Rosendal and the beautiful Barony

The Rosendal estate springs from the marriage of a wealthy Norwegian heiress to an impoverished Danish nobleman in the mid-1600s. Karen Mowat was Norway’s richest woman when she married Ludvig Rosenkrantz in 1658. Among their wedding presents was a farm in western Norway that became Barony Rosendal (Baroniet Rosendal). The stately Manor House, often called Scandinavia’s smallest castle, was completed in 1665. In 1678, Danish-Norwegian King Christian V declared the estate a barony. 

The Rosendal Barony is in a delightful setting of fjords, glaciers, mountains and waterfalls. In summer, the gardens are like a sea of roses and other flowers, while the vegetable garden entices you with the scent of fresh herbs. 

Should hunger strike you, we suggest a delicious lunch made from local ingredients at the Rosendal Greenhouse café, where white tables rub shoulders with colorful flowers. 

You can sign up for a guided tour to learn about the history of the barony and the region. It might surprise you that this small barony was once one of Western Norway’s largest landowners. 

The Tea Room in the Manor is also a good bet. It serves coffee, the Baroness’ Rose Tea and homemade cakes. In nice weather, you can also enjoy your treats outside in the garden. 

A beautiful park nearby is perfect for a quiet stroll or just to sit and enjoy nature. If you like more of a challenge, the area abounds with great hiking trails and the striking Hattebergsfossen waterfall is just a short walk away. 

Book a two-hour (each way) fjord cruise from Bergen to Rosendal here. 

Welcome aboard!