The gardens of Sweden – a botanist’s dream

In Sweden, there’s an array of beautifully landscaped gardens to explore. Some are connected to historic mansions; others are based in the former homes of notable people. Wherever you might be in Sweden, you’re likely to find wonderful gardens open to the public. These horticultural wonderlands will not only satisfy your thirst for botany, but often culture and history as well.

Sundsvall, northern Sweden

Katrinelunds Trädgård

Inaugurated in 2019, Katrinelunds Trädgård is a 1,800 sqm oasis run privately by highly-regarded garden enthusiast Charlotte Andersson, who opened the doors to her leafy paradise to inspire others and share her passion. Aside from the garden, with its abundance of flowers, shrubs and trees, there’s a plant shop selling flowers, tools, pots and items to promote sustainable gardening. Take a seat at the café amid the greenery for light snacks and sweet treats prepared using local produce.

Värmland, central Sweden

Rottneros Park

One for culture enthusiasts, Rottneros Park in the region of Värmland, is studded with over 100 notable sculptures, mostly dating from the end of the 19th century to the 1950s, when this leafy art establishment was inaugurated. Immersed in greenery, you’ll discover artworks by mostly Nordic names including Carl Eldh, Christian Eriksson, Gustav Vigeland and Gunnar Nilsson. Also look out for Astrid Bergman-Taube’s bust of famous Swedish author Selma Lagerlöf. The park itself has many aspects to it – from formal gardens with baroque-style features to stretches of natural parkland – all surrounded by the countryside of Värmland. There’s an excellent playground and an onsite café. Popular events include The Garden Festival and the Harvest Festival.

Mårbacka

The former home of world-famous Swedish author Selma Lagerlöf, Mårbacka was set up as a memorial estate by the writer herself before she passed away in 1940. The spectacular garden forms a central part of this unique museum home. Looking much like it did in Lagerlöf’s days, the garden is populated with fruit trees, herbs, vegetables and flowers aplenty. Exhibitions, mostly based around the life and work of the Nobel Prize-winning author, are held regularly in the manor house, which is scattered with compelling Lagerlöf memorabilia and her original décor.

Småland, southern Sweden

Linnés Råshult

A key historic attraction with an intimate feel, Linnés Råshult is the birthplace of the famed Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus. Follow in the prominent scientist’s footsteps in the 18th century landscaped gardens, study the wide array of flowers and the hundreds of rare herbs, or admire the many fruit trees in the orchard. Explore the garden on your own or opt for the informative “performance tour”, guided by a Linnaeus doppelgänger. Treat yourself to an all-organic vegetarian buffet and homemade cake at the café.

The Garden of Wisingsborg

In the middle of Lake Vättern, on the island of Visingö, you’ll find the Wisingsborgs Trädgård (the garden of Wisingsborg). Located on the site of Visingsborg Castle, this 17th century herb garden, which was founded by Count Per Brahe the Younger, carefully cultivates its heritage. Spreading across 5,000 sqm, there’s ample space for historic plant varieties as well as newer ones. The garden is close to the harbour and you can get a taste of the sea from the café’s popular shrimp sandwich. Wisingsborgs Trädgård is open between May and September and the island can be reached by ferry from Gränna.

West Sweden

Läckö Castle

Perched on the shores of Lake Vänern, the medieval Läckö Castle is a fine example of baroque architecture and landscape design. Lilla Slottsträdgården (the Little Castle Garden) is set across various levels, creating individual spaces of tranquillity and brimming with organically cultivated vegetables, spices and edible flowers. These are used in the café and the highly regarded restaurant Hvita Hjorten (both located in Naturum Vänerskärgården within the castle grounds). Each summer, the gardeners create new themes – past highlights include ‘The Unicorn’s Garden’ and ‘Thistles in the Herb Garden’.

Jonsereds Gardens

Surrounded by lush nature and overlooking Lake Aspen, Jonsereds Gardens form part of a grand, 19th century estate. Opened to the public in 2014, the following year it won an award for “Sweden’s most inspiring garden”. This vast, well-preserved green space is divided into four distinct areas – an elegantly landscaped formal garden, a sustainable kitchen garden, an English rose garden and a fourth section, dedicated to exhibitions. This space is re-created by a new landscape gardener each year. For 2020, Swedish musician Timo Räisänen was given free creative rein, resulting in a botanic work called ‘Lugnet’ (the Calm) centring on beautiful but hardy plants and flowers, as well as a vegetable patch. The resident garden café has vegan options and their coffee and tea are organic. Another nearby top option is the restaurant and Sweden’s largest ecological micro brewery, Poppels.

Gothenburg

Gunnebo House and Gardens

Located some 15 kilometres south of central Gothenburg, Gunnebo House and Gardens is one of Sweden’s best-preserved 18th century estates. There are three types of gardens to explore – the elegant formal garden, the lush English park and the quaint kitchen gardens. The kitchen garden focuses on heritage vegetables, some of which are used for the organic dishes served up at Gunnebo’s quality eatery, Kaffehus och Krog.

Aside from exploring the gardens – on your own or as part of a guided tour – you’ll be able to join a castle tour and take part in events such as handcraft courses for children.