Nestled on Sweden’s picturesque west coast, just outside of Båstad, Norrviken is a place of breathtaking contrasts—where untamed nature meets meticulously designed gardens, and where tranquility and inspiration go hand in hand.
WRITTEN BY Bek Mitchell-Kidd
Nestled on Sweden’s picturesque west coast, just outside the charming town of Båstad, lies Norrviken—a destination where nature, culture and history come together.
Overlooking the shimmering Kattegat Sea and embraced by the lush forests and rolling ridges of Sweden’s western coastal landscape, Norrviken is a place of breathtaking contrasts—where untamed nature meets meticulously designed gardens, and where tranquility and inspiration go hand in hand.
Norrviken was founded in 1906 by Swedish horticulturist Rudolf Abelin, whose passion for gardens and landscapes led him to create a botanical masterpiece. Inspired by gardens from around the world, he designed Norrviken as a harmonious blend of different styles, each garden with its own distinct character.
THE GARDENS
The estate’s landscape transports visitors across continents and centuries—from the symmetry and grandeur of the French Baroque Garden to the peaceful serenity of the Japanese Garden, and from the lush elegance of the Italian Renaissance Garden to the poetic Romantic Garden inspired by English garden style.
Norrviken’s head of marketing, Maria Höjer, says “It’s so difficult to choose, as each season transforms the gardens in new and magical ways, but one of my favorite spots is beneath the towering cypress trees in the Baroque Garden—a place of stillness and serenity, where you can truly feel the grandeur of nature. It’s a perfect spot to take a deep breath and just be.”
These cultivated period gardens stand in stunning contrast to the wild and dramatic surrounding nature, where forested ridges meet the open coastline, creating a dynamic and ever-changing natural setting.
The interplay between the manicured and the untamed is part of what makes Norrviken so unique—a place where visitors can both marvel at human craftsmanship and feel deeply connected to the raw beauty of nature.
Camilla Berthilsson, Norrviken’s CEO, says, “One of my favorite places is standing by the Eastern Chapel, looking out towards the Japanese Garden. From there, you can see the sea in the distance and the serene beauty of the Japanese Garden in the foreground. Just beneath the nearby tree, countless couples have said ‘yes’ to each other. In the background, the elegant Villa Abelin completes the picture—a place where nature, history and love come together in perfect harmony.”
MORE THAN A GARDEN
Norrviken is not just a place of beautiful gardens—it is a living, evolving destination where visitors can immerse themselves in art, culture, recreation and events. Throughout the year, the estate hosts art exhibitions, seasonal installations and other events.
The gardens also provide an idyllic setting for weddings and private celebrations, where couples from all over the world exchange vows in a truly magical environment. Businesses and organizations can find inspiration too; the estate regularly hosts corporate gatherings, retreats and conferences, where nature and elegance create the perfect backdrop for new ideas and making meaningful connections.
CULINARY + PET-FRIENDLY FAMILY ADVENTURES
“Norrviken offers a variety of dining experiences to complement a day in the gardens. Orangeriet Restaurant, located in the heart of the gardens inside elegant Villa Abelin, serves exquisite à la carte meals. At Ravinen Café & Bistro, guests can enjoy high-quality, freshly made dishes while admiring the stunning sea views. And for those with a sweet tooth, Chocolaterian offers everything from light lunches and fika to heavenly handcrafted chocolate pralines,” says Camilla.
Fika is a Swedish tradition of taking a break with friends or family, usually over coffee or tea and something sweet. It’s more than just a coffee break, and it’s considered a vital part of Swedish culture.
For families, Norrviken offers plenty of space for exploration and play with vast open landscapes, hidden pathways and interactive installations; it is a place where children can roam freely, connect with nature and create their own adventures.
Maria comments, “We always recommend comfortable walking shoes, as parts of the estate are gently sloped and some paths lead through the surrounding forest. A hat, water bottle and a sense of adventure are also great to have! And for those with furry companions—dogs are very welcome, even inside Orangeriet Restaurant.”
A GATEWAY TO ART AND CREATIVITY
An essential part of the Norrviken experience is Ravinen Kulturhus, a contemporary cultural venue that extends the estate’s dedication to art and creativity. Visitors can experience an ever-changing lineup of art exhibitions, concerts and workshops, all set in a stunning space that seamlessly connects with the surrounding nature.
BOUTIQUE + GARDEN TREASURES
Before leaving Norrviken, visitors can stop by the garden boutique, offering a carefully curated selection of plants, home décor and botanical-inspired gifts—perfect for bringing a piece of Norrviken’s charm home with you this spring.
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