Is Flor & Fjære Worth It? Inside Norway’s Exotic Island Garden
If you are planning a Stavanger cruise, you are probably expecting dramatic cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and... palm trees?
When we were researching the best things to do in Stavanger, we kept seeing this place called Flor & Fjære (which translates to "Ebb and Flower" in English) pop up. It was described as a tropical garden island tucked away in the freezing Norwegian fjords. We’ll be honest: people often think gardens are a bit boring, and we were incredibly skeptical. How good could a garden in Norway really be?
But having just done this excursion ourselves on our Celebrity Apex cruise, we can safely say that Flor & Fjære isn't just a garden—it’s an absolute masterpiece and easily one of the best things to do in Stavanger on a cruise. We were genuinely shocked by how amazing it was!
Here is our honest experience of visiting Norway's hidden exotic island, how the ferry system works, and whether this unique excursion is actually worth your hard-earned money.
TL;DR: Flor & Fjære at a Glance
What is it? A spectacular, privately-owned tropical island oasis nestled right in the cool Norwegian fjords, featuring exotic plants, palm trees, and thousands of summer flowers.
Getting There: A scenic 20-minute ferry ride from Bekhuskaien pier in downtown Stavanger.
The Vibe: Like stepping into Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory, but for plants! It is unbelievably photogenic and vibrant.
What’s Included: Your boat transfer, a welcome drink (alcoholic cider or apple juice), a 30-minute guided tour, free time to explore, and a phenomenal locally-inspired meal in their Jungle Restaurant.
The Verdict: 100% worth it. It is one of the best gardens we have ever visited anywhere in the world.
What is Flor & Fjære?
Located on the tiny island of Sør-Hidle in the Ryfylke basin, Flor & Fjære is a family-run paradise that has been growing for three generations. What started as a windswept homestead in 1965 is now a massive, colorful oasis featuring ponds, waterfalls, exotic plants, and over 50,000 summer flowers planted every single year.
Because it is located on an island, it operates as a complete package experience: you book your boat ticket, a guided tour, and a meal all together.
How to Book (And What You Need to Know)
If you want to add this to your list of Stavanger cruise port things to do, you must plan ahead. You cannot just show up at the pier on the day.
Advance Booking is Essential: You need to book your tickets directly through the official Flor & Fjære website well in advance. Dates sell out fast, especially on days when large cruise ships are in port. Booking is very easy and the website is available in English.
The Season: This is a summer-only excursion! The island is typically open to visitors from mid-May through mid-September.
The Schedule: The entire experience (ferry, tour, meal, and free time) takes just under 5 hours. Make sure to double-check your ship’s "all aboard" time to ensure you can comfortably fit this in giving yourself time to return to the ship from the Bekhuskaien harbor (see below).
How To Get to Flor & Fjære from the Cruise Terminal
Getting there is half the fun! Flor & Fjære’s dedicated boat departs from Bekhuskaien, which is a pier located right in Stavanger.
Cruiser Tip: Depending on where your specific cruise ship docks, Bekhuskaien is about a 20-minute walk from the main downtown cruise terminals (like Strandkaien). It’s an easy, flat walk along the waterfront, but make sure you leave your ship with plenty of time so you don't miss the departure!
The boat ride itself is incredibly pleasant. The ferry is super comfortable with great indoor seating, but we highly recommend heading straight for the open deck at the top. They even provide hot drinks onboard!
The sailing takes about 20 minutes and is incredibly scenic. You cruise right out of the Stavanger harbor, pass under the massive Stavanger City Bridge (Bybrua), and glide out into the fjords before pulling up to the island.
What It’s Actually Like: First Impressions & The Tour
Stepping off the boat felt like stepping into another dimension. The contrast between the rugged, moody Norwegian mountains in the distance and the vibrant, perfectly manicured exotic plants right in front of you is mind-blowing.
Honestly? It felt like we had just walked into Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory, but for plants. Stunning, vibrant, and totally fairytale-like!
We were immediately greeted by a fantastic guide who gathered everyone up and handed out welcome drinks—you could choose between a delicious local alcoholic apple cider or a fresh apple juice.
With our drinks in hand, the guide gave us an introduction to the island and took us on a easy 30-minute walking tour. Even if you don't know the first thing about gardening (like us!), the history and passion behind how they keep these tropical plants alive through the harsh Norwegian winters is absolutely fascinating.
The Jungle Restaurant
After the tour, it was time to eat. The meal is included in your ticket and takes place inside their "Jungle Restaurant"—a stunning, glass-enclosed dining room that feels like you are eating right in the middle of a rainforest.
A spectacular 3-course dinner was served, and it completely blew away our expectations:
Appetizer: A four-fish soup served in a rich and creamy sauce, accompanied by crusty bread and a small charcuterie board of local cheeses and cured meats.
Main Course: Fresh halibut served in a rich white sauce infused with mint, topped with fresh potatoes, salmon roe, and colorful edible flowers picked straight from the island’s gardens!
Dessert: A warm rhubarb crumble paired with smooth butterscotch ice cream, served with fresh coffee or tea.
Because the standard menu showcases local seafood, the meal is very fish-heavy. However, we requested a option with no fish right on the day, and the staff were incredibly accommodating in providing alternative meat dishes for us without any fuss.
Cruiser Tip: While they were fantastic about accommodating us on the fly, it is highly recommended to provide any information about dietary restrictions, allergies, or food preferences (like a vegetarian or no-fish request) at the time you book online. It makes it much easier for their chefs to prepare!
Free Time to Explore
After the meal, you are set free to explore the grounds on your own. The place is unbelievably photogenic, and we quite literally could not stop taking pictures! The backdrop of the fjords surrounding the vibrant flowers makes the whole thing even better.
You are highly encouraged to wander. During our free time, we checked out:
The Beach Bar: Yes, a mint green beach bar! You can grab a refreshing drink here and relax by the water.
The Beach: They actually have a pristine little beach area. The guides joked that we could go for a swim... if we were crazy enough to brave the freezing water! (We politely declined after testing the temperature).
The Greenhouse & Nursery: You can walk through their massive 4,000-square-meter greenhouse where they grow all the food and flowers for the property.
The Final Verdict: Is it Worth It?
100% Yes.
People hear "garden tour" and often assume it will be a bit stuffy, but if you are looking for unique things to do in Stavanger, this is an absolute must-do excursion!
What really makes it special isn't just the sheer scale of the landscaping, but the people. Every single person working there was so friendly, welcoming, and bursting with passion for this little slice of paradise they’ve created. It is easily one of the best gardens we have ever visited.
If your Stavanger cruise itinerary allows the time, and you want an unforgettable experience that combines a scenic fjord cruise with phenomenal food and unbelievable scenery, book a ticket to Flor & Fjære immediately!
