The best spots for enjoying cherry blossom season in Europe

It's that time of the year again, and as we all make the most of the longer days and warmer temperatures there's one other thing to look forward to: cherry blossom season. It doesn't last very long, so here are the best spots across Europe to see cherry blossom this spring.

7 best places to see cherry blossom in Europe 

Japan may be the country that's famous for gorgeous cherry blossom trees, but it isn't the only place in the world where you can get a glimpse of these beautiful blooms. Here are seven cherry blossom hotspots that are a little bit closer to home.

1. Champ De Mars, Paris, France

Located between the Eiffel Tower and the Ecole Militaire, the Champ De Mars is a beautiful park in Paris, perfect for a day out with loved ones or family. Set against the backdrop of bright blue skies (so long as the weather plays along) and the iconic Parisian tower, this park is home to some of the most gorgeous cherry blossoms, plum blossoms and magnolias in Europe. The best time to visit is between early March and late April.

2. Jerte Valley, Caceres, Spain

Just three hours west of Madrid, in Caceres, Spain, the Jerte Valley is a wonderful place to be during the spring. Around 2 million cherry trees bloom and turn the entire area completely white. But you've got to move quickly because this spectacle only lasts a short time, starting in late March and ending just 10 days later!

This marvellous phenomenon is marked locally with grand celebrations like the Cherry Bloom Festival, which integrates the dazzling flowers with culture, music, exhibitions, and gastronomy.

3. Kersenbloesempark, Amstelveen, the Netherlands 

Another fantastic place to see cherry blossoms is the Kesenbloesempark in the Amsterdamse Bos, which is right next to Amsterdam. The 400 sakura trees that are planted here were a gift from the Japan’s Women Club (JWC) in 2000, to commemorate the 400 years of cultural ties between Japan and the Netherlands.

Amstelveen has around 1.700 Japanese expats, the largest Japanese diaspora in the country. The beautiful park is perfect in the spring for a lovely picnic, or even for reading a book in peace with a lovely view.

4. Japanese Garden, Hasselt, Belgium

The Japanese Garden in Hasselt, Belgium, is a delightful expression of the friendship between Hasselt and the Japanese city of Itami. Full of koi ponds and decorative trees, the park is a scenic dream. Alongside the cherry blossom, visitors can partake in activities including tea tastings and floral workshops, which run until the end of summer.

There are also stunning small waterfalls that are great for some peace and quiet, making the garden an ideal place for meditation and contemplation. The garden is open from late March to the end of the summer, but the ideal time to visit to see the cherry blossoms is in April and May.

5. Parque Quinta De Los Molinos, Madrid, Spain

What more could you want than Madrid in full spring bloom? The Parque Quinta De Los Molinos is a spectacular, historic garden in the eastern part of Spain's capital city. While most of the trees are actually almond trees, it is still considered to be one of the best places to view cherry blossoms in the spring. It is a great place to stop for the day and have a relaxing picnic or simply take some stunning snaps.

6. Heerstasse, Bonn, Germany 

When you think of cherry blossoms, Germany is probably not the first place that comes to mind, but a beautiful bloom of vivid cherry blossoms can be found in Bonn, Germany. This city in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia was also once home to Beethoven, a famous German composer. 

The Japanese sakura pair perfectly with the cobblestone streets, adding a stunning pop of colour to the scenery. Cherry blossom season in Bonn is definitely one for the books!

7. Trail Zug, Zug, Switzerland 

The cherry blossoms in Zug bloom in mid to late April along Lake Zugersee and Mount Rigi. There are three stunning trails for visitors to see, with different difficulties to suit all abilities, from seasoned hikers to families with children. The trails are easily accessible via public transportation. 

Make the most of cherry blossom season this spring!

Whether you're planning a day trip to the Amsterdamse Bos or a romantic weekend in Madrid, there are so many different ways to make the most of cherry blossom season! 

This article originally appeared on IamExpat in Switzerland.