Gimle Farm

About

Gimle Farm in Kristiansand is one of Southern Norway’s most elegant historic estates, offering a refined glimpse into the region’s aristocratic past. The manor house, surrounded by parkland and old trees, was once home to prominent local families whose lifestyle and collections shaped the cultural identity of the area. Inside, richly furnished rooms, period décor, and preserved artefacts create an intimate atmosphere that reflects life on a grand 18th‑ and 19th‑century estate. The surrounding grounds add to the experience, with quiet paths, gardens, and views that connect the property to its agricultural origins. Today Gimle Farm forms part of the city’s museum landscape, welcoming visitors to explore its architecture, interiors, and stories. It stands as a graceful reminder of Kristiansand’s social history and the enduring beauty of its historic homes.

Kristiansand Norway

Location

Gimle Farm, or Gimle Gård, is located at Gimleveien 23 in the Kongsgård district of Kristiansand, about 3 km east of the city center. The stately manor house was built around 1800 as a summer residence for the merchant family Holm and remained a private home for five generations before becoming a museum. Today the estate preserves period interiors, furniture, and art that reflect 200 years of regional history. Nearby, the estate shares its grounds with the Natural History Museum and Botanical Garden, University of Agder. The museum features zoological, geological, and botanical collections, while the botanical garden is free and open year-round, showcasing more than 2,000 plants in themed sections, a geologic rock garden, and rare flowers that bloom through late summer. The English-style landscape park surrounding Gimle Gård is ideal for walks, picnics, and spotting peacocks that roam the enclosure. Gimle sits on the University of Agder’s Gimlemoen campus, so Vitensenteret Sørlandet science center with its planetarium and hands-on exhibits is close by. Just west, Baneheia recreation area offers forested trails, lakes for swimming, and viewpoints over Kristiansand, while Ravnedalen Valley Nature Park features dramatic cliffs, rose gardens, and an open-air stage for summer concerts.