Island in the Öresund strait
Photo: (WT-en) Paul Richter at English Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA 1.0 via Wikimedia Commons
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
Ven's historic claim to fame, Tycho's observatory, which is considered one of the first modern scientific research institutes, was built in 1576, abandoned in 1597, and subsequently destroyed. The museum is housed in the former All Saints' Church, near the grounds of the first observatory, Uraniborg. The observatory once stood at the center of the Renaissance Garden, which has been partially restored. Just down the road, the ruins of Tycho's second observatory Stjerneborg have been incorporated into a small multimedia theater. Most signage is bilingual in Swedish and English. A small gift shop and cafe are on site.
Accessible by bike or private vehicle (not by bus), this 18th-century farm is now an open-air museum with installations about the history of the island, including now-derelict factories and artwork. This museum shows the perspective of the island from the farmer's perspective. You can show yourself around; a caretaker on duty can give tours to groups in Swedish or English. Accepts payment by cash (Danish krone or Swedish krona, at par) or by Swedish bank transfer.
Historic church with a gorgeous view over Kyrkbackens harbor on the west side of the island. Built in the 13th century, still in use for services today, the only operating church on the island. Interior is open limited hours for visitors between May and August. Accessible by bus (request the stop from the driver), vehicle, and bike. Free public toilets are available in a small building just northeast of the church's parking lot.
Nine-hole golf course with a driving range and a putting green. Cart rentals are available (advance booking required). Rates vary by age and season.
Cozy restaurant with a great view. Seafood and steak.
Vegetarian and organic food
They make their own whisky and also have about 50 Scotch whiskies, beers, etc. Due to Swedish liquor laws, the distillery can only sell their product by the drink, not by the bottle, on Ven. (There is no Systembolaget store on the island.) Also offers guided tours (18+; 165 kr), and has a hotel and restaurant on site.
Good view over the sea.
Silver jewelry
Locally made goat cheese.
Handmade fabrics from Burma, Laos and Thailand.
Small store with cute things.
Nice store in a greenhouse. Lots of porcelain figures.
Small market on the main road, near the center of the island. Sells food, drinks, and medicine.
All ferries arrive at and depart from Bäckviken harbour, on the east side of the island. No passport check is required for visitors from Denmark. Private boats may stay in Bäckvicken or Kyrkbackens harbour.
Read in the guideBy bicycle
By cart
For a leisurely, scenic view of the island, travel by tractor or horse-drawn cart.
By foot
Given its small size, much of the island can be covered by foot in a day.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Copenhagen · International · CPH
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about Ven and Sweden.
Where to see the northern lights in 2026 and 2027 during Solar Cycle 25, comparing weather in Tromsø, Abisko, Fairbanks and Iceland.
7 min read
While meditation can be done practically everywhere, including every place where a traveller might end up, some places either have a physical environment or a cultural tradition which makes meditation more gratifying.
Wikivoyage
The Swedish Empire was at its greatest extent in the 17th and early 18th centuries. The only Nordic country to have been considered a "great power", at points in history Sweden has controlled most of the shores of the…
Wikivoyage
Sweden has an extensive railway network. Long-distance lines are operated by the government-owned company SJ AB, or by private enterprises.
Wikivoyage
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.