The Norrviken History

Norrviken – a place where visions take root and inspiration blooms. A garden heritage in constant evolution, where history and the future meet in a living garden.

Rudolf Abelin – A Pioneer with Big Dreams

In 1905, horticulturist and pomologist Rudolf Abelin found his home and life's project just outside Båstad. He was drawn to this area, partly due to his friendship with Ellen Key and Ludvig Nobel. By then, Båstad had already become a popular seaside resort, attracting both cultural figures and the societal elite.

Here, where the protective slopes of Hallandsåsen meet the gentle breeze from the Laholm Bay, he saw the opportunity to create something unique – a place where beauty, utility, and learning could grow side by side.

But Norrviken wasn’t just a garden. It was also Rudolf’s home, where he lived with his family. His daughters, Dagny and Hild, grew up surrounded by the flourishing gardens. The small house that stands today at the location known as the Eastern Terrace was once their playhouse – a place where imagination blossomed along with the garden's plants.

A place for knowledge and beauty

Rudolf Abelin was passionate not only about garden art but also about popular education. He wanted to spread knowledge about cultivation and gardening to a wider audience, which led him to establish several gardening schools. Norrviken became a place where both aesthetics and practical knowledge went hand in hand, inspiring visitors to create their own green spaces.

Drawing inspiration from garden art worldwide, Rudolf created one of the largest fruit orchards in the Nordic region, along with a series of spectacular period gardens, each influenced by different eras and cultures. In 1920, he opened Norrviken Gardens to the public, inviting others to experience the world he had created.

A Garden That Rest in the Changing Seasons

For Rudolf, the garden was more than just a beautiful place—it was a space for experimentation and dreams. By combining native plants with species he gathered on his travels, he created a garden that rests in the natural rhythm of the seasons and is constantly changing. Rhododendrons, azaleas, magnolias, Japanese maples, and silk trees are just a few of the species that shape Norrviken’s unique character, providing a vibrant experience for much of the year. His curiosity and willingness to think innovatively continue to live on. Norrviken is a place where tradition and new ideas go hand in hand.

Norrviken in new bloom

In 2011, Backahill took over as the owner of Norrviken, marking the beginning of a new era of development and preservation. With deep respect for the history, the gardens have been revitalized through careful renovations of both the gardens and buildings, the addition of magnificent greenhouses, and the opening of Butik Norrviken. The goal has always been to develop Norrviken into a vibrant meeting place where history and the future come together. Here, new experiences are created in the spirit of Rudolf, offering space for both the young and the old to explore and be inspired.

Tor’s Park – The Legacy of the Plant Hunter

Norrviken’s history also bears the influence of plant hunter Tor Nitzelius (1914–1999), who enriched the garden for decades with plants from distant lands. On his expeditions to places such as Japan and South Korea, he discovered unique species that continue to thrive in Tor’s Park today.

In Villa Abelin’s library, you will also find Tor’s private book collection – an inspiration for today’s and tomorrow’s gardening enthusiasts.

Carrying the Legacy Forward

Norrviken is more than just a garden. It is a place where history and the future meet, where we gently care for what has been while daring to develop and create something new. We invite you to become part of this living story.

Welcome to Norrviken Gardens – a place where tradition and innovation blossom.

A Dream Takes Root – Norrviken's Journey Through History

1864 – Rudolf Abelin is born
On May 30, Rudolf Abelin, the founder of Norrviken Gardens, is born.

1905 – Rudolf discovers Norrviken
Abelin finds the farm Lilla Båstad, which will soon become his life project, Norrviken Gardens.

1906 – Moving to Norrviken
Rudolf signs the contract and moves in to begin realizing his vision.

1913 – The Japanese Garden begins
Work on the Japanese Garden begins – the first of many period gardens.

1920 – Norrviken Gardens opens to the public
The entrance fee was 2 kronor at the time.

1925 – The 500-year-old Wych Elm is moved
A 500-year-old Wych Elm is moved from Hallandsåsen to the Japanese Garden.

1941/42 – Norrviken changes ownership
Rudolf hands over Norrviken to the shipping company Nordstjernan after three harsh winters.

1961 – Rudolf Abelin passes away
Rudolf Abelin dies on January 2 and is buried in the Valley of Memories at Norrviken.

2011 – A New Development Journey Begins
Backahill, through its subsidiary Lilla Båstad AB, acquires Norrviken and starts a new journey of development.

2014 – Villa Abelin Renovated
Norrviken celebrates Rudolf's 150th anniversary and begins a major renovation of Villa Abelin.

2018 – Victoriahuset Opens
The grand greenhouse Victoriahuset opens, and the peacocks return to Norrviken.

2019 – Chocolaterian Opens
Norrviken introduces a new taste experience with the opening of Chocolaterian.

2020 – 100 Years as a Public Park
Norrviken celebrates 100 years as a public park. Erikshus is built, and Thor’s Park begins restoration.

2021 – RAVINEN Opens
The cultural house RAVINEN opens its doors. A new entrance house and larger shop are built. Norrviken reaches 120,000 visitors.

2025 – Masterful Encounters
The year when masterful encounters are celebrated through unique exhibitions and collaborations.