Norway’s relationship with gardening is shaped by its geography, climate, and cultural history. With a land area larger than Germany but only about 3% arable, most Norwegians garden on small plots, cabin hager, mountain allotments (hagekolonier), or balconies. Long winters, short growing seasons, cool summers, and high latitude light conditions dictate both what is grown and which tools are preferred. At the same time, a strong tradition of self-sufficiency (selvforsynthet), friluftsliv (outdoor life), and dugnad (voluntary communal work) has kept manual tools in daily use even as battery-powered equipment becomes common.
The Classic Norwegian Hand Tools
Spade (spade)
The Norwegian spade is instantly recognizable: a long, slightly tapered ash or birch handle (usually 130–150 cm) and a narrow, almost pointed blade (18–22 cm wide). Brands such as Øyo, Hjalmar Löfgren (now part of Fiskars), and Trofé still produce the classic “Nordlandsspade” and “Trønderspade” patterns. The narrow blade is perfect for the rocky, clay-heavy soils common in Trøndelag and eastern Norway and for digging drainage ditches (grøfting) in wet coastal areas. Most Norwegian households still own at least one heirloom spade that is 50–100 years old; handles are replaced, but blades are re-sharpened generation after generation.
Gravegrep (digging fork)
Almost as universal as the spade. The four square tines (sometimes slightly flattened) are ideal for loosening compacted soil, harvesting potatoes, and turning compost without damaging tubers. The brand “Viking” (Bjørklund) from Sør-Fron has made gravegreper since 1919 and still supplies most Norwegian hardware stores (Coop Obs, Clas Ohlson, Felleskjøpet).
Hakk (mattock or grubbing hoe)
Especially popular west of the mountain ridge and on small coastal farms. The horizontal blade cuts roots and heather, while the pick side breaks stones and hardpan. In Vestlandet you still see elderly gardeners using a short-handled “kysthakk” for terraced potato fields on steep hillsides.
Ljå (scythe)
Although ride-on mowers and brushcutters have taken over large lawns, the scythe remains surprisingly alive. The Norwegian snitt (peening style) uses a very thin, almost musical blade (60–90 cm) that is peened razor-sharp with a hammer and anvil rather than ground. Scything courses (ljåkurs) are common in folk museums and among young eco-enthusiasts. Brands like Falci, Schröckenfux, and the Norwegian-made “Gramo” blades are sold at specialist shops such as Ljåbua in Valdres.
Rake (river)
Two main types dominate:
- The wooden “krafse” or leaf rake with springy ash tines for moss and thatch.
- The heavy iron “jernrive” (often 40–60 cm wide) for leveling gravel paths and gathering stones after plowing. The classic Øyo “Trønder-rive” with 14 curved tines is practically the national rake of Trøndelag.
Økser (axes)
Gardening and forestry overlap heavily in Norway. The small “hageøks” (garden axe) from Hultafors, Gränsfors Bruk, or Wetterlings is used for splitting kindling, cutting hazel stakes for pea supports, and pruning fruit trees. A proper Norwegian garden shed always has at least one axe hanging on the wall.
Tools Adapted to Norwegian Soil and Climate
- Norwegian topsoil is often thin, acidic, and full of stones. This has led to some unique or heavily modified tools:
- Steinplukker (stone picker): A long-handled claw-like tool for levering out large rocks.
- Torvspade (peat spade): Long, very narrow blade with wings to cut neat peat or grass sods for roofing insulated cabins or traditional compost toilets.
- Potetupptaker (potato harvester fork): A broad, flat-tined fork with a bent handle that lets you lift an entire row of potatoes with minimal damage. Mandalon from Felleskjøpet is the modern mass-produced version, but many still use hand-forged ones from the 1950s.
- Snøfreser (snow blower) and snøskuffe (snow shovel): In many parts of Norway, winter gardening tools are just as important as summer ones. The classic aluminum “Honnørskuffe” with a birch handle and steel edge is designed to throw heavy coastal snow long distances.
The Rise of Battery-Powered Tools
Norway has one of the highest adoption rates of battery garden tools in the world, driven by:
- 98% hydroelectric power → cheap, green electricity
- High labor cost → willingness to invest in time-saving equipment
- Strict noise regulations in densely built hyttefelt (cabin areas)
- Brands dominating the market (2025):
- Husqvarna Automower (robotic mowers are extremely common; almost every third new detached house installs one)
- Ego (56 V platform especially popular in western Norway)
- Stiga, Pellenc, and Felleskjøpet’s own Jula/Proff lines
- Makita 40 V XGT for professionals
- Battery chainsaws have almost completely replaced two-stroke models for private use. The quiet operation is crucial in neighborhoods where Sunday morning lawn-mowing with a petrol engine would be considered antisocial.
Traditional Wooden Handles vs Modern Materials
Ash (ask) from Telemark and Hedmark is still the gold standard for tool handles. Norwegian ash is slow-grown, dense, and springy. Factories like Hellvik Trevare and Øyo continue steam-bending and hand-finishing handles exactly as they did in the 19th century.
Fiberglass and composite handles have gained ground (especially on spades sold at Biltema and Jula), but many gardeners complain they transmit too much shock when hitting stones and are harder to replace. A broken ash handle can be swapped in ten minutes; a snapped fiberglass shaft usually means buying a new tool.
Where Norwegians Actually Buy Tools
- Felleskjøpet: The agricultural co-operative; best selection of traditional Norwegian-made tools.
- Clas Ohlson, Coop Obs Bygg, XL-Bygg, Montér: Everyday tools, lots of Fiskars and Bahco.
- Biltema & Jula: Budget Chinese and Polish tools; surprisingly good quality on items like rakes and wheelbarrows.
- Specialist shops: Ljåbua (Valdres) for scythes, Smijern.no for forged tools, Hageglede in Oslo for high-end Japanese tools (Hori-Hori, Niwaki, etc.).
- Facebook Marketplace & Finn.no: Heirloom tools change hands for almost nothing; a 70-year-old Øyo spade often costs less than a new Fiskars.
Regional Differences
- Østlandet (Oslo, Viken, Innlandet): Large vegetable gardens, heavy clay → long spades and digging forks.
- Vestlandet: Tiny terraced plots, steep hills → lightweight hoes, hakks, and battery trimmers.
- Trøndelag: Broad fields, potato culture → wide potato forks, stone rakes, and the legendary Trønder spade.
- Nord-Norge: Short season, raised beds, greenhouses → many Japanese-style hand tools (nejiri hoes, Hori-Hori) and lots of polytunnel equipment.
The Japanese Influence
In the last 15 years, high-quality Japanese tools have become a status symbol among younger Norwegian gardeners. Shops in Oslo and Bergen stock Silky saws, ARS pruners, and Niwaki shears. The precision and lightness appeal to people gardening on rocky coastal plots or rooftop terraces.
Maintenance Culture
Norwegians are obsessive about tool maintenance:
- Blades are oiled with ballistol or raw linseed oil and stored indoors.
- Handles are sanded and treated with Stockholm tar or pure linseed oil every few years.
- Scythe blades are opened weekly during the season.
- Sharpening stones (Belgisk brokke, Northeaster, or synthetic Japanese stones) are common birthday presents.
Tools That Have Disappeared (or Almost)
- Hesjehammer: A special hammer for driving hazel stakes into the ground for drying hay; now only in museums.
- Kornkall: Wooden hay rake with peg teeth; replaced by plastic “løvrive”.
- Sigd (sickle): Once universal for grain and grass; now only used by reenactors and a few organic farmers.
Top 10 Garden Tools Websites in Norway
Norway's gardening scene thrives on a mix of traditional hand tools and modern battery-powered equipment, suited to its rocky soils and short growing seasons. Online shopping for garden tools (hageredskap) is popular, with sites offering everything from spades and rakes to chainsaws and robotic mowers. Based on popularity, selection, user reviews, and traffic estimates from sources like Ahrefs and Norwegian e-commerce guides, here’s a ranked list of the top 10 websites. Rankings consider factors like product variety, pricing, delivery options, and customer satisfaction. All are Norwegian-based or fully operational in Norway, with free shipping thresholds common (e.g., over 500–1000 NOK).
Felleskjøpet (felleskjopet.no)
Norway's leading agricultural co-op, excelling in professional-grade tools like Øyo spades, Viking forks, and Husqvarna mowers. Ideal for farmers and serious gardeners. Wide selection of traditional Norwegian tools; free shipping over 1000 NOK. Highly rated for durability and rural delivery.
Plantasjen (plantasjen.no)
The go-to chain for hobby gardeners, with a vast online range of Fiskars hand tools, battery trimmers, and planting kits. Includes eco-friendly options and seasonal deals. User-friendly site with in-store pickup; free delivery over 800 NOK. Tops lists for accessibility and plant-tool bundles.
Clas Ohlson (clasohlson.no)
Affordable everyday tools like rakes, hoes, and kids' gardening sets from brands like Bahco. Great for beginners with budget options under 200 NOK. Fast nationwide shipping (free over 500 NOK) and easy returns. Praised for convenience in urban areas like Oslo and Bergen.
Jula (jula.no)
Budget-friendly powerhouse for power tools, including Einhell battery lines and manual spades. Strong on storage solutions and multi-tools. Free shipping over 500 NOK; frequent sales. Popular among DIYers for value and no-frills navigation.
Biltema (biltema.no)
Low-cost specialist in practical gear like stone pickers, snow shovels, and gravel rakes—perfect for Norway's harsh winters. Own-brand tools keep prices down (e.g., spades from 99 NOK). Free delivery over 800 NOK; known for high-volume, no-nonsense shopping.
Obs Bygg (obsbygg.no)
Part of the Coop group, focusing on mid-range tools like hedge trimmers and compost turners. Good for complete garden setups with advice sections. Free shipping over 1000 NOK; integrates well with grocery shopping for rural users. Solid reviews for quality control.
Europris (europris.no)
Discount retailers with basics like trowels, gloves, and wheelbarrows at rock-bottom prices (under 100 NOK often). Seasonal tool kits shine. Free pickup in stores; delivery from 49 NOK. A favorite for casual gardeners seeking bargains without compromising utility.
Bygghjemme (bygghjemme.no)
Construction-oriented site with robust garden tools like mattocks and potato forks, plus power equipment. Competitive pricing on bulk buys. Free shipping over 1500 NOK; excels in heavy-duty items for terraced plots in Vestlandet.
Drivhussenter (drivhussenter.no)
Greenhouse and tool specialist, offering ljå (scythes), pruning shears, and polytunnel accessories. Niche focuses on sustainable tools. Free delivery over 1000 NOK; ideal for northern Norway's short-season needs. Highly regarded for specialized, high-quality imports.
Verktøy.no (xn--verkty-fya.no)
Professional tool hub with premium options like Stiga mowers and ARS pruners. Extensive battery-powered range for friluftsliv enthusiasts. Free shipping over 1000 NOK; ISO-certified for reliability. Stands out for expert advice and forestry-gardening overlap.
These sites reflect Norway's blend of heritage (e.g., ash-handled spades) and innovation (e.g., quiet automowers). For the best deals, check sales in spring (April–June). Always verify current stock, as seasonal items fluctuate. If you're after heirlooms, Finn.no (classifieds) supplements these well, but for direct retail, start here.
Best Norwegian Gardening Tools
Norway's gardening tools are renowned for their practicality, durability, and adaptation to the country's challenging terrain—think rocky soils, short growing seasons, and wet climates. Drawing from traditional craftsmanship (like ash-handled spades from Telemark) and modern innovations (battery-powered for quiet, eco-friendly use), the "best" tools blend heritage brands like Øyo and Viking with globally appreciated Nordic designs from Fiskars. Based on expert recommendations from Norwegian gardening sites (e.g., Moseplassen, Hageland), retailer reviews (Felleskjøpet, Jula), and international acclaim (e.g., The Norwegian American), here are the top 10 must-have Norwegian gardening tools for 2025. These selections prioritize ergonomics, longevity, and suitability for Norwegian conditions, with prices in NOK (approximate, as of November 2025) and where to buy.
Øyo Nordlandsspade (Digging Spade)
A classic Norwegian spade with a narrow, pointed blade (18-22 cm wide) and long ash handle (130-150 cm) for breaking clay-heavy or rocky soils without back strain. Ideal for Trøndelag's potato fields or Østlandet's vegetable plots. Heirloom-quality steel lasts generations; sharpen annually.
Price: 800-1200 NOK | Best for: Digging and planting | Buy: Felleskjøpet.no
Praised in Norwegian guides for its balance and reduced fatigue.
Viking Gravegrep (Digging Fork)
From Bjørklund (est. 1919), this four-tine fork with flattened steel prongs excels at loosening compacted soil, harvesting potatoes, and turning compost without bruising roots. Lightweight yet robust for Vestlandet's terraced hillsides.
Price: 600-900 NOK | Best for: Soil aeration and harvesting | Buy: Byggmakker.no
A staple in rural Norway; users love its springy ash handle for shock absorption.
Fiskars Xact Krafse (Scratching Hoe)
Norway's most iconic surface tool—a wide, flat blade on a short handle for weeding, leveling, and light cultivation. Indigenously Norwegian, it's unbeatable for thin topsoils and moss removal in acidic gardens.
Price: 300-500 NOK | Best for: Weeding and soil prep | Buy: ClasOhlson.no
Highlighted as a "little-known gem" abroad, but essential in Norway for quick tasks.
Trophé Trønder-Rive (Iron Rake)
Heavy-duty rake with 14 curved steel tines (40-60 cm wide) for gathering stones, leveling gravel paths, or thatch removal. Perfect for post-winter cleanup in Nord-Norge's harsh conditions.
Price: 400-700 NOK | Best for: Raking and path maintenance | Buy: Jula.no
Regional favorite in Trøndelag; durable against stones and frost.
Hultafors Hageøks (Garden Axe)
Compact axe (0.6-1 kg head) for pruning fruit trees, splitting stakes, or light forestry—overlapping Norway's garden-woods culture. Hand-forged in Sweden but a Norwegian staple via Felleskjøpet.
Price: 500-800 NOK | Best for: Pruning and staking | Buy: Monter.no
Ergonomic hickory handle; eco-friendly for friluftsliv enthusiasts.
Fiskars Solid Fyllhakke (Fill Hoe/Mattock)
Dual-sided tool with a pointed adze for breaking hardpan and a flat blade for filling ditches. Tailored for coastal drainage (grøfting) in Vestlandet.
Price: 400-600 NOK | Best for: Root cutting and ditching | Buy: Plantasjen.no
Part of Norway's "tool trio"; lightweight modern steel version shines in wet soils.
Gramo Ljå (Scythe)
Thin, peen-sharpened blade (60-90 cm) for mowing wildflowers or hay under the midnight sun. Revived by eco-gardeners; includes snitt stone for weekly maintenance.
Price: 700-1100 NOK | Best for: Grass cutting and wild gardens | Buy: Hageland.no
Sustainable alternative to mowers; courses available for technique.
Husqvarna Automower (Robotic Mower)
Battery-powered, app-controlled mower for silent operation in cabin areas—Norway leads Europe in adoption (1 in 3 new homes). Handles uneven terrain quietly, per noise regs.
Price: 10,000-20,000 NOK | Best for: Lawn maintenance | Buy: Felleskjøpet.no
Green energy compatible; zero emissions for urban plots.
Bahco Kysthakk (Coastal Mattock)
Short-handled hoe-pick hybrid for steep, heather-covered hillsides. Forged for root chopping in small coastal farms.
Price: 350-550 NOK | Best for: Steep terrain weeding | Buy: Biltema.no
Regional essential; fiberglass option for lighter weight.
Fiskars StayClean Torvspade (Peat Spade)
Narrow, winged blade for cutting peat sods or grass turves—used for cabin roofing or compost. Suited to acidic northern bogs.
Price: 500-800 NOK | Best for: Sod harvesting and mulching | Buy: Europris.no
Versatile for raised beds; biodegradable mulch companion.
Quick Tips for Choosing and Maintaining
Ergonomics First: Opt for ash or ergonomic handles to combat Norway's labor-intensive digging; avoid fiberglass if you hit stones often.
Climate-Proof: Steel blades rust in wet weather—oil with linseed annually.
Where to Start: Beginners, grab the Øyo spade and Fiskars krafse kit (under 1500 NOK total). Pros, add the Automower for hands-free summers.
Sustainability: Norway's 98% hydro power makes battery tools like Husqvarna ideal; pair with traditional hand tools for zero-waste gardening.
These tools embody Norway's dugnad spirit—communal, efficient, and tied to the land. For heirlooms, check Finn.no; for bundles, Felleskjøpet's spring sales. Happy hagearbeid!
Some more…
Top 10 Worst Gardening Practices in Norway (That Will Make Your Neighbors Shake Their Heads)
Norwegians are usually sensible gardeners, but even here some habits drive experienced hagefolk up the wall. Here are the practices most likely to ruin your plot, waste money, or earn you dirty looks from the dugnad crew.
Planting without improving the soil first
Norwegian soil is typically thin, acidic (pH 4.5–5.5), and full of stones. Throwing seeds or plants straight into untouched moraine or clay is the fastest way to failure. Worst offenders: buying expensive perennials from Plantasjen and planting them in raw skogsjord without adding compost, bark, or lime.
Using southern-European or American peat-based “universal” potting soil outdoors
Brands like “Compo Sana” or “Miracle-Gro” are sold everywhere, but they’re far too peat-heavy and water-repellent for Norwegian rain. After one season they turn into hydrophobic bricks. Locals who know better mix their own with 50–70 % local compost or buy Norwegian “hagejord” from Felleskjøpet.
Over-fertilizing with mineral gjødsel (especially full-strength Helgjødsel)
Because the growing season is short, beginners panic and dump blue grains everywhere. Result: burnt lawn, leggy tomatoes, and massive algae blooms if runoff reaches the nearest fjord or lake. The rule of thumb: in Norway you almost never need the strength recommended on the box — halve it or use organic alternatives.
Planting vegetables too late (or too early)
Common newbie mistake: sowing carrots in mid-June or planting out tomatoes before sankthans (June 23). Frost can still hit in early June inland and coastal fog keeps soil cold. Conversely, waiting until July means you run out of season before things mature north of Trondheim.
Letting creeping bellflower (hagebluebærklocke), ground elder (skvallerkål), or Japanese knotweed grow “because it looks pretty”
These are the Norwegian gardening apocalypse. Once established, they laugh at Roundup and take a decade to eradicate. The correct response when you spot the first shoot: instant and total war.
Mowing the lawn too short (“golf course syndrome”)
In a cool, wet climate this destroys grass, invites moss, and creates bare patches that fill with dandelions and daisies. Norwegians who set their Automower to 2 cm regret it by August when the lawn looks yellow and dead.
Never hardening off plants (avherding)
Buying a tray of lush greenhouse cabbage or pumpkin seedlings from the garden centre and planting them straight out on a windy May day = instant death by sun-scorch and cold shock. Every single Norwegian gardening book repeats “avherd i 10–14 dager”, yet people still ignore it.
Using black plastic or landscape fabric as permanent mulch
Looks neat for one year, then turns into an ugly, torn mess that traps water and kills soil life. After five years you have anaerobic sludge underneath and plastic confetti everywhere. Bark, grass clippings, or wool mats are the Norwegian way.
Ignoring drainage and planting in natural wet spots
Many Norwegian properties have a soggy corner where surface water collects. Planting raspberries, apple trees, or perennials there without building raised beds or installing drains = root rot and dead plants within two seasons. Rhododendrons and blueberries are the only things that usually survive.
Spraying glyphosate (Roundup) close to streams, lakes, wells, or on windy days
Still surprisingly common despite Norway’s strict rules and general environmental awareness. One careless spray on a cabin lawn near a mountain lake can get you reported to Miljødirektoratet — and deservedly so.
Bonus dishonorable mentions
- Throwing grass clippings and kitchen waste straight onto flower beds without composting first (attracts rats and smells terrible).
- Planting Leyland cypress (leylandii) as a “fast hedge” — the most hated plant in suburban Norway.
- Watering the lawn in the middle of a sunny day (most of it evaporates) or watering at all in June (it rains enough).
Avoid these ten sins and you’ll be welcomed into any Norwegian gardening Facebook group with open arms. Break them regularly and you’ll be the cautionary tale at next year’s dugnad coffee break.
CONCLUSION
Climate change is already shifting tool preferences. Longer growing seasons in southern Norway mean more pruning and hedge trimming → higher demand for battery hedge trimmers and telescopic pruners. At the same time, increased rainfall and storm damage have made robust digging tools and storm-proof wheelbarrows even more essential.
Young Norwegians increasingly combine ultra-traditional tools (a 120-year-old spade inherited from bestefar) with cutting-edge robotics (a Husqvarna Automower that works while they’re at work in Oslo). The result is a uniquely Norwegian mix: deep respect for hand-forged steel and ash wood, combined with enthusiasm for silent, zero-emission battery power.
Whether you are turning the thin soil of a Vestland cliff garden with a narrow coastal spade, scything wildflowers under the midnight sun in Tromsø, or programming a robotic mower from your cabin porch in Telemark, Norwegian garden tools remain practical answers to a very particular landscape—and proud symbols of a culture that still loves to get its hands dirty.
0 Comments