The exotic gardens just outside Stavanger are very popular with Norwegians.
Just a 20-minute boat ride from the Norwegian city of Stavanger lies a windswept island that holds an unexpected secret.
An explosion of colours and scents greets guests as soon as the ferry arrives and they enter another world. These are the remarkable gardens of Flowers and seaa tropical botanical garden and jungle-style restaurant at 59 degrees north.
Passionately created over three generations, these family-run gardens have evolved from a windswept island estate into a vibrant exotic oasis that is absolutely unique in Norway.
Brugmansia, commonly known as angel’s trumpet, is normally native to South America.
During their four-hour visit, guests can wander among palm trees, ponds, waterfalls, beautiful lawns, exotic plants, bright flowers and even beaches.
50,000 summer flowers are planted each year, so no two years are the same. The gardens attract nature lovers from all over the world and many regular visitors from the region, making them one of Stavanger’s main attractions.
Winding paths lead visitors past palm trees and colorful flowers.
Visit Flowers and sea is only possible by pre-booking a package that includes boat transport to and from the island, a guided tour, a meal at the jungle restaurant and free time to explore.
A local favorite
The first indication that this is a special place and not a tourist trap is the high number of locals boarding the ferry. A comfortable 20-minute catamaran ride Helgoy Tind brings groups of visitors to the island several times a day.
The tropical gardens of Flor og Fjære feature many ponds and beautiful lawns.
The visit begins with a guided tour, which is essential given the extensive, organic nature of the gardens, which have been created over decades.
Areas include a bamboo garden set around beautiful ponds and a winding path leads down to a Japanese garden with a relaxing koi pond. Another popular spot is the exotic garden filled with roses, lemon trees, stunning angel’s trumpets (Brugmansia) and very rare (for Scandinavia) banana plants.
The beach area of Flor og Fjære has sun loungers and a beach bar that is open on sunny days.
The gardens are constantly being modernised and one of the most striking new additions is the beach area, with cheerful sun loungers and an outdoor beach bar that is open on sunny days.
How is all this possible? One reason is the island’s unique location in a relatively warm fjord, where average temperatures are up to -4 °C higher than in the city of Stavanger, which is only 20 minutes away by ferry.
Dine in the jungle greenhouse
Since the meal is included in the price of the visit, you might think it will be something quick and easy. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Part of the “jungle restaurant” in the greenhouse of Flor og Fjære.
Food is served in the “jungle restaurant,” which is housed in an impressive greenhouse built to make the island more self-sufficient. Water is collected and stored on the island, while solar panels on the roof provide almost all of the island’s energy needs.
Winter storage and flower production now takes place in the greenhouse, eliminating the need for truck transport. When the flowers are brought to the gardens at the start of the season, the greenhouse is used to grow herbs and vegetables for the restaurant.
Fish soup, halibut and ice cream were on the menu at Flor & Fjære’s jungle restaurant.
A creamy fish soup with bold flavours, halibut with vegetables, herbs and rose petals and a local ice cream are washed down with water produced on the island. A selection of other local drinks are available for purchase.
The origins
This remarkable story began in 1965, when Åsmund and Else Marie Bryn bought land on the windswept island of Sør-Hidle, built a cabin and started to plant a cottage garden.
Åsmund’s dedication led to the planting of thousands of trees and the cultivation of exotic plants, gradually turning the island into a blooming garden.
Even the waiting area at the harbor for the ferry back to Stavanger is full of plants and flowers.
As the garden flourished, Åsmund’s sons joined in the work, including Olav Bryn, who had to leave the family garden due to a severe pollen allergy.
Together with his wife Siri, Olav expanded the garden and added a restaurant, overcoming significant challenges such as poor infrastructure and the logistical difficulties of operating on an island.
Over time, Flowers & Fjære developed into a locally known garden and restaurant, attracting visitors from all over Europe.
Practical travel tips
Flowers and sea is open for guided tours from mid-May to mid-September. Visits are only possible as part of an organized tour, which must be booked online in advance.
Greenhouse entrance in the Flor og Fjære garden in Stavanger, Norway.
Several tours are offered each day. At the time of writing, tours cost 1,690 Norwegian kroner ($160) on weekdays and 1,890 ($175) on Saturdays.
The tour includes round-trip ferry transportation from downtown Stavanger, a guided tour of the gardens in English, a three-course meal in the greenhouse restaurant, and approximately 90 minutes of free time to explore the gardens on your own.
There are toilets in the greenhouse and also in the building at the harbor, which houses a souvenir shop.
