We live in Helsingør and usually sail from Snekkersten – and it’s a gift that the crossing to Hven takes just under 50 minutes. We tend to set off in the morning and arrive at around 10 o’clock – there are usually still berths free in the harbour then. And from here our little island adventure begins.

We always moor at Kystbakken, the largest and most atmospheric of Hven’s three harbours. There’s good swimming, pay machines and – not least – some of the island’s best places to eat right at the end of the jetty. We love the calm, the view and, above all, the sunset over the Øresund.

Hven itself is a small island in the middle of the Øresund – 4.5 km long and 2.6 km wide – known for its beautiful scenery, the distinctive slopes of Backafallen, and not least Tycho Brahe’s old observatory and museum. The island has around 370 permanent residents, but in the summer months it hums with life as visitors arrive from both Sweden and Denmark.

By now we’ve eaten our way through most of the island’s food scene – and here are our personal favourites.

Harbours on Hven

Hven has three guest harbours:

• Kystbakken (Kyrkbacken): Our regular base. The largest harbour, with around 70–80 berths, a bathing jetty, a beach and direct access to Stures Krog and Vens Hamnkrog. Pay at the machine or via the GoMarina app. We recommend arriving at around 10 o’clock to secure a good berth – and do stay for the sunset, because the view from here is something special.

• Bäckviken: The island’s ferry harbour, with cafés, an ice cream kiosk and bike hire. Close to the centre of the island and sights such as the Tycho Brahe museum. Good for day-trippers and families.

• Norreborg: The smallest and most peaceful harbour on the island. Fewer facilities, but really charming and perfect for those seeking quiet and a more secluded experience.