Located in the Øresund between Denmark and Sweden, this small island offers cycling routes, sea views, beaches, cliffs, cafés, local food and a fascinating connection to the Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe.
Visit Ven from Copenhagen Airport
If you want to add a relaxed Swedish island escape to your Copenhagen trip, Ven is an excellent choice. The island is small, scenic and easy to explore by bicycle, making it ideal for travellers who enjoy nature, coastal views and a slower pace.
Booking car rental through Terminal3.dk gives you the flexibility to collect your vehicle at Copenhagen Airport, drive across the Øresund Bridge to Sweden and continue to Landskrona, where the ferry to Ven departs. Before driving into Sweden, always check your rental agreement, as cross-border travel may require permission, extra insurance or additional fees.
How to get from Copenhagen Airport to Ven
The most practical route is to drive from Copenhagen Airport across the Øresund Bridge into Sweden, continue to Landskrona, park near the ferry terminal and take the ferry to Ven as a foot passenger.
The ferry from Landskrona to Ven runs year-round and takes about 30 minutes. During the summer, there may also be additional seasonal connections from other places in the region, but Landskrona is the main and most reliable departure point for most self-drive visitors.
Because ferry capacity and schedules vary by season, book ferry tickets in advance during busy periods and check the timetable before travelling.
Should you take your rental car to Ven?
In most cases, no. Ven is best explored without a car. The island is compact, quiet and ideal for cycling or walking, and official visitor guidance recommends leaving the car on the mainland in Landskrona.
There are parking areas near the ferry terminal in Landskrona, making it easy to leave your rental car before boarding. Once you arrive at Bäckviken harbour on Ven, you can walk up the hill to rent one of the island’s well-known yellow bicycles.
Why Ven is worth visiting
Ven is a small island with a big personality. It combines open fields, coastal cliffs, beaches, harbour villages, cycling routes, local food and history. Because the island is only about 11.7 km around, it works well as a day trip, but there are also accommodation options if you want to stay overnight.
Visitors come to Ven for:
- Cycling routes through fields, villages and coastal scenery
- Views across the Øresund toward Denmark and Sweden
- Tycho Brahe history and the island’s astronomy heritage
- Beaches, cliffs and peaceful nature
- Small cafés, farm shops and local food
- A slower island atmosphere close to Copenhagen and southern Sweden
Rent a bike on Ven
Cycling is the classic way to explore Ven. After arriving at Bäckviken, many visitors rent bicycles near the harbour and follow the island’s quiet roads and paths. The terrain is manageable for most travellers, although there are hills in places, especially when leaving the harbour.
Bike options may include standard bikes, tandems, children’s bikes or bikes with trailers depending on availability. During the summer season, it is wise to book bikes in advance if you are travelling as a family or group.
Visit the Tycho Brahe Museum
Ven is strongly connected with Tycho Brahe, the famous Danish astronomer who lived and worked on the island in the late 16th century. His observatories, Uraniborg and Stjerneborg, made Ven one of Europe’s most important centres of astronomy in its time.
The Tycho Brahe Museum tells the story of his life, scientific work and the island’s role in the history of astronomy. It is one of the most important cultural stops on Ven and a good reason to visit even if you are not usually a museum traveller.
Enjoy Ven’s coastal scenery
Ven is known for its beautiful views over the Øresund. As you cycle or walk around the island, you will find open fields, small roads, cliffs, beaches and viewpoints. The landscape feels peaceful and spacious, despite the island’s small size.
Bring a camera, comfortable shoes and layers, as the weather can change quickly by the water. On a clear day, the views across the strait are one of the highlights of the trip.
Food, cafés and local stops on Ven
Ven has cafés, restaurants, farm shops and seasonal food stops where visitors can enjoy lunch, coffee, ice cream or local products. Availability changes by season, so check opening hours before travelling outside summer or holiday periods.
Because Ven is a small island, it is a good idea to plan your meal stops ahead during quieter months. In summer, the island has a livelier visitor atmosphere, but popular places may be busy.
How long do you need on Ven?
Ven works well as a full-day trip from Copenhagen Airport or Copenhagen. Allow time for the drive to Landskrona, parking, ferry check-in, the crossing, bike rental, cycling, lunch and the return ferry.
If you only have a few hours, focus on cycling from Bäckviken, visiting a viewpoint and enjoying a café stop. If you have a full day, add the Tycho Brahe Museum, beaches, villages and a longer cycling route around the island.
Why rent a car at Copenhagen Airport?
Renting a car at Copenhagen Airport is useful if your trip includes more than central Copenhagen. While Copenhagen city centre is often best explored on foot, by bike or by public transport, cross-border day trips such as Ven are easier with a car.
With car rental from CPH Airport, you can drive to Landskrona, take the ferry to Ven and also combine the trip with Malmö, Lund, Helsingborg or other parts of southern Sweden.
Easy places to combine with Ven
With a rental car, Ven can be part of a wider Øresund or Skåne itinerary.
- Landskrona for the citadel, harbour and ferry connection to Ven
- Malmö for city life, shopping, food and modern architecture
- Lund for historic streets, university atmosphere and Lund Cathedral
- Helsingborg for Kärnan, the waterfront and Sofiero Palace and Gardens
- Copenhagen for Nyhavn, Amalienborg, Tivoli Gardens and the old city centre
Suggested Ven itinerary from CPH Airport
Morning: Arrive at Copenhagen Airport, collect your rental car and drive across the Øresund Bridge toward Landskrona.
Late morning: Park near the Landskrona ferry terminal, take the ferry to Ven and arrive at Bäckviken harbour.
Midday: Rent bikes and begin exploring the island’s roads, fields and coastal viewpoints.
Lunch: Stop at a café, restaurant or seasonal food spot on the island.
Afternoon: Visit the Tycho Brahe Museum, continue cycling or relax by the coast before returning to Bäckviken.
Late afternoon: Take the ferry back to Landskrona and collect your rental car.
Evening: Drive back toward Copenhagen Airport, central Copenhagen, Malmö or your next stop in Skåne.
Practical tips for visiting Ven by rental car and ferry
- Check your rental agreement before driving from Denmark into Sweden.
- Bring a passport or valid travel ID when crossing the border.
- Plan for Øresund Bridge tolls.
- Park in Landskrona and visit Ven as a foot passenger.
- Book ferry tickets ahead during busy periods.
- Book bicycles in advance in summer, especially for families or groups.
- Check café, museum and shop opening hours outside the main season.
- Bring layers, as the Øresund can be windy even on sunny days.
Book car rental at Copenhagen Airport and explore Ven
Ven is a peaceful and scenic island day trip for travellers who want to combine Copenhagen, southern Sweden and the Øresund coast. With cycling routes, sea views, Tycho Brahe history, local food and a calm island atmosphere, it is one of the most memorable excursions you can make from Copenhagen Airport.
Book your Copenhagen Airport car rental with Terminal3.dk and enjoy the freedom to drive to Landskrona, take the ferry to Ven and explore the best cross-border day trips at your own pace.
