A unique private garden near Gothenburg
Welcome to Känn Trädgården, The Sensory Garden, widely recognized private garden on Sweden’s West Coast. Located just south of Gothenburg, the garden invites visitors to slow down, explore with all their senses and experience the changing beauty of the Scandinavian seasons.
Created and developed by garden owner Camilla Danielsson, Känn Trädgården is not a botanical collection or a formal display garden. Instead, it is a personal and living garden where design, nature and sensory experiences come together. Every path, planting and garden room has been created to encourage curiosity, reflection and connection with the natural world.
For garden enthusiasts visiting Sweden, Känn Trädgården offers a rare opportunity to experience a private garden that has evolved over many years through passion, experimentation and a deep love of plants’ colours, shapes and scents.
A garden designed to experience with body and mind
The Swedish word ”känn” means feel or experience, and that idea lies at the heart of the garden.
Rather than focusing only on visual beauty, the garden encourages visitors to engage all their senses:
- Fragrance from roses, herbs, stems and flowering perennials
- Textures in leaves, bark, grasses and natural materials
- The sounds of birds, wind and moving water
- Seasonal colours and changing light
- Edible plants and herbs that connect visitors to the garden in a direct and memorable way
The sensory approach makes every visit unique. A spring morning, a summer afternoon and an autumn evening each reveal different aspects of the garden. That’s why Camilla opens her garden year round, even though the most popular period is May to September.
Explore colour coordinated plantings with an idea
The garden is divided into several interconnected spaces, each with its own character and atmosphere, all connected in a natural flow. Together they create a journey through different moods, colours and planting styles.
The Entrance Garden (2)
The first impression welcomes visitors into a carefully designed landscape where structure and planting work together to create anticipation and curiosity. Camilla has named the room to ”Welcome Home”, letting the plants in red and pink from February to November create a feeling of gratitude and love.
The Sunny Garden (1)
A long, mixed border with bulbs, roses, herbs and perennials in silvery blue, that reflect Camillas early memories of Italy and Mediterranian costal environments.
The Hot Border (4)
Red leaves and flowers in orange, purple, red and peach makes this part of the garden to an energized and warm experience.
The Woodland and Nature-inspired areas (3, 5, 6)
Inspired by the natural landscapes of Sweden’s West Coast, these parts of the garden offer a softer and more relaxed atmosphere where plants are allowed to interact in a more natural way. Theese parts of the gardencelebrates to the ulitmate colour of green in various nuances and textures, while flowers are in white and soft pastel palettes.
Spaces for rest and reflection
Several seating areas invite visitors to pause, observe and experience the garden at a slower pace and silence, should one wish. These spaces are an important part of the sensory philosophy behind the garden.
Seasonal highlights
Every month offers something different. Spring bulbs, fresh foliage, summer abundance, ornamental grasses, autumn colours and strong structures ensure that the garden remains interesting throughout the year.
Scandinavian Garden Design in Practice
Visitors often describe Känn Trädgården as an authentic example of contemporary Scandinavian garden design.
The garden combines:
- Naturalistic planting and natural materials
- Sustainable gardening principles
- Seasonal interest
- Functional design
- Biodiversity-friendly gardening and plant choises
- Spaces that encourage socializing, well-being and contemplation
Rather than following a style, the garden demonstrates how beauty and ecological awareness can coexist in a private garden setting, working with small resources.
For gardeners looking for inspiration from Nordic growing conditions, the garden offers many practical ideas that can be adapted to different climates and garden sizes.
A garden with a reputation
Over the years, Känn Trädgården has received recognition for its design, creativity and contribution to garden culture and biodiversity. The garden has been featured in magazines and garden-related media, attracting visitors, journalists and scientists from across Sweden and abroad. Camilla Danielsson’s own book on garden design was nominated as the Garden Book of the year in Sweden.
What makes the garden special is not only its site-adapted design and sustainable plant choices, but also the opportunity to experience it together with its creator. Visitors gain insight into the ideas, challenges and decisions behind the garden’s development.
What can you expect during a visit?
A visit to Känn Trädgården is personal and welcoming. Depending on the arrangement, visitors may enjoy:
- A guided garden walk
- Stories behind the garden’s creation
- Seasonal planting inspiration
- Discussions about garden design and sensory gardening
- Time to explore independently. Or just have a silent moment on your own.
- Refreshments in the garden setting
- A gift shop to bring memories back home and keep the feeling alive
The experience is particularly appreciated by garden clubs, horticultural societies, landscape professionals and travellers seeking authentic local experiences.
When to Visit
The garden changes throughout the growing season, making repeat visits rewarding.
Spring and pre-summer (May–June)
Fresh foliage, flowering bulbs, woodland plants, rhododendrons and the first perennials bring the garden to life after winter.
Summer (June–August)
The garden reaches its peak with abundant flowering, lush borders, fragrance and vibrant colour combinations.
Late Summer and Autumn (August–September)
Grasses, seed heads, berries and rich autumn colours create a softer and more atmospheric garden experience.
Garden tourism on Sweden’s west coast
Känn Trädgården is ideally located for visitors exploring Gothenburg and the West Sweden region.
Many visitors combine their garden visit with:
- Gothenburg Botanical Garden
- The Garden Society of Gothenburg
- Gunnebo Castle and Gardens
- Tjolöholm Castle and Gardens
- Coastal villages and landscapes along the Bohuslän coast
- Cultural attractions and restaurants in Gothenburg
Together, these destinations make the region one of the most rewarding areas for garden tourism in Scandinavia. Camilla vill also be happy to share her own tips to the gems in the region. There are many!
The Botanical Garden in Gothenburg, where Camilla Danielsson is an authorized guide, is one of the world’s 15 most important Botanical Carden. It is situated just 15 minutes from Känn trädgården.
Plan Your Visit
Känn Trädgården welcomes pre-booked visitors and groups during the garden season.
Whether you are an enthusiastic gardener, a garden travel organiser or simply someone who appreciates beautiful outdoor spaces, we look forward to sharing the garden with you.
For opening information, guided visits and booking enquiries, please contact Camilla with an email.
Thank you so much for hosting our gruop! We loved exploring your beautiful garden and will certainly be back!
Charlie Nantuzzi & Goodspeed Tours, USA, after a visit in September 2024
Everybody enjoys a Swedish Garden Fika 🙂