It’s that time of year again, and since we all use longer days and warmer temperatures, there’s one more thing to look forward to: the cherry blossom season. It doesn’t last long, so here are the best places across Europe where you can see cherry blossoms this spring.
7 best places to see cherry blossoms in Europe
Japan may be a country famous for gorgeous cherries, but it is not the only place in the world where you can see these beautiful flowers. Here are seven hot spots of cherry blossoms that are a little closer to home.
1. Champ De Mars, Paris, France
Located between the Eiffel Tower and the Military School, Champ De Mars is a beautiful park in Paris, ideal for relaxing with loved ones or family. Set against a backdrop of bright blue skies (weather permitting) and the iconic Paris Tower, this park is home to some of the most beautiful cherry, plum and magnolia flowers in Europe. The best time to visit – from early March to late April.
2. Herte Valley, Cáceres, Spain
Just three hours west of Madrid, in Cáceres, Spain, the Herte Valley is a great place to be in the spring. About 2 million cherry trees bloom and make the whole area completely white. But you have to move fast, because this spectacle does not last long, starting in late March and ending in just 10 days! This magnificent phenomenon is celebrated by local grand festivities such as the Cherry Blossom Festival, which combines dazzling flowers with culture, music, exhibitions and gastronomy.
3. Kersenbloesempark, Amstelveen, The Netherlands
Another fantastic place to see blossoming cherries is the Kesenblesempark in Amsterdam, close to Amsterdam. The 400 sakura trees planted here were a gift from the Japan Women’s Club (JWC) in 2000 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of cultural ties between Japan and the Netherlands. About 1,700 Japanese immigrants, the largest Japanese diaspora in the country, live in Amstelveen. A beautiful park is perfect in the spring for a great picnic or even to quietly read a book with a beautiful view.
4. Japanese Garden, Hasselt, Belgium
The Japanese Garfen in Hasselt, Belgium, is a wonderful expression of the friendship between Hasselt and the Japanese city of Itami. Full of koi ponds and ornamental trees, the park is a colorful dream. Along with cherry blossoms, visitors can take part in activities including tea tastings and floral workshops that last until the end of summer. There are also gorgeous small waterfalls that are great for peace and quiet, making the garden an ideal place for meditation and contemplation. The garden is open from April to late summer, but the perfect time to visit to see the blossoming cherries is April and May.
5. Parque Quinta De Los Molinos, Madrid, Spain
What more could you want than Madrid in full spring bloom? Parque Quinta De Los Molinos is a spectacular historic garden in the eastern part of the Spanish capital. While most trees are actually almond trees, it is still considered one of the best places to look at cherry blossoms in the spring. This is a great place to stop during the day and have a relaxing picnic or just take some stunning shots.
6. Heerstasse, Bonn, Germany
If you think of cherries, Germany is probably not the first place that comes to mind, but the beautiful blooms of bright cherry blossoms can be found in Bonn, Germany. This city in the western land of North Rhine-Westphalia was also once home to Beethoven, a famous German composer. Japanese sakura is perfectly combined with cobbled streets, giving the landscape a stunning bright color.
7. Trail Zug, Zug, Switzerland
Zug cherries bloom in mid-late April along Lake Zugersee and Mount Riga. There are three delightful trails that visitors can see, with varying difficulty, depending on abilities, from experienced hikers to families with children. The routes are easily accessible by public transport.
Take advantage of the cherry blossom season this spring!
Whether you are planning a day trip to Amsterdam Boss or a romantic weekend in Madrid, there are so many different ways to make the most of the cherry blossom season!
This article originally appeared on IamExpat in Switzerland.
