Just a 20-minute boat ride from the bustle of central Stavanger lies a windswept island with a remarkable secret. Come and see the fantastic tropical gardens at Flor og Fjære.
Stavanger is known for its status as Norway's oil and gas capital and for its district of white, wooden houses. Although the city's street art brightens it up, I've rarely thought of Stavanger as a particularly colourful place. Until now.
Nestled within one of Norway’s temperate fjords, Flor og Fjære surprises visitors to Stavanger with its explosion of colour and vibrancy.
Located on the island of Sør-Hidle, this oasis of palm trees, exotic plants, and meticulously designed gardens contrasts starkly with the windswept nature of the surrounding area.
The island’s warmer-than-average climate makes it possible for rare and tropical flora to thrive in a place where you’d least expect it. It is a truly remarkable sight, and I'm thrilled that I finally took the time to visit.
Watch: A Tour of Flor og Fjære
I've put a lot of photos into this article, but I also made a video. I think the video gets across the vibrancy far better, so please consider taking a few minutes to watch:
I filmed this eight-minute video during my trip in the middle of August, 2024. It had rained overnight but was dry during my visit, so the colours were especially vibrant.
If that's piqued your interest, read on for much more detail about this remarkable place.
A Tropical Paradise at 59 Degrees North
Arriving by ferry, the experience begins the moment you step off the boat. You’re immediately greeted by the fragrance of flowers and the vivid colours of 50,000 summer plants, all freshly arranged for that season.
The atmosphere transports visitors to what feels like another world, far removed from Norway’s typically rugged landscape.
After just one visit, these gardens shot to the top of my recommendations list for things to do in Stavanger. Now, let’s start off by learning how this unusual place came to be.
An Evolving Masterpiece: The Story of Flor & Fjære
The development of Flor og Fjære is a testament to the determination and vision of the Bryn family, whose passion has transformed this island over the decades.
It all started back in 1965, when Åsmund and Else Marie Bryn decided to settle on Sør-Hidle, turning a windswept, barren piece of land into their family retreat.
Åsmund’s relentless commitment to planting trees and cultivating exotic plants laid the groundwork for what would become one of Norway’s most spectacular gardens.
The couple’s son, Olav Bryn, joined the effort when his severe pollen allergy forced him to leave the family nursery. Along with his wife, Siri, he took his father’s legacy to new heights, expanding the garden into the remarkable tropical haven it is today.
Overcoming numerous challenges, including the island’s remote location and harsh winters, they also opened the restaurant, transforming Flor og Fjære into a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
Exploring the Island’s Gardens and Attractions
Visitors to Flor og Fjære are treated to a guided tour of the gardens, a must to truly appreciate their scale and diversity. I joined the English language tour led by local guide Robin, so I could get footage for my YouTube video, featured above.
The gardens are divided into various zones, each with its own theme. A stroll through the bamboo garden will take you past tranquil ponds and along winding paths that lead down to a serene Japanese garden, complete with a calming koi pond.
One of the standout attractions is the exotic garden, where lemon trees, banana plants, and Angel’s trumpets (Brugmansia) create a riot of colour and fragrance.
This lush area seems worlds away from the typical Norwegian countryside and brings an unexpected tropical feel to the visit.
The garden is continually updated, with new features being added each year. A relatively recent addition is the beach area, which offers visitors the chance to relax on deckchairs.
When the weather is nice, you can even enjoy a drink from the outdoor beach bar—a rare treat in Norway’s often cool climate.
Flor og Fjære’s microclimate is one of the secrets to its success. Positioned within a relatively warm fjord, the island enjoys temperatures up to 4°C warmer than the city of Stavanger, just a short boat ride away.
This unique environment allows for the cultivation of plants and flowers that you wouldn’t typically associate with Norway, making Flor og Fjære one of the country’s most fascinating horticultural achievements.
Dining Amongst the Greenery
One of the highlights of a visit to Flor og Fjære is the three-course meal served in the island’s restaurant.
The dining experience takes place in a glass-walled greenhouse surrounded by lush greenery, where herbs and vegetables for the meal are grown.
The food is designed to complement the sensory overload of the garden itself, with each dish as colourful and flavoursome as the flowers around you.
On my visit, the meal started with a rich, creamy fish soup, brimming with local flavours. This was followed by an exquisitely prepared halibut served with seasonal vegetables, herbs, and edible flowers.
To round off the experience, we were treated to a dessert of local ice cream, followed by coffee, of course. The food not only showcases the region’s culinary traditions but is also a celebration of the island’s sustainability.
Solar panels on the roof of the greenhouse provide nearly all of the energy needed to run the island, while rainwater collection systems help make the restaurant and garden operations more self-sufficient.
A Local Favourite and a Must-Visit for Tourists
While Flor og Fjære’s international reputation has grown, attracting visitors from all over Europe, it remains a firm favourite with locals.
The Norwegian language tours were much busier than the English ones. Such a high percentage of Norwegian visitors highlights the garden’s status as one of the top things to do in Stavanger.
In fact, many locals return year after year, eager to see what new delights the family has added to the garden.
Visiting Flor og Fjære is more than just a walk through an extraordinary garden—it’s a journey through a decades-long family legacy of passion, perseverance, and creativity.
Whether you're a nature lover, a photographer, or someone seeking a unique dining experience in an unforgettable setting, Flor og Fjære offers something for everyone.
How to Visit Flor & Fjære
Flor og Fjære is open to the public from mid-May to mid-September, and the only way to visit is by booking a package that includes ferry transport, a guided tour, and a meal in the restaurant.
Tours typically last four hours, and the price covers everything: the scenic 20-minute ride on the Helgøy Tind ferry from and back to Stavanger, the guided tour on the island, and the three-course meal served with coffee.
As of this writing, the cost of the tour is NOK 1,690 on weekdays, and NOK 1,890 on Saturdays. Multiple tours run each day, but it’s essential to book your visit in advance, as slots can fill up quickly during the peak summer months.
The ferry departs from central Stavanger (but check the map in advance as it’s quite a walk from the old town and tourist centre). On the island, bathrooms and a gift shop are available. There’s also bathroom facilities on the ferry.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor to Norway, Flor og Fjære offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience, showcasing the beauty, creativity, and natural diversity that this remarkable island paradise has to offer.
Have you ever visited Flor og Fjære, or perhaps you’re planning a visit? I’d love to hear your thoughts, experiences, and/or questions down in the comments.
