The Gardener's World
Included in the admission
Location: Halmhuset
In Halmhuset, the exhibition The Gardener’s World – Among Plant Life and Wingbeats offers an insight into the work of the gardeners—from the vision first shaped by Rudolf Abelin to the careful management and development we see today. Here, the story of the period gardens that make Norrviken unique is told, alongside the thoughts and methods that guide the garden's care.
Follow the changes throughout the year, learn about the garden’s ecosystem, and be inspired by how knowledge and passion create conditions for both beauty and biodiversity. Explore the story of a garden in constant motion—a place where both plants and ideas are allowed to grow.
To discover
Rudolf Abelin – the visionary
In 1905, the gardener and pomologist Rudolf Abelin fell in love with this place and saw the potential to create something unique. With the sea as a source of moisture and the ridge providing shelter from the wind, he planted a spectacular garden where different eras and styles converge. In 1920, he opened Norrviken to the public, and today his vision lives on—a place where history and the future harmoniously interact.
Our Garden Principles
Norrviken Gardens is built on a philosophy where the wild meets the cultivated. Inspired by Southern European garden ideals, Abelin created period gardens along central axes and cross-axes, where neatly trimmed boxwood hedges lead the eye towards natural scenes. Reflecting ponds, sculpted trees, and soft grassy areas create an artistic balance between structure and freedom, where each season brings a new dimension to the garden’s beauty.
Our Period Gardens
At Norrviken, you’ll encounter a variety of period gardens, from Italian Baroque to Japanese harmony. Each garden room is an interpretation of a garden era, adapted to the soul of the place. Here, shady gravel paths mingle with magnificent flower plantings, meandering streams with impressive boxwood broderies—a living symphony of shapes, colors, and moods where each visit offers a new experience.
The Work of the Gardeners – A Cycle of Life
Throughout the year, the gardeners work tirelessly to care for and develop Norrviken’s green spaces. Bulbs are planted for the spring bloom, hedges are sculpted, lawns are edged, and trees are pruned. Through a careful selection of plants suited to the conditions of the land, a sustainable garden is created, one that supports biodiversity. Here, the garden is a living organism in constant motion.
Plant Hunters and Botanical Treasures
Plant hunter Tor G Nitzelius enriched Norrviken with unique trees and shrubs from his travels in Asia. His legacy lives on through our efforts to preserve and introduce exciting species. Follow in the footsteps of the plant hunter and discover exotic plants that now thrive in our garden rooms.
Discover Norrviken’s Birdlife
Along Abelins walking path, you can follow our audio guide and learn more about the wild birds that thrive in the garden and on the slopes of Hallandsåsen. Together with Wildlife Garden, we have created a bird trail with beautiful birdhouses and nesting sites— a tribute to the winged visitors that make Norrviken even more vibrant.
Become a Plant Hunter and Support the Swedish Naturskyddsföreningen
Embark on an exciting adventure where, with the help of a map, you’ll search for Norrviken’s most unique trees and plants while answering questions along the way. The map and further information can be found in Halmhuset.
For each map submitted, we will contribute 10 SEK to Naturskyddsföreningen) the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation’s efforts to preserve biodiversity in our forests.