Our gardens

When Rudolf Abelin (1864–1961) discovered the land that would become Norrviken Gardens, he saw an opportunity to create something truly unique. Here, where the sheltered slopes of the Hallandsås ridge meet the moist sea breeze, he shaped a garden where formal garden artistry embraces the untamed beauty of nature.  

Abelin’s philosophy is built on subtle contrasts. Carefully maintained lawns and sculpted boxwood hedges are framed by the wild, organic greenery of the surrounding landscape. Clean lines and open sightlines guide the eye toward grand scenic views, creating a sense of harmony and space. Inspired by the Italian Renaissance and Baroque traditions, Abelin designed garden rooms along a central axis and several cross-axes, with Villa Abelin at its heart. The structured gardens seamlessly transition into more naturalistic spaces, where imaginative in-between areas emerge, binding the environments together.  

The Reflection and Vitality of Water

Water plays a vital role in the garden’s design. Ponds, streams, and reflective water surfaces bring life and beauty to the landscape. In the North German Garden, a mirror pond meets the horizon in a playful trompe l’œil effect—an illusion where the garden and the sea merge into one.  

A Living Vision

Norrviken is more than just a garden—it is a place where art and nature meet in perfect balance. We continue to nurture and develop Abelin’s vision with care and boldness, ensuring that every detail is thoughtfully crafted to inspire and spark curiosity in our visitors.

Garden icon Ulla Molin (1909–1997) and Norrviken share a special connection. At the age of 18, Ulla came to Fredrika Bremer’s gardening school at Apelryd, where she completed her internship at Norrviken. She later returned with Sweden’s first garden exhibition, Uterummet (1961–1963). This bold and widely acclaimed exhibition became a milestone in Norrviken’s history. Some elements remained, and today, Norrviken’s gardeners are dedicated to preserving this legacy, nurturing the space with the care and thoughtfulness it deserves. Under the direction of Norrviken’s Olof Green and in collaboration with garden designer Pernilla Fogelmark, a Molin-inspired garden room is taking shape.

The Vision of the Timeless Villa Garden

Through meticulous research and visits to gardens where Ulla left her mark, we aim to bring to life the vision of a timeless villa garden—beautiful, natural, and effortlessly elegant. The result will be an intimate garden featuring Molin’s signature compositions, complemented by the ceramic works of her close friend, Signe Persson-Melin (1925–2022). A journey through a series of small, secluded spaces will unfold, creating a harmonious whole with garden rooms of varying character—an introspective space designed for quiet reflection.

On May 10, we welcome visitors to explore this new garden room.

Tor G. Nitzelius (1914–1999) was one of Sweden’s foremost dendrologists and plant explorers. With a deep passion for Asian flora, he traveled the world in search of species that could thrive in the Nordic climate. After the harsh ice winters of the 1940s, which devastated many exotic plants across Europe, he began his expeditions eastward. As curator at Gothenburg Botanical Garden and a member of the Nordic Arboretum Committee, he visited Japan and South Korea, where he discovered the Ullung Rowan (Sorbus ulleungensis) in 1976.

Tor’s Park – A Wild and Enchanting Part of Norrviken

Between 1973 and 1995, Tor worked at Norrviken, laying the foundations for the Cherry Garden and what is now known as Tor’s Park. In 2024, the park was further developed, allowing visitors to explore a unique collection of trees and shrubs that Tor once introduced. Tor’s Park is a wild and captivating part of Norrviken—a living tribute to his legacy and passion for plant diversity. His private book collection is also preserved in the library of Villa Abelin.

Norrviken’s Cherry Garden has its roots in the 1980s when renowned plant explorer Tor G. Nitzelius initiated and planted this enchanting oasis of Japanese ornamental cherry trees. Every spring, the garden bursts into a sea of delicate pink and white blossoms—a breathtaking spectacle that has captivated visitors for decades.

A Growing Cherry Garden

In autumn 2024, ten new cherry trees were planted to enhance and preserve the garden’s original character. Nine of the trees belong to the same varieties that have long graced this space, while the tenth carries a unique story. It originates from the Dahlem Institute in Berlin, where Tor himself once worked, symbolizing his lifelong dedication to international plant collection.

To further support the ecosystem within the Cherry Garden, an insect wall (pile log) and a flowering meadow are being introduced, creating an even richer habitat for pollinators and small wildlife. Nestled among the blossoming trees and the park’s elegant peacocks, Norrviken’s beloved picnic spot invites visitors to pause, relax, and take in the garden’s beauty at its most romantic.

In our kitchen garden, we carefully cultivate herbs and edible flowers, which are used in Orangeriet Restaurant to enhance the flavors on every plate. This is a space where cultivation meets inspiration, offering ideas for how you can grow both beautifully and deliciously in your own garden.

As the seasons change, so does our selection of plants. We choose varieties that not only enrich the kitchen but also support pollinators and strengthen biodiversity, ensuring that our garden is as beneficial to nature as it is to the table.

Behind Villa Abelin, some of Norrviken’s most vital workers are busy at their craft—the bees. As they pollinate flowers and fruit trees, they help strengthen biodiversity and contribute to our very own honey production. In our beehives, you can explore the fascinating world of bees and learn how we create the best conditions for them through our honey borders, filled with nectar-rich plants like lavender and meadow sage.

Our honey, infused with the essence of Norrviken’s diverse flora, is used in our restaurants and is also available for purchase. It’s a true taste of Norrviken’s natural cycle—where everything is connected, from flower to hive to your table.

Hasse’s Joyful Garden is a playful and inspiring space, created in collaboration with beloved Swedish personalities Hasse and Monica Andersson. Here, nature and imagination come together in a garden where both children and adults can explore plants, small creatures, and creative elements.

Designed to spark curiosity about gardening in a fun and engaging way, this garden invites visitors to learn through play—where discovery, creativity, and the joy of growing go hand in hand.