Ven Island is a sparsely populated place with just 370 inhabitants. Residing in the Baltic Sea, the isle is 4.5 KM off the Swedish coast and 8.5 KM off the Danish coast. The island’s outer circumference is about 11.7 KM, and the entire region is a nature reserve.
Also known as Øresund’s Paradise Island, the islet is the perfect weekend getaway. The picturesque destination offers stunning views, offbeat activities, lip-smacking food, and more. Whether traveling solo, with friends, or with family, Ven Island is an excellent tourist spot.
In this guide, we’ll take you through all the information you need to have an incredible day trip to Ven Island. We’ll offer all information about activities, places to stay, sites to visit, and more. With this, you will have an unforgettable experience on this ethereal island.
Table of Contents
How To Reach And The Cost?
To reach Ven Island, you must take a ferry from København (Copenhagen), Helsingør, or Landskrona.
Take a direct ferry from Denmark with M/S Jeppe from København or Helsingør to reach Ven Island. You can book tickets online in advance if you’re going between May and September. However, we are not sure how you can get your hands on the tickets offline. The ferry can accommodate 210 people per ride and only regular bicycles.
| København – Ven | Helsingør – Ven | |
| Time (one way) | 90 minutes | 60 minutes |
| Costs (one way) | 159 DKK for adults, 99 DKK for children between 4 and 15 years, and free for kids below 3 | 145 DKK for adults, 99 DKK for children between 4 and 15 years, and free for kids below 3 |
| Bicycle Costs (one way) | 70 DKK | 70 DKK |
From mainland Sweden, you must take a ferry from Skeppsbron, Landskrona. There is a ticket office where you can also purchase your tickets. However, these are subject to availability, so buying the tickets online and in advance is better. The ferry runs throughout the year, and you can also bring your car, trailer, motorcycle, or bicycle on board.
| Landskrona – Ven | |
| Time (one way) | 30 minutes |
| Costs (one way) | 90 SEK for adults, 45 SEK for children between 6 and 16 years, and free for kids below 6. |
| Bicycle/ Moped Costs (one way) | 70 SEK |
| Car/ Motorcycle costs (one way) | 700 SEK and 250 SEK, respectively |
Commute On The Island
Venbussen
Venbussen, the Ven bus, runs only by preorder, which means there are no fixed timings. Call +460706082077 one hour before the departure or the day before if you are taking an early morning trip.
You can buy the physical ticket on the bus or from the Skånetrafiken ticket machine at Bäckviken Hamn. Besides these, you can also buy tickets online from the Skånetrafiken app or website.
- A one-way ticket costs 35 SEK for adults and 20 SEK for children between 7 and 19 years and is free for kids below 7.
- An all-day ticket costs 62 SEK for adults and 37.30 SEK for children between 7 and 19 years and is free for kids below 7.
- Both cash and card payments are accepted on the bus.
Being a small island, it has only a few bus stops, including Krykbacken, Mossen, Prästasvängen, Husvik, Backfallsbyn, Norreborgsvägen, Stjärneborg, Östanlid, and Bäckviken.
Hiking
The island’s circumference serves as a hiking trail stretching for about 12 Km. One hike around the island, and you will witness exquisite coastal scenery that will leave you dumbfounded. Although the trail path is mostly gravel, you can hike comfortably. It is also important to note that the trail is part of the Skåneleden (SL).
Biking
One of the most popular activities on Ven Island is biking. You can follow the hiking trail amidst surreal viewpoints and beaches. You can bring your bike or rent one at Ven Cykeluthyruning, located close to the Bäckviken Hamn. The bike rental shop is open from May to September from 9 AM to the evening.
- An adult 3-speeded bike costs 140 SEK while a child 3-speeded bike costs 100 SEK. A tandem (double) 3-speeded bike costs 270 SEK.
- Get a 7-speeded bike at a comparatively higher rate.
- Child seats, baskets, and trailers come with additional costs.
Twin’s tip: Rent the bicycle on the island instead of bringing your bike on the ferry. You save yourself the hassle and a few precious bucks.
Best Time To Visit Ven Island
Any time between May and September is the best time to visit Ven Island. The days are longer, and the weather is pleasant during these months. So you can properly enjoy the places, activities, food, and more without worrying about the climate.
Network Connectivity
A moderate mobile network was available across the island with Lebara. Any network with EU roaming would work on Ven Island.
ATM Availability
There are no ATMs or cash machines on the island. Even though most places accept card payments, carrying some cash is good. As a Swedish Island, Ven accepts the Swedish Kroner (SEK) as the standard currency.
Where To Eat?
One of the first places you must stop is the Hvendurum Bakery, as the patisserie sells drool-worthy pastries. Be sure to reach the place soon as the pastries get sold out quickly. If you want to buy groceries, stop at Handlar’n. Besides these places, many cafes and dine-in restaurants are on the island. A few of those include:
- Agnes Tapas ($$)
- Tuna Krog & Havens Bryggeri ($$)
- Pumpans Cafe & Restaurang ($$)
- Mitt på Hven ($)
- Fiskboden ($)
Where To Stay?
Ven Island is an ideal destination for a day trip. But you can spend more time if you want time to rejuvenate and not go back to your daily routine. You can choose from different stay options, including:
- Youth hostel: Vens Vandrarhem
- Hotel: Spirit of Hven Backafallsbyn
- Camping and cottages: Camp Ven – Vens Camping & Stugby, Allt Om Ven
- Marinas: Bäckviken gästhamn, Krykbackens gästhamn, Norreborgs gästhamn
- Room Rental: Holken, Konstnärsgården Marielund, Nova Harmonia, Tunastugan, Turistgården – House of Ven
Top 5 Things To Do On Ven Island
Visit The Tycho Brahe Museum
In 1576, King Fredrik II bestowed the island of Ven to Tycho Brahe, a Danish scientist and astronomer. Brahe built Uraniborg Castle surrounded by a magnificent Renaissance garden. Although the castle no longer exists, you will see a part of the garden that has been reconstructed.
The Tycho Brahe Museum resides in the former All Saints Church. Its exhibitions portray Tycho Brahe’s life and scientific discoveries through archaeological findings, videos, and models. The museum’s highlight is the ruins of Tycho Brahe’s underground observatory. Here, you will experience a 7-minute sound and light depicting Tycho leading a night of observations. There is also a cafe close to the museum where you can grab something to eat if you’re hungry.
- Timings: It’s open on all days from 09:30 AM to 4 PM from May to August and opens only on weekends in September and October.
- Cost: 120 SEK for adults, 80 SEK for students, 60 SEK for children between 13 and 19 years, and free entrance for children below 12.
- Tickets: The tickets can be purchased at the entrance of the museum.
Don’t Miss The Viewpoint From St. IBB’s Medieval Church
Overlooking the marinas, St. IBB’s Medieval Church on Kyrkbacken is a quaint little church built in the 13th century. Originally devoted to St. Jacobus, the place also served as a navigation landmark for ships for several centuries. The panoramic views of the surrounding place are nothing short of stunning. Just a few moments here, and you feel like you’re transported to a different dimension. Initially, we missed the place, but later, we took a detour to visit it, and it was worth our time and effort.
Hike/ Bike Along The Coast
An awesome trail along the coast of Ven Island takes you to the main attractions, beaches, marinas, and viewpoints. Follow the trail in the clockwise direction to escape the sun. Enjoy the ride, soak in the natural beauty, and immerse yourself in the experience.
We found alpacas somewhere between Camp Ven and the Haken lighthouse. You can also hike with the alpacas (at extra charge) during Spring, Summer, or early autumn.
Note: Write to hello@twinsontoes.com to get the GPX file for the Skåneleden route on Ven Island
Go Whiskey Tasting
Spirit of Hven Backafallsbyn is a 4-star hotel popular for its distillery that offers whiskey tasting and tours. The hotel also comprises a bar and a restaurant and is one of the world’s smallest, family-owned, pot-still distilleries. All processes, including mashing, fermenting, distilling, aging in oak casks, and bottling, happen under one roof. Today they export whiskey, vodka, gin, and aquavit to 40 countries.
The guided tour of the distillery costs 165 SEK per person who should be above 18 years old. The tour starts at 13:45 and takes about 60 minutes. The tour gives insights into the production and storage of the whiskey.
Sit Back And Relax At The Beach
Since the place is an island, you’ll find several beaches across the region. A few of our favorites include Krykbacken Beach, the sand beach next to Norreborg Havsbad, a pebble stone beach North of Ven Mossen bus stop, and the beach stretch where you’ll find alpacas.
In addition to the beaches, you can stop by the three marinas on the island – Bäckviken, Krykbacken, and Norreborg. You will also find dedicated bathing areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is camping allowed on Ven Island?
Ven Island is classified as a nature reserve. So, camping and grilling are not allowed in the open air, but you can camp at dedicated campsites.
Is Ven Island worth visiting?
Definitely yes. The island is charming and offers an experience that will stay with you long after you leave. Biking around the island and spotting alpacas enhance your experience in a wholesome manner.
How to reach Ven Island?
To reach Ven Island, take a ferry from København (Copenhagen), Helsingør, or Landskrona.
Have you visited the island before? Share your experience with us in the comments below. For more such informational guides and travel tips, follow us on social media – Instagram, Youtube, and Pinterest.
