In 1678, King Christian V granted Rosendal the status of a barony; it remains the only such title ever given in Norway. The estate began when nobleman Ludvig Rosenkrantz married Karen Mowatt, the country's wealthiest heiress, in 1658. Rosenkrantz completed the main house in 1665, and around 1850 an expansive romantic garden was laid out around the manor, creating the ensemble visible today.
The property remained in private hands until 1927, when the last owner donated it to the University of Oslo. Now operated as a museum, Baroniet Rosendal showcases the lifestyle and history of one of Norway's most distinguished noble families. The manor house and its gardens offer insight into the taste and ambitions of the early modern Norwegian aristocracy, set within Hardanger's dramatic landscape.
The property remained in private hands until 1927, when the last owner donated it to the University of Oslo. Now operated as a museum, Baroniet Rosendal showcases the lifestyle and history of one of Norway's most distinguished noble families. The manor house and its gardens offer insight into the taste and ambitions of the early modern Norwegian aristocracy, set within Hardanger's dramatic landscape.
