Get outside and enjoy cherry blossom season in the Netherlands
By Rachel Deloughry
One of the most beautiful times of the year in the Netherlands is arguably springtime, what with the gorgeous flowers and trees in bloom, from Dutch tulips to Dutch elm trees! Cherry trees can be found in many countries all over the world, but the Dutch affinity for flowers makes cherry blossom season a significant one in the Netherlands.
Blooming trees from late March to late April
The downside of cherry blossom season is that it lasts for such a short time - it’s over before you know it. Tulip season lasts the whole month of April, as well as a few weeks in both March and May, whereas cherry trees only bloom from late March until late April. Perhaps that's what makes this natural phenomenon so special.
Be on the lookout for cherry blossoms in any of the Dutch cities, but for the most special spring outing for those in Amsterdam, you can't miss the cherry blossoms at Bloesempark, a spectacular grove of cherry trees within the Amsterdam Forest (Amsterdamse Bos). Enjoy the gorgeous cherry blossoms while you can!
Cherry Blossom season in Amsterdam
There are rows of cherry trees at Museumplein near the Van Gogh Museum, but the best place to enjoy cherry blossom season in Amsterdam is at Bloesempark in Amsterdam Forest. These cherry trees were given as a gift to the city of Amsterdam by Japan in 2000. In Japanese culture, the cherry blossom, also known as sakura, is a symbol of both new beginnings and the fragility of life.
The public is welcome to make the most of the blossoming trees in the park during the time that cherry trees blossom - weather permitting! Year after year, many people come to Bloesempark especially to sit under the trees and take it all in, snap some photos, have a picnic, or enjoy some quality time in nature.
The area is commonly frequented by expats from Japan and many other countries, locals, tourists, bloggers, photographers, Instagrammers and families with kids.
Spring flowers in the Netherlands
If you love flowers and are on the lookout for other flower-related events, check out the Flower Parade of the Bulb Region and the Tulip Festival of the North-East Polder, or visit the world-famous Keukenhof gardens this spring. Alternatively, enjoy nature in some of the most beautiful gardens, national parks and city parks, or by cycling in the Dutch countryside.
Lifestyle editor at IamExpat for the Netherlands, Germany and Switzerland. Rachel has her finger on the pulse of what's happening in the realm of festivals, exhibitions, concerts and markets. She received her Master of Music from Utrecht Conservatory and before that, earned a Bachelor of Music in Ireland. She is passionate about music, painting and design.Read more