Ven: An Island Escape in the Öresund Strait
Discover Ven: A Swedish island gem in the Öresund Strait, blending history, nature, and tranquility for an unforgettable escape between Sweden and Denmark, steeped in astronomical history.
Ven, a small Swedish island nestled in the Öresund Strait between Sweden and Denmark, offers a unique blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and tranquil island life. Known for its dramatic coastlines, fertile agricultural lands, and the legacy of astronomer Tycho Brahe, Ven provides a captivating escape from the mainland. Visitors can explore the island's charming villages, cycle through picturesque landscapes dotted with yellow rapeseed fields, and discover remnants of Brahe's groundbreaking scientific endeavors. With its relaxed pace and stunning scenery, Ven is an ideal destination for a day trip or a longer, rejuvenating stay, offering a taste of authentic Swedish island culture and a chance to connect with nature and history. The island's unique microclimate allows for the cultivation of durum wheat, typically found in southern regions, adding to its distinctive charm.
A brief summary to Ven
- Sankt Ibb, SE
Local tips
- Rent a bike to explore the island's scenic routes and hidden gems; the iconic yellow bikes are a must for the full Ven experience.
- Visit the Tycho Brahe Museum to delve into the history of the renowned astronomer and his groundbreaking work on the island.
- Enjoy a whisky tasting at the Spirit of Hven distillery, known for its locally produced spirits and unique island ambiance.
- Pack a picnic and find a secluded spot along the coast to savor the stunning views of the Öresund Strait.
- Check the ferry schedule in advance, especially during peak season, and book tickets online to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey.
Getting There
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Ferry
The primary access to Ven is via ferry from Landskrona, Sweden. Ferries depart from Skeppsbron terminal in Landskrona and arrive at Bäckviken harbor on Ven. The ferry crossing takes approximately 30 minutes. Check the Ventrafiken website for the most up-to-date schedule, as departures vary depending on the season. A round-trip ticket costs approximately 90 SEK for adults. Consider booking in advance, especially during the summer months, to guarantee your spot. In the summer months, ferries also operate from Copenhagen and Helsingør in Denmark, offering alternative routes to the island. These ferries are operated by VisitHven, and tickets can be booked online. Prices vary depending on the departure location, but expect to pay around 159 DKK from Copenhagen and 99 DKK from Helsingør. Once you arrive at Bäckviken harbor, you're on Ven! The island is easily navigable by foot, bike, or the local bus service.
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Walking
From Bäckviken harbor, most attractions and services are within walking distance. Upon disembarking the ferry, you'll find yourself at the foot of a small hill. At the top of this hill, approximately 300m from the ferry terminal, you'll find Ven's Bike Rental, where you can rent a bicycle to explore the island. If you prefer to walk, follow the main road uphill from the harbor. Within a few minutes, you'll reach the village of Bäckviken, where you'll find a few shops and restaurants. From there, you can continue walking along the road or take one of the many paths that crisscross the island. The Tycho Brahe Museum is located approximately 2 km from the harbor, about a 25-minute walk. St. Ibb's Church is located in Kyrkbacken, about 3 km from the harbor, a 40-minute walk. Be aware that the island is hilly, so some walking may involve inclines.
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Public Transport
The Ven bus (Venbussen) provides public transportation on the island. The bus timetable is coordinated with the ferry schedule, making it a convenient option for getting around. The bus route connects Bäckviken harbor with other villages and attractions on the island. You can purchase tickets directly on the bus using the Skånetrafiken app. A single ticket valid for 60 minutes costs 40 SEK for two people. The bus is a good option if you have luggage or if you prefer not to walk or cycle. Keep in mind that the bus service is infrequent, so check the timetable carefully before planning your journey.
Discover more about Ven
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.
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.
Essential places to dine
MASH Rungsted Havn
9.4 km
Harbourfront steakhouse indulgence at Rungsted Havn, where prime cuts, a serious wine list and a broad terrace meet white sails and Øresund views.
Bistro No. 22
9.6 km
Relaxed harbourfront bistro on Rungsted Havn, serving comforting Nordic brasserie dishes with marina views from light-filled interiors and a lively waterfront terrace.
Gl. Humlebæk Kro
11.5 km
Historic Danish kro since 1740, serving traditional smørrebrød and coastal hospitality.
Vecchia Maniera
14.2 km
Neighborhood-style Italian pizzeria in Helsingør serving stone-oven pizzas, homemade breads and simple comfort dishes in a casual, takeaway-friendly setting.
Sushi Taro
14.3 km
World-class sushi crafted by a championship chef in intimate, authentic surroundings.
Sundkroen
14.3 km
Cozy Danish brasserie-style dining in the historic Madam Sprunck building, steps from Helsingør Station and the Øresund waterfront.
Strejf
14.3 km
Seasonal Nordic cooking and harbour views in Helsingør’s old station building, where seafood, steaks, wine and cocktails meet the maritime buzz of Øresund.
San Rock Restaurant & Grillbar
14.3 km
Casual central Helsingør grill bar serving unfussy comfort food and generous plates just steps from the old town streets and harbourfront sights.
Café Vivaldi
14.3 km
Bright all‑day café on Helsingør’s main pedestrian street, serving generous brunches, casual meals and relaxed drinks with a front‑row view of local street life.
Blue Sky Sushi
14.3 km
Cozy Japanese all‑you‑can‑eat sushi in Helsingør’s historic center, blending fresh fish, low‑waste principles and a relaxed, modern atmosphere near the harbor.
Pakhuset
14.3 km
Casual Italian-style pizzeria tucked in a cosy inner courtyard off Helsingør’s main street, serving generous pizzas and pasta in a warm, everyday atmosphere.
Amici Miei
14.3 km
Lively Italian trattoria on Helsingør’s main street, serving stone-oven pizza, hearty pasta and relaxed good times in a warm, rustic setting.
Rådmand Davids Hus
14.4 km
Historic 1694 café serving authentic Danish smørrebrød in cozy, timeless surroundings.
Restauration ApS af 26.08.57
14.4 km
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.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Dansk
14.1 km
North Zealand's largest discount clothing store offering family fashion at 40–80% savings.
Kids Coolshop Helsingør
14.1 km
Expertly curated toys for every age, where playtime possibilities meet personalized service.
Kvickly
14.1 km
Spacious Danish supermarket and home goods store in Helsingør’s Prøvestenscentret, ideal for stocking up on groceries, picnic supplies and everyday essentials.
Prøvestencentret
14.2 km
A practical, car-friendly shopping hub in Helsingør, ideal for everyday essentials, free parking and quick errands between more traditional North Zealand sights.
Mercuri
14.3 km
A small, curated fashion boutique in Helsingør’s historic centre, blending Scandinavian-inspired style with a relaxed, personal shopping atmosphere.
Puslespilsbutikken
14.3 km
Denmark’s only dedicated jigsaw puzzle shop – a cozy Helsingør courtyard gem stacked floor to ceiling with colourful puzzles for families, collectors and curious browsers.
Coco's Helsingør
14.3 km
Contemporary women's fashion in the heart of Helsingør's pedestrian shopping district.
Helsingør Bycenter
14.3 km
Compact, convenient and fully indoor, Helsingør Bycenter is the practical shopping heart of Helsingør, mixing everyday essentials, cafés and family-friendly comfort.
Kop & Kande
14.3 km
Danish homeware and kitchenware haven celebrating comfort, warmth, and the art of everyday living.
Tøjeksperten
14.3 km
Classic Danish menswear with professional styling in historic Helsingør
ONLY
14.3 km
Central Helsingør outpost of Danish fashion brand ONLY, mixing trend-led denim, dresses and everyday essentials with plus-size and sports-inspired womenswear.
Lynhjems Eftf Ole Jensen
14.4 km
Traditional Helsingør cheesemonger and delicatessen packed with Danish and international flavours, perfect for picnic supplies, edible souvenirs and gourmet treats.
Imerco
14.4 km
Compact Scandinavian home store on Helsingør’s main street, packed with kitchenware, tableware and cosy design gifts for practical living and stylish souvenirs.
Dark Blue
14.4 km
Independent Helsingør skate and surf hub blending quality boards, cold‑water gear and streetwear in a compact, characterful old‑town shop.
Helsingør Vinhandel
14.4 km
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.