Venø Kro

An island inn on the edge of the Limfjord

Venø Kro sits on the west side of Venø, a small island tucked into the Limfjord just north of Struer. Only a few kilometres from the ferry landing and a short stroll from Venø harbour, the restaurant feels pleasantly removed from the mainland while still being easy to reach. Low buildings, simple facades and the ever-present horizon of water and sky give it the feel of a traditional Danish inn at the edge of the sea. Step inside and the atmosphere is quietly relaxed rather than formal. Wooden furniture, large windows and soft light keep the focus on the setting outside. On clear days the view runs straight across the fjord, and as evening approaches the sun drops into the water directly in front of the dining rooms, turning dinner into a front-row seat for sunset.

From fjord to plate: the flavours of Venø

The kitchen at Venø Kro is built around the Limfjord. Shellfish is a defining feature here, with oysters, lobster, mussels and crab often arriving straight from local waters. Platters piled high with seafood celebrate the fjord’s richness and change subtly with the seasons, depending on what is landing in nearby boats. Alongside this, the house is known for regional specialties. Rolled eel, a classic Danish delicacy, appears on the menu, as does the signature Venøbøf steak, sometimes in both traditional and more modern, piquant interpretations. Beef from cattle that graze the northern part of the island may feature, and sides often lean on simple, local ingredients such as salt-boiled potatoes from Venø and dressings built on good olive oil.

Courtyard calm and fjord-facing windows

When the weather cooperates, the inn’s courtyard opens up as an extra dining space. Sheltered from the breeze yet still close to the water, it is an inviting place for a leisurely lunch, a glass of wine or coffee after a walk along the shoreline. The enclosed feel gives it a cosy, almost private atmosphere, even on busy days. Indoors, the main restaurant rooms are oriented toward the Limfjord so that many tables capture at least a partial view of the water. Candles and soft lighting in the evening create an intimate mood without obscuring the scenery outside. It is the kind of setting that works as well for a celebratory dinner as for a simple meal after exploring the island.

An island backdrop rich in nature and history

Dining at Venø Kro also places you in the middle of one of the Limfjord’s more quietly distinctive landscapes. Venø is known for its birdlife, open fields and gently undulating coastline, as well as hosting what is often described as Denmark’s smallest church. The sense of being on a self-contained island makes a meal here feel more like a mini excursion than a standard restaurant visit. Because the restaurant primarily operates in the milder months and opens by arrangement in winter, the experience shifts with the season. Spring and early summer bring fresh light and long evenings, while late summer and early autumn often deliver particularly vivid sunsets over the water.

Seasonal rhythms and planning your visit

Venø Kro generally opens with regular restaurant service from spring into early autumn, with hours that expand during the peak summer months. Outside this period it focuses on pre-booked groups and special events, so advance planning is important, especially if you are visiting in cooler months. The restaurant can accommodate both small tables and larger gatherings in its function rooms, allowing it to host everything from intimate dinners to bigger celebrations. With its combination of fjord views, local produce and island setting, it works well as a highlight of a day trip to Venø or as the centrepiece of an evening excursion from Struer.