The blooming of the cherry trees is a symbol of happiness, as it marks the beginning of Spring. The beautiful sight of thousands of pink petals against the blue sky is one of nature’s prettiest spectacles.
Cherry blossom season in the Netherlands is typically from late March to mid-April. The peak of the blooming usually occurs around the beginning of April and lasts for up to 2 weeks, depending on the weather.During this time, more than 11000 cherry trees will come alive with beautiful pink and white petals around Amsterdam streets, parks, and gardens, and it’s easy to find a spot where you can enjoy this beauty.
If you’re looking to add a little bit of springtime magic to your trip to Amsterdam, be sure to check out this post for the best locations to see cherry blossoms in and around Amsterdam.
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Top Destination - Bloesempark at Amsterdamse Bos (Cherry Blossom Park at the Amsterdam Forest)
The Bloesempark at Amsterdamse Bos, also known as the Cherry Blossom Park, is a must-visit destination during cherry blossom season in Amsterdam. It is the most well-known place to view the cherry blossoms in the Netherlands, and thus the most visited.The park offers spectacular views of the blossoming cherry trees in all their glory. During the peak of the blooming period, the park transforms into a wonderland of pink and white petals, attracting visitors from all over the country.
This beautiful park features around 400 cherry trees, a gift from the Japanese Women’s Club to the city of Amsterdam in 2000.
Please note that this is a very popular place to view the cherry blossom. The park can become very crowded during the blossom peak time, especially on weekends. If possible, try to arrive on weekdays, preferably in the mornings.
Please note that this is a very popular place to view the cherry blossom. The park can become very crowded during the blossom peak time, especially on weekends. If possible, try to arrive on weekdays, preferably in the mornings.
Hanami Matsuri (Cherry Blossom Viewing Festival)
The Japanese Hanami Matsuri is an annual festival that praises new beginnings and the joy that comes with the arrival of spring. It is also a time for reflection and appreciation of nature’s beauty. The festival is celebrated by having a picnic under the blooming Cherry trees.
In the Netherlands, the festival is held at Bloesempark. It is not an organized festival, but more of a friend/family gathering event, in which many locals gather to enjoy the stunning views of the cherry blossom and to have picnics under the trees. Unfortunately, there is no official date for this festival, as it depends on the trees’ blooming time.
As some of the visitors are dressed in traditional Japanese customs, it is a great opportunity to experience a piece of Japanese culture while also enjoying the beautiful sights of nature.
Practical Information for Visiting the Cherry Blossom Park
- The park is a part of Amsterdam forest, and it is open to the public all year long (and not only during the cherry blossom season).
- There is no entrance fee, no tickets and no reservations can be made.
- The park is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.
- There are no restrooms in the park.
- There are no restaurants in the park. However, there are several restaurants in the nearby neighborhood of Amstelveen.
- During the peak season, picnics are not allowed on weekends in the park.
Location and accessibility
The park is a part of Amsterdamse Bos (Amsterdam Forest), which is located in Amstelveen, just outside of Amsterdam.Here is the Google Maps location of Cherry Blossom Park.
By a Car
There is a small parking lot 0.6 miles (950m) outside the park, which fills up quickly during the peak season.
Another option is parking in the Amsterdam Bos daily recreation area (Parkeerplaats Dagrecreatie), which is about 1 mile (1.6 km) from the park. Parking here, you will also enjoy a nice stroll in the Amsterdam forest all the way to the cherry blossom park.
By Public Transportation
There is no direct connection from Amsterdam to the park.
You can get to the park from either Schiphol airport or from Amstelveen bus station.
Busses 168, and 174 from either Schiphol airport or from Amstelveen bus station stops at Raadhuis/Dorpsstraat station. From there it is a 0.6 mile (950m) walk to the park.
For more accurate information, please refer to Google Maps or the 9292.nl website (please use Doorweg 32, 1182 DB Amstelveen as a destination in the 9292.nl website).
A Map of All Cherry Trees in Amsterdam
The municipality of Amsterdam publishes an interactive map that displays each and every tree planted around the city. So you can quickly locate all the places to enjoy cherry trees in Amsterdam.
Just filter the map to display cherry trees only, using the legend in the bottom-left corner, and go on cherry blossom hunting.
Westerpark (West Park)
Westerpark is a public park located in the western part of Amsterdam. It is known for its magnificent cherry blossom during springtime. The park offers a small cherry blossom grove (situated near the Westergasfabriek cultural complex), and a few more cherry trees scattered around the walking paths. It is a popular spot for visitors to take a stroll, have a picnic, or take pictures among the beautiful pink blooms.
The following map shows where cherry trees are located in Westerpark (cherry trees are marked as pink dots):
Apart from the cherry blossoms, Westerpark is a vibrant and diverse urban park. The park offers beautiful gardens, ponds, and walking paths, making it an ideal place for a leisurely walk or bike ride.
Westerpark is home to many cultural establishments, including the Westergasfabriek complex, a former gasworks site that has been converted into a cultural hub. The complex features art galleries, music venues, and restaurants, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
The park is also known for hosting various cultural events, including music events, fairs, and markets, so make sure to check for upcoming events before your visit.Here is the Westerpark events calendar website.
Location and accessibility
Westerpark can be easily reached by public transportation.Here is the Google Maps location of Westerpark.
Vondelpark and the Museumplein (Museum Square)
Vondelpark is one of Amsterdam’s most beloved parks and a nice place to admire the blooming cherry trees. Located in the city center, right next to the popular Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum, Vondelpark is a green oasis in the heart of Amsterdam.
The park features several cherry trees scattered along the walking paths, making it a lovely and peaceful place to stroll around.
Although not as many as in Amsterdamse Bos, Vondelpark is a nice spot to enjoy the cherry blossom spectacle in a more intimate setting. It is also a great place for a picnic.
Right near the Van Gogh museum, in the famous “Museumplein” (Museum Square) with its big lawn, you can find a few lovely cherry trees. This is also a popular place to view the cherry blossoms in Amsterdam, both for visitors and locals alike.
The following map shows where cherry trees are located in Vondelpark and the Museumplein (cherry trees are marked as pink dots):
Location and accessibility
Located right in the city center of Amsterdam near Leidseplein square and the Rijksmuseum, Vondelpark and the Museumplein are easily accessible by public transportation, with many trams and buses stopping nearby. Here is the Google Maps location of Vondelpark.
De Pijp
De Pijp is a vibrant neighborhood in the center of Amsterdam, known for its lively atmosphere and many points of interest. During springtime, it comes alive with beautiful cherry blossoms that decorate the streets, creating a romantic atmosphere.
The cherry trees in De Pijp can be found scattered along the main walking routes and popular squares. However, the best spots to admire them are:
The streets surrounding Sarphatipark – here you can find several cherry trees planted next to each other in full bloom, creating a beautiful explosion of pink.
Jozef Israelskade Street, with its lovely canal-side trees, is one of the streets where you can find a large number of cherry trees, making it the perfect place to stroll. This is also one of the most photographed spots in town.
The following map shows where cherry trees are located in De Pijp (cherry trees are marked as pink dots):
Location and accessibility
De Pijp district is located just a few minutes away from the city center. The district is easily accessible by public transportation.
Keukenhof Gardens
Located just a short drive outside Amsterdam, the Keukenhof Garden is a wonderful place to view cherry blossoms in all their glory, surrounded by thousands of flowers.
In addition to the famous tulips, you can find stunning cherry trees, creating an incredible display of color and beauty and making Keukenhof one of the most beautiful places in the Netherlands during springtime.
Location and accessibility
Opening Times & Tickets
The gardens are open for eight weeks per year, from late March until mid-May.
You can book an entrance ticket and find more information on the official Keukenhof Gardens website.
Please note that the gardens, which are open for a short time only each year, are a very popular tourist destination and hence can be very packed. Try to arrive on weekdays, preferably in the early mornings or late afternoons.
Please note that the gardens, which are open for a short time only each year, are a very popular tourist destination and hence can be very packed. Try to arrive on weekdays, preferably in the early mornings or late afternoons.
How to Get to Keukenhof Gardens
Keukenhof is located a 45-minute drive from Amsterdam. The gardens can be easily reached by car or public transportation.
For more accurate information about getting to Keukenhof Gardens, please refer to Google Maps or the 9292.nl website.
If you don’t want to drive yourself or rely on public transportation, you can take a guided tour. Guided tours usually provide transportation in comfortable vehicles with a knowledgeable guide.
You can book a guided tour through various companies that offer such services. Here are several alternatives for tours:
Tips for Viewing Cherry Blossom
- Before your visit, make sure to check the weather forecast as the cherry blossoms typically won't last long and can be destroyed by rain or strong winds.
- Be ready for a crowd. When the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, parks become major attractions and you should anticipate large crowds at some of the most popular locations. If you want to avoid the crowds, consider going on a weekday, or early in the morning.
- Dress appropriately: The weather in the Netherlands can be unpredictable, so be sure to dress in layers and wear comfortable shoes as you may be doing a lot of walking.
- It is important to remember that all parks and gardens have specific regulations regarding the activities allowed inside them. Visitors are advised to pay attention to signs and respect the natural environment.
- Appreciate and embrace the beauty that surrounds you, but please don't damage or pick any of the flowers.
In Conclusion
Amsterdam is a great place to view amazing cherry blossoms during the spring season, and there are plenty of places for you to do so in and around the city limits.
So enjoy the experience, take your time, and admire the natural beauty that surrounds you.
Happy cherry blossom spotting 🙂
Thank you for taking the time to read this! If you have any questions or would like to share your experience, please leave us a comment below.
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Thank you for taking the time to read this! If you have any questions or would like to share your experience, please leave us a comment below.
You can save this guide for later on Pinterest by clicking on the photo.
