The gardens of Hertonäs Manor

The owner of the manor: Carl Olof Cronstedt and the dream of gardens

On the grounds of Hertonäs Manor there are not only one but two manorial gardens in different styles. These gardens were built by the commandant of Viapori (more commonly known as Suomenlinna), vice admiral Carl Olof Cronstedt (1756-1820). In the Finnish War (1808-1809) between Sweden and Russia, Cronstedt was branded a traitor after having surrendered to the besieging Russian forces almost without a fight in 1808.

Due to the surrender of Viapori and being branded a traitor in both Sweden and Finland, Cronstedt spent his remaining days in relative isolation in Hertonäs Manor, of which he was the owner. Cronstedt dedicated the remainder of his life to designing the gardens on the Hertonäs Manor grounds. For this, Cronstedt has been called a master of garden design.