modern art museum where glass pavilions, sculpture gardens and seaside views weave art, architecture and Danish coastal light into one seamless experience.

Nivågård’s Malerisamling

11.4 km

An intimate North Zealand art museum where Renaissance masters, Dutch Baroque painters and Danish Golden Age canvases meet in a romantic garden by the Øresund coast.

Jarlens Grund (Strandhave jolleanlæg)

11.6 km

A small, grassy seafront launch beside the Øresund, where swimmers, kayakers and campervans share relaxed sea views between Helsingør and Humlebæk.

Usserød Å

12.3 km

A gentle North Zealand stream weaving a green, everyday escape through Kokkedal’s neighbourhoods, perfect for unhurried walks, fresh air and simple nature moments.

Egebæksvang

12.5 km

Coastal forest breathing space on North Zealand’s Øresund shore, with a simple plateau campsite where beech trees, sea views and low-key outdoor living meet.

Bøllemosen

12.5 km

Ancient peat bog and beech forest with boardwalk trails, nature playground, and bonfire facilities near Copenhagen.

Arboretum

12.7 km

A tranquil university-run arboretum in Hørsholm, showcasing 2,000 tree and shrub species in a spacious park of winding paths, ponds and seasonal colour.

Kysten

13.0 km

An unpretentious stretch of Helsingør’s seafront where town, horizon and the ever-busy Øresund strait meet in a calm, everyday coastal landscape.

Meulenborgskoven

13.1 km

A small, city-near forest on the edge of Helsingør, offering quiet paths, everyday nature and local character just a short step from suburban streets.

Flynderupgårdmuseet

13.3 km

A historic North Zealand manor farm where fields, animals and a working kitchen bring everyday Danish country life of the early 1900s vividly back to life.

Casual, central Helsingør eatery on historic Stengade, serving hearty everyday dishes from late morning to evening amid the cobbled charm of the old town.

Klaptræet

14.4 km

Cosy courtyard restaurant in old-town Helsingør, serving generous Danish smørrebrød, platters and seasonal lunch feasts in a former cinema backhouse.

Denmark's premier wine and spirits specialist in historic Helsingør, where expertise meets passion.

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Oddies Beach Bar

9.7 km

Relaxed beach bar on the sand at Rungsted Havn, blending Nordic coastal charm with a hint of tropical island mood and sweeping Øresund sea views.

Kardusen

14.1 km

Casual wine bar in central Helsingør offering relaxed evenings and accessible pricing.

Head/Foam

14.3 km

Modern neighbourhood bar near Helsingør’s historic centre, pouring craft beer and cocktails from midday to the early hours in a lively, social setting.

Strandborg

14.4 km

Waterfront bar and restaurant where Helsingør's harbor views meet casual Nordic dining and evening social scene.

Helsingør Musikteater

14.4 km

Historic theatre and bar hosting live concerts, exhibitions, and dinner events in central Elsinore.

Holger

14.5 km

Cozy cellar bodega on Helsingør’s Stengade, pouring inexpensive beers and spirits, with live music nights and a laid-back local crowd deep into the night.

Banana joe

14.5 km

Compact late-night bar above Helsingør’s nightlife strip, serving straightforward drinks, warm lighting and a relaxed local vibe long after the streets quieten.

Pitten Sport Bar

14.6 km

Straightforward sports, cold beer and local Helsingør character in a relaxed neighbourhood bar just a short stroll from the harbour and historic centre.

Axelhus

14.6 km

Casual bodega and burger bar in Helsingør's old town, open late on weekends with beer and Danish comfort food.

Hold-An

14.7 km

Unfussy beer hall and local bar in central Helsingør, pouring cold brews, simple bites and everyday Danish hygge from late morning to late night.

Axelhus Udeservering

14.7 km

Open-air corner bar on Bjergegade, where simple food, cold beer and Axeltorv’s street life come together in the historic heart of Helsingør.

12`er Pubben

15.5 km

Unpretentious neighborhood bodega in Helsingør with billiards, sports on TV and cold beers, offering an authentic slice of Danish local bar life.

Gefion Bodega

15.6 km

Unpretentious neighbourhood bar in Helsingør offering classic Danish bodega atmosphere, simple drinks and a relaxed glimpse into everyday local life.

Joker Bar

15.8 km

Relaxed Danish bar offering casual drinks and friendly conversation in historic Helsingør.

Middelgrundsfortet

21.4 km

A spectacular sea fortress island with sweeping Øresund views, blending Danish naval history, adventure stays, and immersive exploration just off Copenhagen’s coast.

Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

Discover Ven with Evendo, a 100% free app-based travel guide. Explore attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more with ease and convenience.

Ven Island (Hven), Öresund

A brief summary to Ven

Local tips

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

Getting There

Ferry from Landskrona

Seasonal boats from Helsingborg and Danish harbours

Cycling and walking on Ven

Public transport to Landskrona

Ven location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of Ven

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Ven

An Öresund Island with a Big Horizon

Legacy of Tycho Brahe and the Age of Discovery

Clifftop Paths, Backafall Slopes and Island Light

Whitewashed Churches and Quiet Villages

Cycling Lanes and Slow Island Days

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Henriksholm

Hørsholm Slotshave

Helsingor

Heracles and the Hydra

Odd Fellow Logerne Helsingør

'The Middle Ages and the Sound Dues' mural

Kronborg Castle Church

Helsingør harbour

'Time of the shipyard' mural

Elsinore Cemetery

Helsingborg City Hall

Øresund Aquarium

Udsigtsplateau

UNDER THE ROOF

Gummistranden

Unmissable attractions to see

Rungsted Harbour

Landskrona Museum

Karen Blixen Museum Rungstedlund

Kongeegen i Vedbæk

Nivå Bugt Strandenge

Louisiana Museum of Modern Art

Nivågård’s Malerisamling

Jarlens Grund (Strandhave jolleanlæg)

Usserød Å

Egebæksvang

Bøllemosen

Arboretum

Kysten

Meulenborgskoven

Flynderupgårdmuseet

Essential places to dine

MASH Rungsted Havn

Bistro No. 22

Gl. Humlebæk Kro

Vecchia Maniera

Sushi Taro

Sundkroen

Strejf

San Rock Restaurant & Grillbar

Café Vivaldi

Blue Sky Sushi

Pakhuset

Amici Miei

Rådmand Davids Hus

Restauration ApS af 26.08.57

Klaptræet

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Dansk

Kids Coolshop Helsingør

Kvickly

Prøvestencentret

Mercuri

Puslespilsbutikken

Coco's Helsingør

Helsingør Bycenter

Kop & Kande

Tøjeksperten

ONLY