Explore on your own
Norrviken is full of exciting places and nature to explore. With the map you receive at the entrance, you can set off on your own small discoveries through the gardens – follow the paths and find new favourites along the way.
There are several ways to experience Norrviken at your own pace: follow in the footsteps of plant hunters, look out for birds, find our quiet spaces for reflection, or discover the staff’s own favourite spots.
In the footsteps of the plant hunter
At Norrviken, trees from all over the world grow side by side. Many of them were planted by the legendary plant hunter Tor G. Nitzelius (1914–1999), one of Sweden’s foremost dendrologists. With a passion for Asian plants, he travelled to remote places to discover species that could thrive in a Nordic climate. Thanks to his expeditions, you can today encounter unusual and exotic trees right in the gardens of Norrviken.
Would you like to try life as a plant hunter?
In the Straw House (Halmhuset), you will find the plant hunter cards in the treasure chest. Take a card and set off on a plant hunt through the gardens to see if you can find the trees shown on the cards.
Discover the birdlife of Norrviken
Along Abelins Promenade Path, you can get to know some of the wild birds that thrive in the gardens and on the slopes of Hallandsåsen. Together with Wildlife Garden, we have created a bird trail with beautiful nest boxes and nesting places – a tribute to the winged visitors that make Norrviken even more alive.
Here you have a good chance of spotting everything from small garden birds to species that prefer the forest edge. Take your time to listen for birdsong, look up into the tree canopies and discover how the garden changes with the seasons.
Would you like to turn it into a small adventure?
Pick up a card and a pencil in the Straw House (Halmhuset) and see how many of the birds you can find along the path.
Breathing Spaces – Places for Quiet Reflection
Throughout the gardens, there are places that invite you to pause for a moment. We call them Breathing Spaces – small oases where you can sit down, take a deep breath and simply be in the present.
Here, the sounds of nature, the shapes of the gardens and views of the surrounding landscape come together. Perhaps you stay for a moment of quiet, let your thoughts wander, or simply enjoy the calm.
Our favourite hidden gems
Those of us who work at Norrviken have marked a few places in the gardens with a heart on the map. They are our own favourite spots – places that are especially close to our hearts.
It might be a special view, a quiet bench, a beautiful tree or a place where the garden feels a little extra magical. Small hidden gems that we are happy to share with you.
Find them on the map and discover if they become your favourites too.